32 Comments
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Michael S. Atkinson's avatar

This was better than a movie. I loved the characterization, the language, the mouthfeel (to borrow a phrase), the monster, all of it. Can't say I feel sorry for George. That was...beautifully poetic.

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Joseph L. Wiess's avatar

Herne lives on Ferris island. I wondered where he had gotten to once England stopped believing in him.

The hunter always protects his own.

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John Lovie's avatar

Living near Ferris Island, we have many rabbits but also coyotes, bald eagles, and great horned owls, so I'm familiar with that scream, although the last time I heard it a crow was carrying off a baby rabbit. I turned to look when I heard it, then when I turned back mama rabbit had come out and was staring at me saying "why didn't you do something?" I blurted "I'm sorry!" Yes, a grown man apologizing to a rabbit.

Great story Sally!

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Parker's avatar

😍

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Tad Forsythe's avatar

Three little rabbits….

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TBollen's avatar

“And while Lizzie felt no great love for Hannah—stepmother, interloper!—she would rather die than see a shred of disappointment in Josiah Kemp’s eyes, so she nodded and took the business of guarding Hannah and the home as seriously as she could. All of fifteen, and so very serious.” So much narrative expressed in two sentences! Besides this being a great story, you’ve written it with great skill. As usual. 😊

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Kim Hardy's avatar

Munching and crunching 😬 I read that sentence twice. I shuddered both times.

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Xavier Macfarlane's avatar

Great foreshadowing! Both the creature (a prefect, curiosity inducing, light hint) and the man (heavier on the hint, but a great red herring!) So much packed in. Much to learn here

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Liz Zimmers's avatar

This is wonderful!

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MrsM's avatar

Wonderful, just wonderful. Loved seeing how little Lizzie had grown up ♥️

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Leslie Rasmussen's avatar

Wonderful story, an old theme made brilliant and new. I loved it.

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Leah McCullough's avatar

I was hooked from the start. The tension was just right the whole way through. I enjoyed the visceral small details added to bring into each moment. I love your style of storytelling.

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Mike Young's avatar

Great story. Love that monster, terrible to see, yet with a little wink.

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Virginia Neely's avatar

So well-written. I got goosebumps at the end.

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Bridget Riley's avatar

What a wonderful story! I was tense the whole way through, and then the sweet ending made my heart ache.

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Darlene Carroll's avatar

WOW!! Twists and turns of suspense and drama. The characterisations beautifully rendered. The tension through out gave it texture. An incredible story. A joy to read.

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Frank's avatar

Oh yes, a testament to respect and generosity I think. Giving respect and being generous grow dividends going a long way toward bridging differences and building alliances!

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Parker's avatar

Ah if only humanity could live that way again…

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