18 Comments
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RC Stacey's avatar

Prompt for all fiction writers to use discussion points at the end of their posts!

This was excellently dark and menacing, thank you for sharing

A. Chiyuki Rose's avatar

The story's use of interview-style really heightens the intimacy and realism of Rowena's experience. It is dread-filled, tactile (disgustingly so), invasive, and very detailed. It makes it incredibly unsettling. I think the current setting fits it perfectly to highlight not just the ambiguity between supernatural terror and psychological breakdown but also her belief in the hallucinations.

This kind of horror haunts and blurs the lines at the memory and sanity. Ugh, I already don't like bugs in general, but you captured the visceral disgust of it so well.

The true horror is that the nightmare never leaves, it just waits for us to remember it. Amazing work, as usual. ❤

Juste Mil's avatar

I think I really played my card right by going after the sub-theme of bugs 🤣 But thank you so much for the kind words. It feels so good knowing that I did my job well. 🤍

Conor MacCormack's avatar

A deep, dark, and thoroughly thought provoking piece! The entrance of a parasitic evil through a seemingly mundane and known technology was an excellent touch. The random and wanton nature of the beast sent a genuine chill up my spine. Looking forward to reading more of your work!

Juste Mil's avatar

I really appreciate that! I wanted the horror to feel like it could crawl out of something ordinary and trusted. In this case, literally. I’m glad that quiet, random menace came through.

Rachael Diane ໒꒱'s avatar

This is the absolute perfect piece to begin my Halloween! The voice of Rowena Fletcher is chilling. I could actually picture her voice in my head! Amazing piece! This is the exact, rare kind of genre I love finding on Substack.

Juste Mil's avatar

Oh you are just too kind 🥹🤍 Thank you so much! I'm glad thought that I could start your Halloween is some sort of spooky story.

Poems of identity horror's avatar

I loved reading this. I’m specially impressed by how you managed to capture the dread and panic in her testimonies so well, the vivid descriptions of the entity were so well done.

Great writing!

Juste Mil's avatar

Thank you so much! This means so much to me.

Coral Evermore's avatar

Ugh, my god did this confirm for me how much I freakin hate flies!! This was so creepy, it's giving found footage vibes which adds to the overall horror. Solid first piece on Substack!! I am most definitely looking forward to more of your work!!🖤

Juste Mil's avatar

Awe, thank you so much! 😩 I was honestly scared of posting it because of how disturbing it is. Two most icky things, having something stuck in the sink drain and flies.

Coral Evermore's avatar

Naaaaah don’t be scared!! People on here are not too squeamish when it comes to horror. Also, yes, agreed. Those two things are INDEED icky!!😭

The Bloodied Quill's avatar

Loved it. Really creepy. If I was set in 2025, it would be care in the community! It's tragic, infecting her, transforming her. I think due to it coming from the sink, it must be infecting everyone. Kind of like invasion of the body snatchers.

Juste Mil's avatar

Thank you!! 🤍 It actually could be inflecting literally anything. I was thinking of it being something like the werewolves during the full moon. And hey, the sink always seems like the most hygienic place to start an outbreak.

C.C. Harlow's avatar

I believe the setting is perfect for this story. And the story in itself is Kafkaesque, reminding me of The Metamorphosis, but with teeth and more unease. Absolutely loved that read. As I always do with everything you write. Congrats on your first Substack post! 🤍

Juste Mil's avatar

Thank you so much 🥹 My first Substack baby out in the wild.

And honestly, thank you for the support. Now and before… I'm not sure how I would have managed without you. 🤍

C.C. Harlow's avatar

Don't make me tear up, you monster. I'll always support you. Always in your corner. So keep going. The world needs your stories. 🤍

Where the Wild Blossoms 🌼's avatar

Girl!! What a story indeed. I could feel my skin crawl.

I will never look at a kitchen sink, or any sink for that matter, the same way.

This also made me think of the movie — ‘The Fly’ — If you haven’t seen it, you should give it a watch. I think you will enjoy it.

This one will linger. I love your unique approach. But also the duality in the themes.

Can’t wait to read what you write next.