Great story, Justin! I was that awkward kid, and I sure wish I had had a Vinny back then. Reading this gave me a sense of satisfaction. You created justice in an unjust world. Good for you, and welcome back!
Thanks, Sharon! Bullies get away with way too much, so I wanted to make sure they didn’t escape unscathed in this one. I’m happy you liked the story. 😊
Thanks so much, Daniel! I love the comparison, and I’m a big fan of his stories that feature teenagers. I haven’t read his latest—haven’t read any Stephen King in a solid year—but this comment makes me want to read his latest short story collection. How was the book? I’ve mostly heard positive reviews.
Welcome back, Justin. Sounds like your break served you well! The new friendship formed in your story is lovely. I am glad you added that element. Something good can come from something bad, right? Stories about bullies just make me seethe. You tapped into my own childhood here , making me remember stuff I had long buried. Excellent writing. As always.
Thank you so much for the kind words here, Sharron. It feels good to be back! While writing the story, I hadn’t expected this friendship to form—but you know how it goes. Fun to let these tiny discoveries happen along the way. I appreciate you reading and for pointing out that story element! 🙏
Oh bless lovely Vinny! This is such a dichotomy of the good and the bad in people. I am so glad Vinny and Tommy have each other. I thoroughly enjoyed this - thank you!
Thanks, Nicole! I’m happy you enjoyed my story. And I’m happy Vinny and Tommy became friends, too. I hadn’t planned it while writing…it just kind of happened! 😊
I enjoyed the irony of this story. From Vinny's point of view, he had, once again, been in the wrong place at the wrong time. He knew that when he saw the bullies picking on Tommy. He could have gone on his way and avoided a beating. Instead, he put himself in the right place at the right time for Tommy, an example of the true meaning of love. Bravo! I liked the karma of the bully, Morgan, getting his nose busted right off. He'll remember that. Welcome back, Justin.
Thank you so much for reading and for your commentary, K.C.! I’m glad you appreciated the irony. I had no idea of the story’s direction after the first line, but as I neared its conclusion, it made perfect sense to tie the ending in with the beginning in some fashion. Thanks again. 😀
Great story, Justin! I was that awkward kid, and I sure wish I had had a Vinny back then. Reading this gave me a sense of satisfaction. You created justice in an unjust world. Good for you, and welcome back!
Thanks, Sharon! Bullies get away with way too much, so I wanted to make sure they didn’t escape unscathed in this one. I’m happy you liked the story. 😊
A day in the life of a kid. We all dealt with bullies, I imagine. But it was good that a friendship resulted.
Welcome back.
Agreed, Mark. I think we all did in some fashion. Thank you for reading! 🙏
Nice story! It's like you've cooked a delicious meal with simple ingredients.
Thank you so much for reading, Hajee. I like the analogy as well! 😊
Welcome back Justin. Glad to hear you had a nice break 👍🏼
A lovely story and, having just finished King’s latest, I can concur with Kim that it definitely had that vibe. Nicely done 🙂
Thanks so much, Daniel! I love the comparison, and I’m a big fan of his stories that feature teenagers. I haven’t read his latest—haven’t read any Stephen King in a solid year—but this comment makes me want to read his latest short story collection. How was the book? I’ve mostly heard positive reviews.
I really enjoyed You Like It Darker. In fact, I reviewed it this week if you want to take a read :-
https://open.substack.com/pub/danielodonnell/p/weekly-reading-list?r=2bfxud&utm_medium=ios
Also, I’m already pondering what to do with the prompt so thanks as always for that 🙏
Oh of course. And yes, I’d love to check it out. Thank you!
I love it! Its very Stephen King-ish. ❤️🤗
Thank you, Kim! I will always take that comparison. King is easily one of my favorites! Hope you are doing well. 😊
Welcome back, Justin. Sounds like your break served you well! The new friendship formed in your story is lovely. I am glad you added that element. Something good can come from something bad, right? Stories about bullies just make me seethe. You tapped into my own childhood here , making me remember stuff I had long buried. Excellent writing. As always.
Thank you so much for the kind words here, Sharron. It feels good to be back! While writing the story, I hadn’t expected this friendship to form—but you know how it goes. Fun to let these tiny discoveries happen along the way. I appreciate you reading and for pointing out that story element! 🙏
I really enjoyed this story, Justin. I needed a nice little story like this.
Thanks so much for reading, Nick. I’m glad “Turn of Fortune” did the trick for you!
Oh bless lovely Vinny! This is such a dichotomy of the good and the bad in people. I am so glad Vinny and Tommy have each other. I thoroughly enjoyed this - thank you!
Thanks, Nicole! I’m happy you enjoyed my story. And I’m happy Vinny and Tommy became friends, too. I hadn’t planned it while writing…it just kind of happened! 😊
Another great story .Glad you are back writing and look forward to the next one .
Thanks, madre! 😄💜
I enjoyed the irony of this story. From Vinny's point of view, he had, once again, been in the wrong place at the wrong time. He knew that when he saw the bullies picking on Tommy. He could have gone on his way and avoided a beating. Instead, he put himself in the right place at the right time for Tommy, an example of the true meaning of love. Bravo! I liked the karma of the bully, Morgan, getting his nose busted right off. He'll remember that. Welcome back, Justin.
Thank you so much for reading and for your commentary, K.C.! I’m glad you appreciated the irony. I had no idea of the story’s direction after the first line, but as I neared its conclusion, it made perfect sense to tie the ending in with the beginning in some fashion. Thanks again. 😀
Welcome back, Justin! 😁
Thank you, Meg! It was honestly a wonderful break, but it feels great to be back.
I like this story Justin! If only we could all have had a Vinny in our lives.
So true, Matthew. We could all use a Vinny! Thank you very much for reading my story.
It's good to have you, and your creativity back Justin. Twas a rich flash fiction.
Thank you for the kind words, Mark. It was a much needed break, but I’m happy to be back. And I’m even happier to hear you enjoyed the story!