This isn’t a sequel to The Dark Hillbilly’s original story. Instead, this is an alternate version of that story, reimagined and rewritten to avoid the twist ending of that story.

You’re right, it feels very different. The original story is built like a horror story and succeeded pretty well there. This one is more of a coming of age story. In the first, finding out it is a man is clearly aimed at the reader, to make them squirm. In this the horror is pushed far into the background. I’m pretty sure I’m not telling you anything you don’t know but I was trying to say I understand more than I did before. Nice work.

I agree with Robert. This has a different feel to it. Much more of a rite of passage, or coming of age and somehow less brutal. You did a terrific job with this.

It’s different, but I like it. It takes the world of the Skinners and makes it matter of fact, rather than shocking. I think either way works well.

Any story that makes me want to know more always is worth 5. Great writing making something easily horrifying more noble.