***Warning Possible Spoilers Ahead. Read the Story First***

Wow! This was a very dark and moving entry. I liked how it was both the factious autographical account of nameless narrator while at the same time served as a poignant expression of the pain of the other characters in the story.

The depiction of the pain of the narrator was elaborated on through hearing how the innocent kitten suffered, the alcoholism of the father, the abuse of the mother, the tragic, loveless plight of the stepbrother, the drug addiction and self-worth issues of the friend.

Indeed this brief, dark narration does an excellent job of showing just how messed up life, and the people who live it, can become. I think it’s really significant that the narrator isn’t named; it’s almost as though he could be “everyman/woman”. As though anyone you look at may be bearing these secret, painful experiences.

I really liked it!

-Kevin

Amen.

Glad to hear you liked it.

I didn't like it at all. It upset me, a lot, and no one likes to be upset. I suppose that was the point, and as a point it was well made, but some sort of redemption would have been nice ... a cheerful twist where everything turns out happily .... But no.

Very powerful and well written.

Camy

I'm sorry that you didn't like it. And I hope to not sound like to much of a pessimist, but unfortunately life doesn't always have those redeeming twists that make everything all better.

Thank you though, I do appreciate the compliment, and hopefully, if there is a next time, you'll find it less upsetting and more enjoyable. :-)

A little glimpse of a world most people dont understand, and why would they want to. It seemed a little chaotic to me at first, jumping points a little to fast. Or maybe I just wanted to feel the milking of the kittens a little longer. But after rereading it seemed to meld well.

I agree with friendly, having him be unnamed was a nice touch for such a dark and torturous short.

As to a redeeming act or happy ending, I thought the ending was great. Sometimes just surviving IS the happy ending, for surly it is not always the case.

~Umbathri
not behind the furnace, but hiding none the less

My friend's life was 'The World on Mute" It was 2 yrs. ago he died. No one investigated what he lived through
He never believed anyone liked him. He was told he was worthless and he believed it. No matter how many times I told him he was my friend I don't think he ever believed it. I tried to get him to report his dad. he never would. he always said,"he's my dad, I can't do that. Things might get better." I know now he never believed that. His family moved away soon after he died. In a way that is good. I still walk past his house and every tme I ask, why.
I wrote this poem for him,

Another Child Dies
Your fist slams down breaking bones
twisted love is all you have
still the child grabs at that
any love is better than none

Silent tears asking why
sleep brings the only peace he knows
even then demons invade his dreams

In the morning he hears you yelling
can he sneak out without a punch
not today as dad smacks him again
not for a reason just cause you're mean

Walking to school all alone
knows he nothing cause his dad tells him so
never had a friend not a one
no one wants to hang with someone like him

Running home to finish his chores
gotta be done before dad gets back
in the back door dad is there
where have you been you little shit
you're three minutes late

You back hand your son
he looks at you and asks
what have i done
to make you hate me so much

Don't cry little pansy
or you will get it again
eyes blurred with tears of pain
scrubbing the floor muscles sore

Checks on dad he's passed out again
shoulders slumped walks to the door
in the garage he knows what needs to be done
without feeling he gets all ready

Everything in place,one last thing to do
kicks the chair out from underneath
another child takes his life

Wow, that was such a sad, moving story and poem

I'm so sorry that happened.