23 Comments

Justin, this is the best piece I've read by you, and one of the stories I've most enjoyed from any writer on Substack. 💖

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Aug 6, 2022Liked by Justin Deming

That is what I like best about flash fiction. You give us the clear setting, the character, the conflict - the beginning, the middle and a step toward the end. Then you engage the readers to fulfill or complete it in their own heads. I love the part left unsaid, both as a reader and a writer.

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Aug 5, 2022Liked by Justin Deming

Sometimes it really IS impossible to go home again. Travel changes us. A lot more is said in this story than what appears on the page.

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Nice. It sounds like she found out what is.really important in life.

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My epiphany occurred during my senior year of high school. I was in the school library looking for books for my Spanish class. I found information on Spain, and studying abroad for a year. It hooked me in, I worked all through college to save up money, and I received an educational loan. Long story short, I spent one academic year at the university in Madrid, and it changed my life forever in so many good ways!

Love your story, Justin, and I so identified with your FMC. When I came back to the US after 14 months in Spain, I wanted to turn around and go right back to Madrid. ;-)

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What a beautiful story and very descriptive for a short fiction piece. Well done, Justin!

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Aug 5, 2022Liked by Justin Deming

Enjoyed though short was light easy reading. Thank you

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Great story! Yes, the realization that the only way for me to grow up and get my independence was to join the service.

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Hi Justin,

This one captured my attention. Really well written.

We work with children in adversity, giving them access to magical storybooks to help them connect with the world. Our storybooks print on a single sheet of paper. We would love to collaborate with you and publish your story in our tiny little book.

It will be great to hear from you! You can reach me out at swastika@wallobooks.org

Keep writing! Keep inspiring.

Regards, Swastika.

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I love the theme of leaving the place where we belong and do our best work only to realize we have to go back. It’s an interesting twist on the hero’s journey

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This is a beautiful and evocative story. I enjoyed it.

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