and I was sure I was going to hate it. I didn't. For such a short story, this was well done and so descriptive that I could almost see and feel what Gabriel was seeing and feeling. Creepy as it was, it was very well done. And I did not expect what came with each paragraph. I am not a huge horror fan, but this was good.

Hello Curmudgeoness. I am Daemonwulf, the writer of this story. I want to thank you very much for taking the time to read 'Diseased,' getting through any early repulsion and, most especially, for taking the initiative to share your thoughts. I appreciate your comment very much. To be honest, coming from a non-horror reader, I think your words are far more encouraging than those that might come from the proverbial 'choir.' While I don't expect you to become an avid reader of horror, or my work, I did want to share my gratitude with you directly. I'm actually hoping to bring a new aspect to horror that, perhaps, has been lacking in the genre of late (or maybe never existed). Exactly what that is I'd prefer to keep to myself since, you know, we writer's are a strange and elusive bunch. *grin* But your comments only succeed to challenge me farther. Again, thank you very much. - Daemonwulf

I hope you hang around a while, or occasionally. But don't do what many of us do and waste too much time here. You have a talent, even if I worry about the minds that come up with horror stories. You can let us know when you have a new tale that you would think is particularly good. I would read more of your work, in little doses. Usually, I read classics or what I consider soon-to-be classics, with a mystery or espionage thrown in for easy reading. When I was young, I read some fantasy and sci fi, as well as a few Stephen King or Peter Straub, but I just don't venture there these days. It was kinda fun to deviate to a true horror story.

I do hope that you can continue writing, and that you would be able to make a living doing so....you turn a wicked tale!

They there again, Ms. Curmudgeoness. Me again! *toothy grin* Apparently I have my DU.com settings set incorrectly and I was blissfully unaware of your responses to my comment. Didn't want you to think I was ignoring you, as I personally dislike being ignored. *smile* Take it from me, you don't have to worry about the minds about the people who come up with horror stories. Well, maybe SOME of them... *laugh* I too have spent a good many hours with King, Straub and the like. Maybe some of the best hours I may have spent. At least those hours weren't spent with Sean Hannity or The Rushbo. *preferring-Mike-Malloy-myself smile* And thanks much for your encouragement on the writing thing, even though you might only be able to take me in small doses (I sometimes have that effect on people. *grin*). - Daemonwulf...who's back...and maybe even for the long haul.

Why thank you, Snarko! *devious grin* I am sure that with your help I should find it an easy task. Thanks for the introduction to the DU.com Fiction group. Never would have known it had existed without your poking around. I shall be coming back for more. *cautionary smile*

I will definitely check out the link, I love short stories, especially the horror stories!