No, hope, could not find a way out of everything.

It is sad but you ended it with a bang. I love that you used the word stardust!
Even though she was tortured, you made her sparkle at the end.
Well done!

Powerfully penned, Tim. Not every write has a happily ever after. Excellent write my friend. Appreciate you.

Damian

Tim, this was softly explosive. Like a dream that comes true in a dark and sad way. Exquisitely written my friend.

John

Great twist.

I thought you were standing at attention funny dearest Tim ❤️

Cleverly penned, Tim. A very witty write my friend. Dig this. Appreciate you.

Damian

Well if you’re going to use the big E-word like that! We’re going to think the obvious. LOL
And then you put us on the guilt trip of sin once we realize it’s about a steeple of a church! You are sinister.

Nope. That’s exactly what I thought you were talking about haha.

Great ink friend

Tim this was such a fantastic surprise. lol Well written indeed. And indeed it was quite a surprise.

John

Hauntingly penned, Tim. Logic over valor my friend. Excellent write you’re a great storyteller. Appreciate you.

Damian

This is good and had me laughing with the pedal to the metal.

Tim, this took me into the haunted rooms of that house and feeling the disquieted vibes as I read. Truly a master work of short story telling. Your descriptions of the broken window and dusty curtains made the scene come alive for me in full visual effect. As the story unfolded I enjoyed the narration and how it pulled me into the story. Truly great ghost story telling that had me fascinated unto that great ending where the message appears on his phone.

John

Phenomenally penned, Tim. You’re a great storyteller my friend, felt like a western to me. Excellent write. Appreciate you.

Damian

This does give a western vibe. I like the listening to the tree to hear the screaming.

I normally do not read the short story section, but I was curious, so…
Revenge is sometimes blinding. This write shows that to be true.
Your story reads fluid, interesting, carrying the scenes forward really well. The epilogue (of sorts) leaves the reader pondering, perhaps for a continuation.
Great write, Tim.

This was very engaging. Some of those dead have unfinished business. Great ink.

Hi Tim!
This reminds me of an episode of Hell on Wheels! And the pic really reinforces the tone of the story.
Gritty with emotion and guns. How it was back then. Black and white with a lot of dust instead of grey.
Truly enjoyed the read amigo. It’s nice seeing friends post in different categories.

Tim you have mastered the art of putting so much action, plot development, and powerfully emotional story telling into the short story form. This takes you into the heart of Joshua and his tragic mistake leading to his ending. Gritty and strong telling of this tale that engaged me as I read. Not a line wasted. A perfect economy of words that brings this tale home in a big way.

John