Oct 14, 2023
To:Gulfstream
Thank you so much for taking the time to read "Gods Deceive" and providing your feedback. I'm delighted to hear that you found the story engaging and that the foreshadowing added to the overall experience.
Regarding your questions and observations:
Thanatos' response, "I must not answer to that," was intentionally left ambiguous. It's meant to create uncertainty and raise questions about the nature of the prophecy and Thanatos himself.
The ending is indeed meant to be a surprise. Akaru's actions are open to interpretation. Whether he was truly a psycho, influenced by the gods, or there were other factors at play is deliberately left to the reader's imagination. In flash fiction, there's limited space for detailed exposition, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions and engage with the story on a deeper level.
I appreciate your kind words and the constructive feedback you provided. I'm glad you enjoyed the story and felt compelled by it. Your questions and curiosity are what make storytelling so fulfilling. Thank you for your encouragement and best wishes for the competition! If you have any more questions or thoughts, feel free to share them.