14 Comments
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Lissa Johnston's avatar

"He used these teeth to smile in a way that made people think he was about to go for the neck."

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Kathy Minicozzi's avatar

This is one family tradition I'm glad we never had.

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Linda Unger's avatar

What a bunch of psychotic adults!

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Walter Rhein's avatar

yeah, that's how I grew up

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Tani F. Cornelius's avatar

You do tell a good story! I'm on Substack for the news, and I generally scan more than reading through an article. I often find myself reading your posts all the way through, smiling and nodding. This was obviously not news, but I read it through with enjoyment! Thanks for the story (a welcome relief from news, lol).

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thank you! I like to mix in a little storytelling. This is actually a chapter from a book that I haven't figured out how to finish. Maybe I'll just post everything I've written as stand alone stories.

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Tani F. Cornelius's avatar

Oddly, I was thinking that this piece made a great stand-alone story. (Although I should state for the record that I'm not a frequent reader of short stories!) I'd certainly buy a book based on this story!

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Walter Rhein's avatar

That's very kind of you to say. The file folder this resides in has been added to for about 5 years. I've had a few complete drafts, but I haven't quite figured it out yet. I'll keep experimenting here on Substack. Thanks for the encouragement!

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Laurie's avatar

Wow! Explains a lot!!

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Walter Rhein's avatar

:) it's kind of hard figuring out your place in the world when you start out in a deep, dark cave

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Laurie's avatar

Yes-but you’ve done a great job of it.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Well, I hope so. I hope the kids don't have too many complaints. That's all I want, that they look on their time living with me with fondness.

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Laurie's avatar

You don’t have to worry about that!😁

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Worrying is my job :)

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