This is an emotional, unnerving story of a father’s struggle after the death of his son. Fiems captures the mental anguish a man would go through and how his loss affects those around him.
This covers all the key elements for a short story. The characters are strong, the plot holds true, the conflict is major, and the resolution is believable. The twist at the end is not so much a surprise as it is a study in human nature.
This is the type of story that makes you ask, “What would I do in this situation?”. Although a short story, it is one that gives you pause, and taps into emotions you hope you never have to experience.