23 Comments
User's avatar
Sandy Stuart Shaller's avatar

Sean, I think you are the Faulkner of, as Poe would put it, the grotesque and arabesque. Your opening paragraph for "Nils" is a genuine work of art; a medly of metaphors and images that grabbed me and held me. The entire story is a grotesque, and yet often beautiful, mystery for the reader to drown in, perhaps to find the answers.

Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

From this day forward I’ll request that people refer to me as Grotesque Faulkner. Thank you, Sandy! <3

Bryan Wiler's avatar

I made a sound after reading this line: "I couldn’t see the doll’s eyes, because the girl was holding it facedown in the water, pretending to drown it." Those 20 words are a horror story on their own.

Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Thanks man! Yeah I felt the same when I wrote it. Like, oh damn that’s creepy. Ha

Bryan Wiler's avatar

It’s always a good sign when you get yourself with a line

Liz Zimmers's avatar

Incredible story! Gorgeously told, chilling, classic. This is a story I will file away with my very favorites.

Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Thank you, Liz! That means a lot to me. <3

Jessica Maison's avatar

I have been reveling in the smell of my tomato plants too. Now, in this story.

Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

It’s a powerful scent!

EJ Trask's avatar

this is ridiculously good Sean. i’m actually mad at you.

Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

That’s all I’ve ever wanted!

troy adkins's avatar

unsettling. the pov character is really unwell lol. loved this.

Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Not autobiographical at all! NOT AT ALL. :)

troy adkins's avatar

word. i think we're the most normal and sane people on this site.

Saint-Lazare's avatar

I am scared of magpies in general, this solidified my phobia

Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Glad to assist! haha

Paul R. Pace's avatar

Loved this Sean. There is this thread of innocence in this story with haunting nature to it.

Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

I appreciate that! <3 Thanks for reading.

Jean Miller's avatar

Gahhhh. So good.

Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Thanks, Jean!! :))

Hanna Delaney's avatar

I wish you could have seen my face when I was reading this. Grimace! Also, I was reading the first part and getting deja vu. Then I remembered...

Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Yay! Thanks, Hanna! :))