20 Comments

This story reminded me a little bit of the Amazon series Night Sky, which uses a similar device about a portal to somewhere else. It feels like it could be developed into something bigger.

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Thanks for the feedback, Mark. I love portal stories! I’ve never heard of Night Sky, but I will definitely check it out.

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Exactly my thoughts! Shades of (shimmers?) Stephen King

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Thanks, Amie! One of my favorite Stephen King novels is 11/22/63, so it’s definitely a big inspiration for me.

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Oct 8, 2022Liked by Justin Deming

I like the story ending just as it is, letting us imagine that other world. “We start over,” Grandpa chimed in. “We move on from the old world and all its problems.” A lot of us fantasize about having THAT opportunity these days, don't we? I am glad the rest of his family are finding a way to join them. ( I already have a draft for the ghost story. )

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Thank you, Sharron! I know many of us would take the opportunity and run with it. And awesome!! I’m happy to hear that! I still have to write mine, but I have an idea. Looking forward to reading yours. 😊

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Oct 7, 2022Liked by Justin Deming

Definitely feels like a “Chapter One.” Great work!

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Thanks so much, Geoffrey! I really appreciate it. (By the way, I still plan on writing a piece on flash/micro and sending it your way for Fictionistas. One of these days it will happen, ha.)

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Oct 8, 2022Liked by Justin Deming

I look forward to reading it someday!

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Oct 7, 2022Liked by Justin Deming

This was fascinating.. I hope you continue with this story, Justin! As always, your characters are so well drawn, and they stay with the reader long after the story ends.

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Thank you so much, Andrea. After writing this one I thought it might be up your alley - you’ve read a lot of my stories that were in a similar wheelhouse! At some point I’m sure I’ll return to it. (Which probably means years from now, haha!)

Thanks again. 😊

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A beautiful story, Justin! It's such a powerful plot device bcause so many people can relate to the idea of starting over in some way. I'm definitely curious about the people/aliens, and all of the environment.

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Thank you so much, Brian! I’m happy you enjoyed it. I’ve always been drawn to “starting over” stories with fantasy/sci-fi slants. I had a difficult time “ending” this piece, and I took a few additional notes on the world in case I ever want to return to it. The pull is pretty strong! I appreciate your feedback!

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Lovely story, Justin! I too would love to see you expand on this new world.

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Thanks so much for the encouragement, Claire!

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That was wonderful, Justin, I really enjoyed it 🤗

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Thank you, Kim! I’m happy to hear you liked it.

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You may have either a novella or a novel here, Justin. I look forward to seeing what you may do with piece 😊

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Thanks, Jenise! It feels like one that I could potentially flesh out. 😀

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I love this story! Definitely book potential here.

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