Comment from Terry Overton

Excellent

You were able to get a story in such a short number of words. I enjoyed your descriptions of these creatures, the wind, and the night. I would imagine all were excited when morning arrived.

 Comment Written 05-Aug-2021

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reply by the author on 05-Aug-2021

It was based on the fact that I grew up with the river in my back yard and I spent a lot of time sitting there. A reader had a fit that a child was out there alone so I had to say he was lost. LOL

Smiles, Carol

Comment from royowen

Excellent

I'm glad this had a happy ending Carol, I don't know what I would have done if it hadn't. But this reminded of that, Psalm 30:5 "Though weeping may remain for the night, joy comes in the morning." Beautifully written entry in this contest, good luck, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 05-Aug-2021

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reply by the author on 05-Aug-2021

I actually wrote this story for the contest thinking about how I use to sit along the river bank and write stories....It seemed natural. Then one reader got upset and said why was I out there alone...where were my parents...she said I needed to say I was lost. So I did! Funny how some people get so wrapped up even in 75 words. LOL

Smiles, Carol

reply by royowen on 05-Aug-2021

That?s a good thing Carol, people see through a differing lens, that?s the thrill of writing.

Comment from NANCY V. FORREST

Excellent

This piece certainly paints a picture. The feelings and the relief that follow are very resonant. A very small container for large emotional experience.

 Comment Written 05-Aug-2021

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reply by the author on 05-Aug-2021

Thank you Nancy for stopping by to read the little contest entry. i appreciate your time and the review.

Smiles, Carol

Comment from Ric Myworld

Excellent

Those camping nights can sure be frightening experiences, as every glimpse or sound and set our imagining in overdrive. Thanks for sharing and best of luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 04-Aug-2021

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reply by the author on 05-Aug-2021

Hey...thanks for stopping by my campfire.... I wasn't really lost but one reader was upset I'd let a small child sit on the riverbank alone. LOl

Smiles, Carol

Comment from Bill Schott

Excellent

This seventy-five-word story, The Shining, has the required word count and seems to follow the raccoon cub, according to the image, trough the scary swamp befor e dawn. Nice descriptions.

 Comment Written 04-Aug-2021

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reply by the author on 05-Aug-2021

Thanks, Bill
Appreciate you reading the short contest entry.
Always a smile, Carol

Comment from Dolly'sPoems

Excellent

A fearful night in the pitch black of night and camping can be a bit scary! When our vision is impaired we lose one of our senses and feel vulnerable, much enjoyed, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 03-Aug-2021

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reply by the author on 05-Aug-2021

Thanks Dolly for your kind review. Smiles, Carol

Comment from Carol Hillebrenner

Excellent

You told a good story very well with just 72 words. The reader can feel the terror of the child with noises in the dark and glowing eyes. Best of luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 03-Aug-2021

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reply by the author on 05-Aug-2021

thank you so much for your kind review and for reading my contest entry. A few words to say a lot.

Smiles, Carol

Comment from equestrik

Excellent

This is well written story for the 75 word writing prompt. You left me hanging though-I hope the child is okay. Good writing and a good picture to emphasize the fear.

 Comment Written 03-Aug-2021

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reply by the author on 03-Aug-2021

the child is fine...lol It was based on the fact that as a young child I sat at the river bank all the time.... but a reader said it was confusing and I needed to say the child was lost. So I did!

Have a great day!

Comment from Anne Johnston

Excellent

You have written a great story in a few words. One can almost feel the terror of that small child, lost in the forest, listening to the sounds around him. Then, the joy as morning breaks, and light replaces the darkness.
Best wishes for the contest.

 Comment Written 03-Aug-2021

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reply by the author on 03-Aug-2021

Thanks, Anne

I had almost forgotten about writing this little nugget. I grew up in the country, so I hadn't meant him to be lost, but one reader was concerned that he was out there by himself, so I had to make him lost. Funny how we all translate things differently depending on how it would affect us.

Smiles, Carol

reply by Anne Johnston on 03-Aug-2021

You are welcome

Comment from Jannypan (Jan)

Excellent

You did a good job with your contest entry, Mystery Author. I like the title, the image, and the way you developed your little story. The ending was an unexpected twist that worked well.
Best wishes.
Respectfully, Jan

 Comment Written 03-Aug-2021

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reply by the author on 03-Aug-2021

Thanks, Jan

Appreciate your review and your kind thoughts.
Have a great day!