41 Comments
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Christoph Schiffer's avatar

you got me hooked! where is the rest of the story?!?

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Alexander Naughton's avatar

l'm working on it.

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Angela Persechino's avatar

I thought it WAS a great ending (even if you didn’t intend) . Very powerful message🥰

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Alexander Naughton's avatar

thank you. i did intend. but there is more to tell.

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Laura Munn's avatar

I agree with both! It's a great ending that provokes powerful thought, but it's clear that there's more, and you've left us wanting it! Thank you!

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Kathryn Simon's avatar

It definitely feels like just the beginnings of a deeply felt experience to tell about. Was that deliberate to titillate the reader so thouroughly?

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Alexander Naughton's avatar

I wish i could say it was. But i'm not that cool

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Janice's avatar

BS. You that cool. Give!!!

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Dee Berlin's avatar

I hate cliffhangers! But this was something I adored. So it could easily go whatever direction you wish. I got to tell you I want more!

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Linda Whorton's avatar

Look forward to more

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Alexander Naughton's avatar

I have some scribbles in my head. this comment may help tease them out. thank you

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Raney's avatar

Thank you for sharing this intriguing illustrated story. l too look forward to reading more!

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Holly Vanessa Vanderbush's avatar

Loved it. Looking forward to “the rest of the story,” but I agree with another comment, that the ending is good — it’s just very sad. Poignant though. A scathing self assessment really, but so accurate how we can be harsh and distant towards people that show us kindness and make a bid for friendship, when we have taken great care to lock ourselves away from closeness.

Well done.

I hope you became friends :)

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Alexander Naughton's avatar

True. I think kindness is hard too see when we are busy erecting our defences

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Tina_4Love's avatar

Thanks for sharing this personal story. It made me sad that your Dad didn’t ‘get’ you. Bruce appreciated you.

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Mary Sue Groundwater's avatar

You have a gift.

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Alexander Naughton's avatar

you are so kind. thank you

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Damian Wojcichowsky's avatar

pretty good...this is the first time I'm saying that on substack

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Susan Flowers's avatar

Didn't make the wrong choice subscribing...looking forward to more...

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𝕋𝕖𝕣𝕚 ℝ𝕖𝕕𝕓𝕚𝕣𝕕's avatar

Every chapter is a story

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Micahla Flori's avatar

“How to kill an artist” 😭😭😭

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The Braver Mom's avatar

And then….???? 🧐🙀

Feel like I’m in a cliffhanger

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Janice's avatar

Ouch. Need to know more. Please. I've been there. We've all been there. Oh, well not the popular kids I guess. The message is way too common. We disregard the ones who support us, who see us and whole-heartedly improve. Whyyyyy??? Lets fix that personality trait!

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Rose Hesselbrock's avatar

I beg to disagree. More please!

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Carol's avatar

The friend’s pink medium reminds me of that stuff they use in dentists offices to make molds. Is our 13-yr-old boy somebody who needs braces?

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Melanie Truitt's avatar

I also am hooked! Please continue!

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Bill O'Connor's avatar

If the story was autobiographical, I'm glad that you didn't stop.

Great story and great illustrations.

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Alexander Naughton's avatar

thank you

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Tracy Chen's avatar

This is fun to read! I'm looking forward to the rest!

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