31 Comments
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EJ Trask's avatar

oh my god I was so gripped by this. amazing work.

Jessica Maison's avatar

Thank you! So glad it moved you.

Shane Bzdok's avatar

Brilliant writing, Jessica. The play between fire and water; the convergence of the musical pieces of helicopter, guitar, and flame; the slow burn of losing his mind. All of it, fantastic.

Jessica Maison's avatar

Thank you! I am so glad you like the way those elements came together. Jenkins is special to me.

Caitriana NicNeacail's avatar

Oh wow, this is amazing. The pain, the tangle of memories and trauma and illness, the tension... and that ending. Not to mention the unsettling idea that this isn't the first time this has happened!

Jessica Maison's avatar

I am so glad it all came through. This one was a hard one. Thank you!

Liz Zimmers's avatar

Wow, Jessica! Heart pounding! PTSD crashing against mass fear/unease until everyone is vibrating. Made my breath come fast; you pulled me right into the story!

Jessica Maison's avatar

Oh, I'm so glad, Liz! Thank you! It took me a while, and I did want to do it justice. I'm so happy you read it and left a comment.

E.B. Howard's avatar

Jessica, this is incredibly intense. I read it twice and I'm probably going to have to read it again. Wow. Amazing job.

Nick Winney's avatar

This is superb. Had to go away and come back and read it again - it kept catching me on the back foot - I love the mental breakdown you are capturing here, the memories, the fear, the family, the doctor, the conspiracy...only....is it? This is skillful stuff. I feel a certain resonance with my own submission here - the broken mind aspects and the swirling into cosmic strangeness loved it!

Jessica Maison's avatar

Thank you! I do think our stories connect. Both characters are dealing with their own trauma and then have to deal with whatever unsettling worldwide event that is happening. I am so thrilled to hear it moved you. I loved yours as well.

Pablo Báez's avatar

Love the epic feel of it.

Reads like an explosion contained in a vacuumed room. The imagery and texture are vivid.

Felt like watching a JJ Abrams Cloverfield but with heart.

Thanks for sharing this!

Jessica Maison's avatar

I love “explosion contained in a vacuumed room”. That is what I was going for.

Pablo Báez's avatar

Great execution. It kept me glued to the chaos.

wildflower's avatar

Awesome story!! Loved it.

Drew Valdez's avatar

JESSICA!!!!! This was flippin’ great

Jessica Maison's avatar

Thank you! I am working my way through these stories and can’t wait to read yours!

Drew Valdez's avatar

The list is massive. I just made it to yours. It’s my treat to read one every time I hit I edit a few paragraphs on my WIP

Jessica Maison's avatar

That's a good idea! My poor WIP is suffering.

Drew Valdez's avatar

I have to force myself to work, but I also have to treat myself or I’ll be completely unmotivated. It’s a balance!

Garen Marie's avatar

Wow, Jessica! I could tell this came from deep within your heart and soul. It was so strong throughout, but the ending when everyone's face turns into a black hole? Had to catch my breath. Gripping.

Jessica Maison's avatar

Thank you! I did rip this one from the depths for sure. I am so happy you were moved by it. I am just loving these Weather Reports. Your final image was so strong in your story. I’m still thinking about it.

Garen Marie's avatar

🩶 damn, thank you! That means a lot. And I know I’ve said it before, but honestly the talent on this platform is bonkers.

Jessica Maison's avatar

completely bonkers!

Daniel O’Donnell's avatar

This was incredible Jessica. A story I could read again and again finding resonance in the struggles of this poor soul. Just brilliant 👍🏼

Jessica Maison's avatar

Thank you! The fact that you said you could read in again and again means the world. It's not exactly my normal style so I'm really glad it struck a chord with you.

Sandolore Sykes's avatar

Something is definitely wrong! I enjoyed the slow slough into madness and deterioration in this piece.

Alex Shifman's avatar

I feel the horror of reality breaking down, but even more the desperation of hanging on to your partner as a life raft.

Jessica Maison's avatar

That is what I was going for so I am glad it came through. Thanks for reading and letting me know. Really dug your story!

Alex Shifman's avatar

Thanks! I’m really liking how this thing has introduced me to a lot of writers on here I didn’t know. I’m excited to go on and read more of your work!