22 Comments

This was fucking terrifying. Per usual, I’m on a ride that I’m not entirely positive I want to be on (tossing my eyes frantically around: Is this ok? Are we ok??) Also per usual, the whole end was such a satisfying payoff. And like “Dueling Banjos,” I’ll never hear “Sympathy” the same way again—congrats, sir, you’ve toppled Interview with the Vampire!

Expand full comment

Haha! “Ride I’m not entirely positive I want to be on” was what I was hoping for, means a lot to hear that. I don’t know why I chose “Sympathy” it just kind of happen but I was also surprised by how well the lyrics lend themselves I’ll also never hear it the same

Expand full comment

Wait, that’s unreal! The lyrics are the perfect pairing!

Expand full comment

I don't even care for that song! I got the idea about the weird neighbor, puppet, storm cellar thing, and for some reason my fingers wrote 'Sympathy for the Devil' and I rolled with it lmao

Expand full comment

(I don’t either 😂) Also… You need to donate your imagination to science.

Expand full comment

Well there goes my peace of mind. Or piece of mind... because it's done been blown!

Expand full comment

Don’t get too swept up in the breeze! Thanks for the kind words, Anna :)

Expand full comment

When I read Substack before bed, I'm tired and sometimes I half-read half-skim - no can do here. I had to chew on this one. Every line was rich with purpose and I was able to viscerally feel the narrator's dread in Dale's direction. Well done once again Will.

Expand full comment

Thank you so much, Molly :) I know the before bed skimming well…hopefully Dale didn’t give you nightmares

Expand full comment

will, you make me uNcOMfy (complimentary)

Expand full comment

haha, thaat’s the best compliment

Expand full comment

Brilliant Will. Your execution of the narrators distinct tone was fantastic, it made everything that was happening so much more real for me. Bravo sir :)

Expand full comment

Thanks, Michael! It was so fun to dive into that tone, thanks for the kind words!

Expand full comment

You did it so well!

Expand full comment

you leaned into the voice here and I frickin dig it

Expand full comment

aww, thanks Daisy! It was a fun voice to lean into

Expand full comment

Wonderful stuff. The textures popping in my mouth like moon rocks. Really immersive. I am bobbing around gulping for air.

Expand full comment

Thanks Jon. Your comments are always works of art, you should collect them into a book

Expand full comment

I will wait until you put all your stories in a book, then I will compile a companion book of commentary inspired by your work. I will format the design to fit the form and function of a bookmark, so the reader can punctuate their sessions with strange reflections and murky metaphors.

Expand full comment

let's make it happen

Expand full comment

Combing my hair after that. Wild!

Expand full comment

thanks so much, Sean!

Expand full comment