This had such a calm, reflective tone. The tidepool imagery works really well as a way of thinking about what stays with us while everything else keeps moving.
The others wait on the dark stairs as you leave the basement. Eyes in the closet and cold fingers under your bed. They are the ones who may balance your ledger one day.
I have a love/hate relationship with the ocean, and this story perfectly describes why. Nothing is as beautiful and terrifying as the sea. Your writing is brilliant! I particularly loved the detail of seaweed on the ceiling of Olivia's room and the starfish climbing the walls. Straight out of a dream.
This brought me back to the last time I swam just offshore. A slight fear of feeling something brush against my legs, as land slowly drifted away. Perfectly described.
You had me captured from beginning to end. Great writing, Gan. The ending was certainly a twist from anything I might have expected.
so glad to have you
Great read Gan. That last line stuck with me.
I had a deep foreboding when I got to the line about the signal fires... 😬💦
This had such a calm, reflective tone. The tidepool imagery works really well as a way of thinking about what stays with us while everything else keeps moving.
The tide pool attempts balance, makes a helpless stand for order against waves
Thoroughly enjoyed this Gan, great read. ~ Nerra ⚔️⚡️⚖️
Your story reminded me how much I love water and how afraid of it I am. The ending made me think that everything comes at a price.
The others wait on the dark stairs as you leave the basement. Eyes in the closet and cold fingers under your bed. They are the ones who may balance your ledger one day.
It was Olivia’s skin is such a nasty little final turn, and you just set it there like that was a normal thing to do.
I have a love/hate relationship with the ocean, and this story perfectly describes why. Nothing is as beautiful and terrifying as the sea. Your writing is brilliant! I particularly loved the detail of seaweed on the ceiling of Olivia's room and the starfish climbing the walls. Straight out of a dream.
always happy to have your thoughts Alicia
This brought me back to the last time I swam just offshore. A slight fear of feeling something brush against my legs, as land slowly drifted away. Perfectly described.
many creatures wait to grab at us in the inky dark water
I really enjoy your writing! This gave me a vibe of an old film noir involving a murder mystery in a beach community. Loved it!
more Paul Drake than Perry Mason, I hope. Happy to have you
Great story
Welcome aboard, I’m honored
Thank you. I’m truly glad to be here. The honor is mine, and I look forward to sharing words and ideas with you.
I like it sort of beckons to stories of sirens. Good work, good read!
Gods Blessings
🤜🏼🤛🏾❤️🕉️✝️🪯☪️🌬️🍃🪶🌕🤙🏽🌍🌞🕺🏼🌸
sounds like a nice ending.
Love this...love them all, actually. I really enjoy what you're doing here...thanks, Gan!
you’re welcome anytime
Great siren tale!
thank you
That ending - you really got me. The tension built so steadily, and then that dark punch landed perfectly. Loved it.
happy you didn’t think it was too sparse at the end