19 Comments
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L.G. Wells's avatar

A fellow claws fan. Love it! I really like the way you had the reader thinking it was a creature, then, "Oh, it's just a dog afterall." Then...

Shifters are one of my favorite entities, and I hope you write more. Maybe a sequel? 😉

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Edward.Marlo.Ruiz's avatar

Yes! Thank you so much. I thought if I let Dan get closer there was no escape. Sadly. 😭 And a sequel??? Never written one. Might have to try my hand.

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I/MARIE's avatar

i like how you had the dog turn into the terrifying creature! very freaky

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Edward.Marlo.Ruiz's avatar

I appreciate you reading. 🙏 Glad you found it freaky too.

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Miguel Gaspar's avatar

Thanks for the read.

It was extremely simplistic in its approach, which made it all the more horrific once we were reaching the end. Its like all those brooding tension at the start was release all at once at the revelation of the creature. Very inspiring for me, as i am looking for a creature story to write as well.

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Edward.Marlo.Ruiz's avatar

Wow thank you so much for this. Made my night! That’s what I wanted to go for with the reveal. Like an explosion of terror. Your work is great! Loved the imagery you displayed in the one I read! Need to read more.

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Dr Priyanka Upadhyai's avatar

Nail biting, enjoyed reading this

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Edward.Marlo.Ruiz's avatar

Thank you so very much for the read and feedback! I appreciate that you liked it. :)

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Rebecca Rocket's avatar

Poor Dan! I want to know what became of him.

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jybyky's avatar

Telling a story about a dog, but able to pour out extraordinary and scary expressions. The storyline is intriguing. I like this

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Parker McCoy's avatar

Poor Dan. There was plenty of dread in this tale. I enjoyed the build-up and the descriptions. I can definitely see the monster in my mind. Great story, E.M.R.

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Nick Winney's avatar

AAAARGH

THEN WHAT HAPPENED!

i love that fleeting mysterious clawed hand... very good idea!

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Edward.Marlo.Ruiz's avatar

Thank you so so much for reading and sharing your thoughts! 🙏 I got the idea that Dan was never seen again. 🕳️😰

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Nick Winney's avatar

it certainly seems the most likely outcome !!!

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Annieguile Bentulan's avatar

I love how you played on the child's innocence... luring us in with his curiosity. The small scene where he showed empathy towards the " Doggy" only to be revealed with something horrific... dammn I heard the scream and saw the terror on Dan's face. The buildup was MASTERFUL and the final reveal was pure nightmare fuel. ILOVEIT!!!

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Edward.Marlo.Ruiz's avatar

Your comments are always so appreciated 🙏 I’m glad the fear still festers and I’m so glad you pointed out that you can feel Dan’s terror too.

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Annieguile Bentulan's avatar

It's hard not to feel it EMR!! You've set it up so well!!! I'm glad I read it!! and the monster is unique by the way, a hoof and an actual leg..makes me wonder if it's a science experiment.. like the "Tusk" ... daammnnn that movie still gives me chills.

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Edward.Marlo.Ruiz's avatar

Wow what a cool twist. I’d never thought of it like that. I’m always leaning into occult but that’s very dope too.

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Mar 21
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Edward.Marlo.Ruiz's avatar

Look out for any stray holes and weird hands 👀

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