Nostalgia’s funny. You find an old answering machine in a dusty attic and suddenly you’re hearing your brother lie about where he’s going after school. And then… a voice you don’t recognize says, “Don’t go to work on Thursday.” The message was from 1992.
I don’t know why each time I read your work, I’m surprised by how good it is. But I feel like you keep one upping yourself! These feel like an adult version of watching are you afraid of the dark (speaking of the 90s)
The tension and suspense build up between plays was extreme! I was reading with bated breath between beeps/clicks! It’s so interesting, you almost used moments of brief pause as meticulously placed emotional speed bumps for the reader!!! I found my heart pounding at those breaks!
Also, such a nod to the 90s and made me nostalgic 🧡
I love this plot line. I actually did feel nostalgic, but then immediately was terrified. I couldn’t stop reading it, and did not see that twist coming. Every “click” had me jumping in my seat. I felt like I was watching those classic slasher movies in my mind. Kind of when Scream in the 90s would call leaving a message.
Very well done. The tension progresses nicely until the end, from nice casual read, until “Fuck That!
I had to turn around and look behind me. I was in the kitchen and I had just found an old answering machine downstairs and thrown it out a few days ago.
Nothing was behind me of course, just had to make sure.
You let the pauses do as much damage as the words themselves — that’s how you use silence as a weapon, and you nailed it. You let the ordinary lull me into comfort, then you betrayed my trust. As well you should.
Oooh this builds up the dread so nicely! Got my heart to beat a little faster, like the opening scene to a slasher film
I don’t know why each time I read your work, I’m surprised by how good it is. But I feel like you keep one upping yourself! These feel like an adult version of watching are you afraid of the dark (speaking of the 90s)
Wow! I'll take that compliment any day. Thanks, Rachel!
I just try to write what I would want to read. Probably a selfish and maybe narcissistic way to look at it, but it's true.
It’s working!!!
Love this!
Thank you!
The tension and suspense build up between plays was extreme! I was reading with bated breath between beeps/clicks! It’s so interesting, you almost used moments of brief pause as meticulously placed emotional speed bumps for the reader!!! I found my heart pounding at those breaks!
Also, such a nod to the 90s and made me nostalgic 🧡
Thanks, Amanda. I was going for a hint of nostalgia before I leaned into the creepy. I'm glad it worked. 😊
Superb build-up of tension. Love the slow drip of the recorded messages. Crept under my skin by the end!
Thanks! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
I love this plot line. I actually did feel nostalgic, but then immediately was terrified. I couldn’t stop reading it, and did not see that twist coming. Every “click” had me jumping in my seat. I felt like I was watching those classic slasher movies in my mind. Kind of when Scream in the 90s would call leaving a message.
What's your favorite scary movie?
😉
“Halloween” she says.. walking right into it 😭🤣
Very well done. The tension progresses nicely until the end, from nice casual read, until “Fuck That!
I had to turn around and look behind me. I was in the kitchen and I had just found an old answering machine downstairs and thrown it out a few days ago.
Nothing was behind me of course, just had to make sure.
I'm glad nothing was behind you! And thanks for the feedback. 🙏
Mine comes out at 4:30
You let the pauses do as much damage as the words themselves — that’s how you use silence as a weapon, and you nailed it. You let the ordinary lull me into comfort, then you betrayed my trust. As well you should.
You say the nicest things, Josh! 😉
Well you have an advantage. You write in my wheelhouse.
I love your take on this prompt! The brothers getting out of doing the work is universal, I guess!
Thanks. I had a lot of fun with this one. I love these weekly prompts!
And yes, I think it is universal, although my sisters are equally good at it... 😏