114 Comments
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Andy Futuro's avatar

Loved this. Thank god I wasn't the protagonist cuz I'd be on a beach with Cass sipping mojitos while the daycare blew up.

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John Ward's avatar

lol

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hermies HermanJohn's avatar

Me 2 brother

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Author Michele Bardsley's avatar

You made me cry, John Ward. Jesus flipping Christ. This story was amazing. I wanna read it again even though my heart is bruised.

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Will Boucher's avatar

This was such a ride! Couldn't stop reading

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John Ward's avatar

Thanks, man. I appreciate it.

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Miller Jennifer's avatar

Agreed!

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Andrew Sniderman 🕷️'s avatar

Stellar Rod Serling intro/outro

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Liz Zimmers's avatar

A beautiful love story in The Substack Zone!

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John Ward's avatar

Thank you for reading. I’m so happy that you enjoyed it.

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Johnathan Reid's avatar

This transported me into the Zone so deftly. The writing style, the symbolism, the intro segue - it was all so reminiscent. And you captured the IT stuff and the love story brilliantly, within the character showing and alll the little details. Excellent writing, superbly executed, John.

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John Ward's avatar

Thanks man. That means a lot.

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Hanna Delaney's avatar

What an ending!

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John Ward's avatar

Thanks, Hanna!

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Leanne Shawler's avatar

New favourite in The Substack Zone. Dang, John, this was really good!!

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John Ward's avatar

Thanks!

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K.C. Knouse's avatar

Fantastic, John. You left the breadcrumbs, but I had no idea where they led until the crisis. A tender and beautiful love story that leaves much to ponder at the end. I particularly enjoyed the details of the coffee shop.

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John Ward's avatar

Thank you so much for reading! I’m so happy you enjoyed it.

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Jeff K's avatar

This was a great read. I kept trying to figure out the ending but was still surprised.

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John Ward's avatar

Thanks, Jeff!

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Nick Winney's avatar

I have.... questions... but never mind those! great story! really want coffee now!

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Shane Bzdok's avatar

Fantastic work, John. I especially enjoyed the way you handled the opening monologue. So good!

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Honeygloom's avatar

Very cool story, perfectly executed! I really enjoyed it!

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Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Terrific, John. Fantastic addition to the event, and beautiful homage to Rod and the Twilight Zone. ❤️

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Keith Long's avatar

Mmmm I’m a sucker for “timey-wimey” stuff. This was great, thanks.

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Parrish Baker's avatar

Oh wow, heartbreaking.

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John Ward's avatar

I’m glad you enjoyed it.

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John Ward's avatar

Thank you.

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