49 Comments
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Storm Whisperer's avatar

I really loved this piece, and even now I’ve finished reading it, the imagery it conjured still lingers with me. I was deeply moved by his choice to keep walking. Even while voices pulled him this way and that, he had already decided his path. The journey remained his. And that ending, with his mother waiting between the trees, felt strangely peaceful to me. Not frightening at all. More like he had finally arrived home.

Stunning read.

~ Nerra ⚔️⚡️⚖️

Kostia Dmytriiev's avatar

Thanks for the kind words. I really wanted a memory of my partner’s grandfather to be viewed as a choice, his choice. I want it to be felt that way. I want voices from the house (the family, mostly my partner) not to blame themselves for the choice was never theirs to made. And I wanted him to path through the memories I’ve heard after his passing. The pond was my partner’s father memories, and the field was my partners. I want this to live in this piece.

Storm Whisperer's avatar

Well, you certainly achieved that. It it beautiful. 🤍

Eliseo F.G. McCarthy's avatar

I agree, albeit a bit eerie, there is a sense of home to it!

Kostia Dmytriiev's avatar

I guess what I wanted is for the walk to be felt as the most natural thing. Seen like there is no other good way. If the sense of home arrives from it, I achieved what I wanted.

Eliseo F.G. McCarthy's avatar

You definitely did achieve that!

Chris Swallow's avatar

The hair on my arms is standing on end. That was beautiful.

Kostia Dmytriiev's avatar

Thanks for reading and restacking!

Nik Kennedy's avatar

I liked this a lot. It carries real weight. The way you let the choice to keep moving become the last thing that still belongs to him, especially with the personal memory underneath it, gives the piece its quiet spine. Pop over to my Substack, read Chapter 1: Black Glass from Penumbra, and subscribe if it clicks.

Kostia Dmytriiev's avatar

Will do, once I’m back from work. Thanks for reading!

Matthew E Meurer's avatar

The story told everything it needed to. I wasn't left questioning a single word. Helps that it's short of course, but still, clear is always good!

Kostia Dmytriiev's avatar

I still found a few meanings that the story carried and could’ve been completely subconscious at the moment of writing.

Roya 07's avatar

It's awesome the way you have showcased those small details is amazing and the writing style I love it

Roya 07's avatar

It's awesome the way you have showcased those small details is amazing and the writing style I love it

Roya 07's avatar

It's awesome the way you have showcased those small details is amazing and the writing style I love it

Roya 07's avatar

It's awesome the way you have showcased those small details is amazing and the writing style I love it

Roya 07's avatar

It's awesome the way you have showcased those small details is amazing and the writing style I love it

Roya 07's avatar

It's awesome the way you have showcased those small details is amazing and the writing style I love it

Roya 07's avatar

It's awesome the small details showcased so beautifully and the writing style love it

Roya 07's avatar

It's awesome the small details showcased so beautifully and the writing style love it

Roya 07's avatar

It's awesome the small details showcased so beautifully and the writing style love it

Roya 07's avatar

It's awesome the small details showcased so beautifully and the writing style love it

Roya 07's avatar

It's awesome the small details showcased so beautifully and the writing style love it

Claudine's avatar

So beautiful, Kostiantyn! I love the path he took, stopping to remember the special moments in his life until he reached his final destination. This is your best piece yet. I was so touched by it that I have a little bit of mist in my eyes. Well done. 👋

Kostia Dmytriiev's avatar

Thanks for the kind words. I guess mortality is the only universal problem people have. Most have thought of it, many have lost someone they love, and it is easy to relate. I just wanted to show one’s bravery to face death while being active, on a walk, rather than waiting for it come to the stillness of the house.