34 Comments
User's avatar
Bridget Riley's avatar

Oh goodness, I think I need to go back and read through this more slowly to savor it! I flew through it and loved it even as I dreaded the ending! Wonderful work, Sean!

Expand full comment
Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Thank you, Bridget! I'm glad you liked it! ❤️❤️❤️

Expand full comment
Kimberly B🌴👻🌴's avatar

Same!

Expand full comment
Will Boucher's avatar

couldn't look away as I read it...so captivating

Expand full comment
Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

❤️ Thanks, Will!

Expand full comment
Garen Marie's avatar

This one was just oozing dread. So atmospheric with that underlying tension that pulls you straight through to the end. But then you always manage that tenderness too. Such a beautiful balance you strike. Well done!

Expand full comment
Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Thanks, Garen! We should do another group meeting sometime soon!

Expand full comment
Garen Marie's avatar

Yes, for sure!

Expand full comment
Cassiopeia Crowe's avatar

Invisible author. As it should be. So good.

Expand full comment
Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Thank you! 🙏

Expand full comment
Jessica Maison's avatar

Why is it so impossible not to open the door? Wonderfully done.

Expand full comment
Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

When we’re not supposed to look at something, we gotta take a peek! Thank you!

Expand full comment
Keith Long's avatar

This is excellent — such an uneasy story, start to sudden stop

Expand full comment
Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Thank you, Keith! Always an honor to have you check out one of my stories.

Expand full comment
Keith Long's avatar

Pfft, just lil ole me. Thanks lol

Expand full comment
Kimberly B🌴👻🌴's avatar

In addition to the many things I loved about this story, the scene with the deacons singing up the hill and closing with a hum was crystal clear and creepy at. Loved it!

Expand full comment
Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

So glad you liked that part! ❤️

Expand full comment
Liz Zimmers's avatar

Oh, this is so disturbing. I love it! The narrator opening the door in Abigail’s Promise and then lying to the Pastor about it is such perfect childhood behavior. Mama’s behavior is more complicated, a deep well. I will be thinking about this story for a long time.

Expand full comment
Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Yes! Mamma! She did what she felt like she had to. I feel the most for her.

Expand full comment
William Pauley III's avatar

Perfect. This may be my new favorite McD story.

Expand full comment
Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Whoa! Thanks, homie! ❤️

Expand full comment
Sandy Shaller's avatar

Oooh! What a terrific story. The name Abigale's Promise was perfect and set a tone that was outstandingly supported by the story of the Narrator, his parents and....Bernard. There is so much to unpack here and so much to imagine and then project, as it should be with any story. It reminded me a little of two books that Thomas Tryon wrote a long time ago. One was called "The Other," that was a runawat best seller and the other, also a best seller, was "Harvest Home." Both were made into films. Each had the feeling of loss, sacrifice, and ancient rituals. I'm not going to forget your story for a very, very long time.

Expand full comment
Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Thanks, Sandy! ❤️

I read Harvest Home not long ago! I think a bit after I wrote this one. Possibly during. I'll have to check out The Other!

Expand full comment
Sandy Shaller's avatar

It truly is a wonderful story. I remember the exciting moment with the Writers Guild where I knew you had a special voice and vision. I

Expand full comment
Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

I'd honestly be nothing without you, Sandy. You helped me kick off this journey.

Expand full comment
Sandy Shaller's avatar

Awww :)

Expand full comment
Nick Winney's avatar

rituals and religeon...a heady mix. you can smell the rot coming.

always a pleasure Sean!!

Expand full comment
Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Thank you, Nick! A pleasure to have you read my stories. ❤️

Expand full comment
Jon T's avatar

This is a disquieting TBAR story (that baby aint right) -dreadfully dreadfilled.

Expand full comment
Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

TBAR! I love that. haha

Thank you, homie!

Expand full comment
Jon T's avatar

it’s an adaptation from something my sister coined long ago—TKAR - that kid ain’t right. She was referring to me as a child of course.

Expand full comment
Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Naturally. haha

Expand full comment
Mike Duffy's avatar

Was looking forward to this.

Nice work Sean!

Expand full comment
Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Thank you, Mike! I appreciate that!

Expand full comment