This is one of my favorite things I have ever read on here. It's so good that I wish I went to Making Time back in the day. Vivid and so cleanly rendered. Awesome writing.
Well, I can't say as to accuracy, but she is believable, genuine and borderline unreal. I don't doubt the veracity, some people are just like that. It's a rare combination of traits, but I've also known someone like that, and you've portrayed it well. It never comes across as exaggerated or fake. There's a purity to your response to her that also comes through despite your own attempts to obscure it a bit.
Reading this a second time and realizing the dark foreshadowing of her sad smile as you told her the story of your mentorship towards the would-be mugger.
I can tell how raw it still feels by how it was written. The reality is you could have not been a dumbfuck hipster, could have been just as wise then as you are now, and it wouldn’t have changed her fate. She died senselessly through no fault of hers or yours.
This is an incredible portrait of Rosie, and at the same time, a tribute to a rare uniqueness and a longing for those memories that were never discussed before. It is powerful stuff, Dan.
I had to take a pause for a while and really soak in this tribute. It’s one of the best piece of writings that I’ve seen on Substack. It was just perfect and I really enjoy your writing. I am so sorry for your loss. She was much too young however it seems like she was an old soul to be able to deal with all of the hardship around her. I just want to give @waybackmachine a hug right now. I’m sure she’s one of your spirit guides although she was young, she had the strength of a warrior. I wish I knew her.
Wayback Machine, I am very sorry for losing the one girl who made you feel alive and be completely yourself. It was a tragedy the way she died, and I think, as you do, that she didn't deserve to die the way they described. I knew from the beginning you wouldn't end up together, but as the story went along, I had a glimmer of hope that maybe the two of you would make it out of that town on the East Coast. I hope you realized how much joy you brought into her world. With that said, my condolences. 🙏❤️
This is one of my favorite things I have ever read on here. It's so good that I wish I went to Making Time back in the day. Vivid and so cleanly rendered. Awesome writing.
Seconded
Enjoyed reading this. We've lived a good life if we get to know even just one Rosie. I look forward to reading The Wayback Machine (novel) soon.
I'm almost ready to begin reading my copy of Wayback Machine, based on this short piece, I'm looking forward to it!
Tragic end to the young woman's life - a victim of brutal, nihilistic violence.
The descriptions of Rosie are heartbreakingly clear and full.
Thank you i was scared for a second that she didn’t come across right and almost deleted
Well, I can't say as to accuracy, but she is believable, genuine and borderline unreal. I don't doubt the veracity, some people are just like that. It's a rare combination of traits, but I've also known someone like that, and you've portrayed it well. It never comes across as exaggerated or fake. There's a purity to your response to her that also comes through despite your own attempts to obscure it a bit.
Reading this a second time and realizing the dark foreshadowing of her sad smile as you told her the story of your mentorship towards the would-be mugger.
Jesus
I can tell how raw it still feels by how it was written. The reality is you could have not been a dumbfuck hipster, could have been just as wise then as you are now, and it wouldn’t have changed her fate. She died senselessly through no fault of hers or yours.
This is beautiful.
I’m still confused if this is fiction or not
Category: Fiction
"fiction"
This is really good.
This is an incredible portrait of Rosie, and at the same time, a tribute to a rare uniqueness and a longing for those memories that were never discussed before. It is powerful stuff, Dan.
I want to read this again, in print, and keep it on my bookshelf. Wonderful.
Thank you. Im putting out a short story collection later on this year and Rosie will most definitely be included
💙
I had to take a pause for a while and really soak in this tribute. It’s one of the best piece of writings that I’ve seen on Substack. It was just perfect and I really enjoy your writing. I am so sorry for your loss. She was much too young however it seems like she was an old soul to be able to deal with all of the hardship around her. I just want to give @waybackmachine a hug right now. I’m sure she’s one of your spirit guides although she was young, she had the strength of a warrior. I wish I knew her.
Wayback Machine, I am very sorry for losing the one girl who made you feel alive and be completely yourself. It was a tragedy the way she died, and I think, as you do, that she didn't deserve to die the way they described. I knew from the beginning you wouldn't end up together, but as the story went along, I had a glimmer of hope that maybe the two of you would make it out of that town on the East Coast. I hope you realized how much joy you brought into her world. With that said, my condolences. 🙏❤️
She was right about Seinfeld, have you ever seen it without the laugh track? It's unbearably awkward and cringe.
Absolutely perfect. Very nice. deeply satisfying. 👏👏👏👏👏👏
Stunning tribute, thank you for sharing your memories. So sorry about how it ended for her.
🖤