48 Comments
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Sharron Bassano's avatar

“See the blue sky? The clouds?” Lillian asks. Her voice cracks as its breathing thickens, slows. “You’ll be there soon.” This moving little story tells us a lot about its writer. Thank you, Justin. I wish we were neighbors.

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thank you so much, Sharron! I wish we were, too. And if we were, I’d be walking over a handful of cucumbers...they’re taking over! 🤣

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Trade you for tomatoes. We could be salad-neighbors.

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Justin Deming's avatar

Deal!

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

So sad, but so beautiful.

'No, she wasn't' was such a breathtakingly thoughtful last line from Joe.

An awesome story, Justin!

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Justin Deming's avatar

Aww, thanks so much, Rebecca. I appreciate you reading! 🙏

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Peter Blasevick's avatar

Really enjoyed this, thanks so much.

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thank you, Peter!

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Jim Cummings's avatar

Sweet and compassionate little girl. The trooper with his hat in his hand. Fine study of human nature, Justin.

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thank you so much, Jim. She sure is! The trooper decided to make an unplanned appearance while I was writing, and I’m happy he did.

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Scott Ocamb's avatar

Such a great story, great detail about the accident.

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Justin Deming's avatar

I really appreciate you reading and commenting. Thanks, Scott!

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Kim Deming's avatar

Another great short story!!

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thanks, madre. 😄

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Feasts and Fables's avatar

Touching

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thank you for reading!

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Feasts and Fables's avatar

Always a pleasure

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Alix's avatar

Ya got me, again. Lillian and I are friends.

Thank you for your obvious compassion you placed in the story. It is a sweet story that was seamless to jump into live .

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thanks for the kind words, Alixandra. I think I’d be friends with her, too!

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Chris Deliso's avatar

Nice work, Justin- poignant and unexpected. I enjoyed it. Keep up the good work!

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thanks so much, Chris. I really appreciate it!

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Bill Adler's avatar

“No, she wasn’t." My eyes got misty.

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thank you for reading, Bill! I really appreciate it. 🙏

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Bill Adler's avatar

Sometimes I get overwhelmed with everything (on Substack and in live) and miss stories. But I'm glad I didn't miss All Alone, a beautiful story.

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Justin Deming's avatar

Hey Bill,

No worries and no pressure ever, my friend. I completely understand and relate to this 1,000 percent. There’s no possible way for all of us to read everything we’d like to read. (Unless a magical device used to turn back time is invented?)

In all seriousness, thank you for your kind words regarding the story. I’m really happy you liked it!

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Tara Penry's avatar

Lillian is going to be quite the grown-up, with this memory behind her. Sweet story.

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thanks so much, Tara! I couldn’t agree more with you. She is a compassionate little girl.

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Michael S. Atkinson's avatar

This was so poignant. The trooper with his hat and the last line just capped it off. So well done.

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thanks so much for the kind words and for reading, Michael!

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Luke Skelton's avatar

That's beautiful, mate.

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thanks so much, Luke. That means a lot to me! 🙏 I’m really happy you enjoyed it.

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Susie Mawhinney's avatar

Gulp... a beautiful last line..!

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thank you, Susie! I’m happy you enjoyed it!

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Ben's avatar

This is incredibly touching. Thank you.

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thanks so much for reading, Ben. I appreciate the kind words!

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Meg Oolders's avatar

Powerful from word one, Justin.

And obviously... 😭

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thank you my friend! 🙏

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