The protagonist has such a sweet voice. This line felt like the essence of her: “I stopped talking to bugs after that, for their own protection.” Glad she has Owen :)
What a beautiful, wrenching story. Told with such tenderness and empathy, this is the epitome of what this project is about. Amputation as reality and metaphor works so well. Bravo.
Wonderful! As a fan of jumping spiders and the name Fred, I especially love the ending. The image of amputation feels like a good one for this whole Volume II series on things lost and left behind. I’m glad that Owen sounds so kind and well-grounded.
Sorry this one slipped by, Hannah. You really captured alot of feelings with this one. The wounds, amputation and 'phantom pain'; such great examples, especially in this current season. (and Fred is glad someone noticed him!) Appreciate your writing and a nice holiday to you and family!
Ron, thank you so much! I've been away from Substack for a while now, just gathering thoughts and enjoying my children. Seeing you pop up here gave me the push to get back to it, reintroduce myself to the keyboard, and sweep out my substack cobwebs. Thank you for noticing me and taking time to read 💚
I really enjoyed the emotional rollercoaster this story took me on. The amputation metaphor is really nicely done. And it feels so hopeful and positive at the end. I love the line “If tectonic plates didn’t collide, we wouldn’t have our gorgeous mountains…”.
Thank you so much, Hannah! I know from experience how painful difficult family relationships can be (don't we all to some degree), so I really wanted to emphasize hope and growth and positive forward motion. I'm so glad that came through. Thank you so much for reading!
The protagonist has such a sweet voice. This line felt like the essence of her: “I stopped talking to bugs after that, for their own protection.” Glad she has Owen :)
Thank you Stephanie! So grateful you took the time to read it💚
I loved that line too! Super sweet.
What a beautiful, wrenching story. Told with such tenderness and empathy, this is the epitome of what this project is about. Amputation as reality and metaphor works so well. Bravo.
Thank you so much, Julie! I so appreciate your kind words. I loved your story as well, so beautifully written💚
Wonderful! As a fan of jumping spiders and the name Fred, I especially love the ending. The image of amputation feels like a good one for this whole Volume II series on things lost and left behind. I’m glad that Owen sounds so kind and well-grounded.
Jumping spiders are darling, aren't they?? Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and to say such nice things!
Haha! The next one I see will now be greeted with "darling." My pleasure! Delicately done.
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Sorry this one slipped by, Hannah. You really captured alot of feelings with this one. The wounds, amputation and 'phantom pain'; such great examples, especially in this current season. (and Fred is glad someone noticed him!) Appreciate your writing and a nice holiday to you and family!
Ron, thank you so much! I've been away from Substack for a while now, just gathering thoughts and enjoying my children. Seeing you pop up here gave me the push to get back to it, reintroduce myself to the keyboard, and sweep out my substack cobwebs. Thank you for noticing me and taking time to read 💚
You know I love your writing style and curious troop adventures! Happy holidays to you and your family. 🕯
I really enjoyed the emotional rollercoaster this story took me on. The amputation metaphor is really nicely done. And it feels so hopeful and positive at the end. I love the line “If tectonic plates didn’t collide, we wouldn’t have our gorgeous mountains…”.
PS… I’m also a huge jumping spider fan. Go Fred.
Thank you so much, Hannah! I know from experience how painful difficult family relationships can be (don't we all to some degree), so I really wanted to emphasize hope and growth and positive forward motion. I'm so glad that came through. Thank you so much for reading!
Yes! Go Fred!! 🥰
Wild… So tenderly done, Hannah, and such a thought provoking use of amputation