Well done sir! I liked these four a lot. The different perspectives worked really well and filled in the story nicely while driven everything forward. Bravo!
Sean, I think this is one of your best releases The line about the dirt scattering on the coffin lid “like dice” is pitch-perfect (gambling, fate, family into a single sound image), and it makes the later token-flip feel inevitable and planted rather than ornamental. I am almost most struck by the settings and/or atmospheres of your stories: the pine, cigarettes, and the Christmas tree lot anchor the whole thing, even as the perspectives fracture . . . I've read enough of your work now to see that there is a strong and sturdy voice in there across stories. Really enjoyed this one, and I would look forward to one with some more area or period details, for instance. I often imagine your stories through this kind of "vintage filter," and I would be curious to see you anchor stories to a few different decades. (Like the Coen Brothers sometimes do, like Stranger Things did). Just an idea.
Sean, I think Liz Zimmers' comments do an excellent job of describing the impact of this story. How many fathers would take a bullet for their son in moment. Getting buried alive is a tough one. I think I would have preferred shooting the guy my son gambled with!!! A painful, thoughtful tale of father/son love.
Heart-stopping and absolutely amazing, a Möbius strip pain and anger and generational grief. LOVED. THIS!
Thank you, Liz! I feel like I got most of the way there, but might come back to it later. I'm glad you liked it! 🖤
Bloody hell, Sean! You are a fantastic writer. This took my breath away, very well done.
Thank you! 🖤 I appreciate that, B!
“One shall witness and one shall die.”
Like a coin flip echoing in the dark. Chilling.
🖤 We all witness and we all die. Fun! haha
Said no, no, no outloud when I got to the end lol awesome story!
Haha I love that! Thanks for reading! 🖤
Claustrophobic read! Liked the four flash sections as structure. The end had a gift of the magi echo - decidedly less heartwarming though!
Yes! Thank you, Stephanie! 🖤
Good gawd, man, this was so so good. Excellent in every way. And such a brilliant ending.
Aww man thank you, Shane! 🖤
Fire as always, my friend! A claustrophobic story that resonates. That dirt like dice—damn!
Thanks, Garen! I want to hang again soon! :)
For sure!
Well done sir! I liked these four a lot. The different perspectives worked really well and filled in the story nicely while driven everything forward. Bravo!
Thanks, Nick! It was fun to write. Loved trying to use all the prompts.
What a story! Loved this. The ending is superb
Thank you! I’m glad you called that out! I love endings that leave it up to the reader.
I read everything you write trying not to look away because I just know it's never going to end well 😂 Fantastic work.
😅 I need to shake it up one of these days and have it end well.
Sean, I think this is one of your best releases The line about the dirt scattering on the coffin lid “like dice” is pitch-perfect (gambling, fate, family into a single sound image), and it makes the later token-flip feel inevitable and planted rather than ornamental. I am almost most struck by the settings and/or atmospheres of your stories: the pine, cigarettes, and the Christmas tree lot anchor the whole thing, even as the perspectives fracture . . . I've read enough of your work now to see that there is a strong and sturdy voice in there across stories. Really enjoyed this one, and I would look forward to one with some more area or period details, for instance. I often imagine your stories through this kind of "vintage filter," and I would be curious to see you anchor stories to a few different decades. (Like the Coen Brothers sometimes do, like Stranger Things did). Just an idea.
Sean, I think Liz Zimmers' comments do an excellent job of describing the impact of this story. How many fathers would take a bullet for their son in moment. Getting buried alive is a tough one. I think I would have preferred shooting the guy my son gambled with!!! A painful, thoughtful tale of father/son love.
❤️ Thank you, Sandy!
the end was so good! might I say…cosmic???
Yes! Def cosmic! You probably put this in my brain. haha
Some things just can’t be left alone💛great story