20 Comments
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Manasvi Sridhar's avatar

It’s serving the written version of television’s You. I love how the eeriness builds, how the tension amps up. Can’t wait to read more!

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Jake Varrone's avatar

Thanks very much. I can totally see that :)

Really appreciate you reading !

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Jess Hope Creates's avatar

This is beautiful. It’s haunting yet relatable. You have a lot of talent.

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Jake Varrone's avatar

Thank you so much, Jess :)

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Jess Hope Creates's avatar

I’m just speaking the truth!

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Frank Irving's avatar

I can see why this placed so highly, Jake. Fascinating story, really inventive.

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Jake Varrone's avatar

Thank you , Frank :)

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Caleb Campbell's avatar

This was so much fun to read. Thank you for sharing!

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Jake Varrone's avatar

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for reading, Caleb :)

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<3 the Hawt Tomboy <3's avatar

This evokes some many emotions! 🥹🥹Mystery, Excitement, Romance, Attraction, Love, Timing …. I LOVE IT!

Also… do yourself a favor and send this to Jared Freid (you can find him on IG). He is a comedian and the “Charcuterie Board Lord” IYKYK.

Well done, Jake!!! 👏🏼 ❤️

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Jake Varrone's avatar

Hahaha I'll look up Jared! Thank you!

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<3 the Hawt Tomboy <3's avatar

He's great! Very funny

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Dylan Oxley's avatar

This is great, love how it unravels with a contradictory inner monologue. Bravo!

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Jake Varrone's avatar

Thank you, Dylan 🕺🏻

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Sophie's avatar

I love how as the story unfolds, the narrator becomes potentially another version of the abusive husband, and the subtlety with which you slowly unravel that.

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Jake Varrone's avatar

Glad you enjoyed the story, Sophie. Thanks for reading :)

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One Brilliant Arc (OBA)'s avatar

I love this so much!! You would have won first place if I were judging…brought me to tears.

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One Brilliant Arc (OBA)'s avatar

(Side note: I wish Substack had an “edit comment” button so I don’t have to delete my comment and start all over when I get too excited and hit “post” before I’m done formulating all the words I want to. 😅)

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Jake Varrone's avatar

Thank you so much! I'm so glad this story hit home for you :)

No worries, I'm hoping for that edit button too!

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Oct 6
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Jake Varrone's avatar

Exactly!! Omg you hit the nail on the head. That was my thought process for making this contest’s writing prompt work :)

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