I think December Moon by Mike Neidlinger was an interesting short story. I have to say, it did feel like we were reading a journal entry from a war veteran that was able to make it out of this chaotic war. With that being said, I think it would be really cool if Mike did continue this short in that form. Maybe with dates and other implications stating that this could be a journal entry. I also think this could be the prologue or even a small introduction before the actual first chapter starts. I think because it is short enough but does give us insight on what is happening. Obviously, this is my interpretation so maybe I have it wrong from Mike’s vision of what he wanted to convey from his storytelling.
I did really like the amount of detail added to this short story. I think I was able to visualize the scenes where the narrator was being shot at up on land and I was able to imagine the way the humid air felt that night for him. Like a thick, moisture in the air that can feel like you are being choked. I liked that details like these were added to give us more of a connection to this character so we understand more of what they are going through. It makes the experience a lot more real for the readers this way. For me in particular, I was raised in Florida so I know all about the way humid weather can be uncomfortable for many people– especially if you are not accustomed to it. For me, a detail like this makes me feel more connected to the narrator and their environment.
I think this short story could be continued in so many ways so I do hope Mike does so. I do wish there was more context about the pre-war era so that we could maybe understand what kind of enemies the narrator is up against. I assume the enemies are nothing of this word because there are phantoms and we even had a creature featured who was fire breathing. I think having a little more context about where these people or monsters came from would help us a little with connecting what is going on now. Maybe a location and a time period would be helpful, too.
I did really enjoy the story though because I feel like there are many places you could take it as the author or even the reader. As I previously stated, I interpreted this story or the first chapter of a novel as a journal entry. I am sure there are plenty of people that thought much differently about this text. So, as a reader, I think your imagination could take this text anywhere. The author, Mike, can also add in whatever he pleases, too. Overall, it was a good piece of writing and I hope Mike continues this story.