inspiration hit like a punch to the heart

Excellent extrapolation. Also I feel better about my story as it inspired you. I thought mine might be too depressing, or not real enough or something. I like where you’ve taken it, it feels more personal.

Thank you for your kind words I’m glad you liked it! It was your last paragraph that did it really.

In my head your piece is boy, age 6, and this revists him at age 30 (a man now?), hardened and stronger but still hurting the same way he always has