Well done ~ Evocative and thought-provoking in such a short piece. I can't say I loved it, not my genre of choice, but well-executed, multilayered, and nuanced. I'm impressed!
This piece is raw, haunting, and deeply unsettling—in the way that only honest storytelling can be. You’ve captured the psychological entanglement of trauma and desire in a way that feels both intimate and terrifying. The contrast between her brutal reality and the mundanity of daily life (picking up the baby, car troubles) is especially powerful—it mirrors how pain often coexists with the ordinary, unnoticed by the world.
There’s something gothic here too, in the romanticisation of suffering and the inevitable, almost mythic ending. It’s a difficult read, but it forces the reader to sit with discomfort, which is exactly what good writing should do.
the twisted way unmoored sexuality tangles and chokes out our commitments and our sanities, our priorities and even our most loved-ones. It makes us dirty and confused while also making us feel like tender kings and queens. What a liar debauchery is. What hungry beggars we are ... looking for food with the pigs and dealers ...
You do realize this is fiction Todd and an artistic expression. Not a confession. God loves me regardless what you may think. Spirituality is more than just citing bible verses. I respect you as an artist. If this is not to your liking then please respect mine.
I powerfully concur with you that spirituality is far more than citing Bible verses. I am sorry if anyone has ever caused you to feel like it is just that.
As for the other …
Are you saying we don’t learn from, react to, celebrate and mourn the choices of our literary characters …?
I for one (probably not to your surprise) am one who shouts at movie screams in crowded movie theatres).
Are we having a spiritual moment Todd? If yes, then we are on the same page. But, you must also know that at times you come across as judgemental. Maybe I'm reading you wrong? Please enlighten me.
I don’t know what more to say exactly. I interact with people’s writings and movies and thoughts with profound and honest and human and spiritual applause, commentary and question. To offer judgment (appraisal, assessment, reaction, celebration, concern) in the main sense of the word is the best thing we can offer anybody. If by judgment … you mean “condemnation” or “punishment”, I am in no place or footing (Or clarity) to offer those things.
Rea, I'm really sorry I haven't had more time to read your work. This is dark and intense stuff. Very well told. Spare, but descriptive. I'm pleased I took the time.
Intense and deeply unsettling. The way it moves from a dark, painful intimacy to outright horror is jarring, but it definitely keeps you reading. You definitely know how to keep readers on the hook, even if it hurts to keep reading. Was NOT expecting that outcome. Very well done, Rea.
Well done ~ Evocative and thought-provoking in such a short piece. I can't say I loved it, not my genre of choice, but well-executed, multilayered, and nuanced. I'm impressed!
Virginia, you made my day! Thank you.
This piece is raw, haunting, and deeply unsettling—in the way that only honest storytelling can be. You’ve captured the psychological entanglement of trauma and desire in a way that feels both intimate and terrifying. The contrast between her brutal reality and the mundanity of daily life (picking up the baby, car troubles) is especially powerful—it mirrors how pain often coexists with the ordinary, unnoticed by the world.
There’s something gothic here too, in the romanticisation of suffering and the inevitable, almost mythic ending. It’s a difficult read, but it forces the reader to sit with discomfort, which is exactly what good writing should do.
Thank you Sar! This is the best review I could ever hope for. You look deeper and understand the message! 🙏🙏
Extremely well-written. Like life, not all writing is sunshine and rainbows. These types of stories are so important.
Thank you Sandra! These things do happen and people should be aware of that stark fact.
Rea, I shuddered. It reminded me of the great Joyce Carol Oates short story that has haunted me every since I was a teenager: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/123010-where-are-you-going-where-have-you-been-by-joyce-carol-oates
Oh wow Patty! I loved it. The whole time Connie knew what she was getting into but felt helpless to stop it. The end left to your imagination.
Thank you for sharing this with me. It shows you how quick someone can get into a situation of grave danger.
the twisted way unmoored sexuality tangles and chokes out our commitments and our sanities, our priorities and even our most loved-ones. It makes us dirty and confused while also making us feel like tender kings and queens. What a liar debauchery is. What hungry beggars we are ... looking for food with the pigs and dealers ...
You do realize this is fiction Todd and an artistic expression. Not a confession. God loves me regardless what you may think. Spirituality is more than just citing bible verses. I respect you as an artist. If this is not to your liking then please respect mine.
also … I dread the thought that I have ever communicated to you that God does not love you …
Good morning Rea!
I powerfully concur with you that spirituality is far more than citing Bible verses. I am sorry if anyone has ever caused you to feel like it is just that.
As for the other …
Are you saying we don’t learn from, react to, celebrate and mourn the choices of our literary characters …?
I for one (probably not to your surprise) am one who shouts at movie screams in crowded movie theatres).
Are we having a spiritual moment Todd? If yes, then we are on the same page. But, you must also know that at times you come across as judgemental. Maybe I'm reading you wrong? Please enlighten me.
I don’t know what more to say exactly. I interact with people’s writings and movies and thoughts with profound and honest and human and spiritual applause, commentary and question. To offer judgment (appraisal, assessment, reaction, celebration, concern) in the main sense of the word is the best thing we can offer anybody. If by judgment … you mean “condemnation” or “punishment”, I am in no place or footing (Or clarity) to offer those things.
Well thank you for that Todd. You have put enough thought into this comment to warrant my respect. 🙏
This one got me, Rea! Wow. Had all the feelings in this one. Bravo!
Thank you Lindsay! I am happy you enjoyed it. Finally a positive response. 😊
Dark, indeed, and well written
Thank you Jeff. I'm glad you think so!
Rea, I'm really sorry I haven't had more time to read your work. This is dark and intense stuff. Very well told. Spare, but descriptive. I'm pleased I took the time.
I don't know where my reply went! Thank you for reading and commenting.
Intense and deeply unsettling. The way it moves from a dark, painful intimacy to outright horror is jarring, but it definitely keeps you reading. You definitely know how to keep readers on the hook, even if it hurts to keep reading. Was NOT expecting that outcome. Very well done, Rea.
Thank you Joe! Praise coming from you makes my day. 🙏
Thank you for this. I am happy you took the time.