Horror fiction seems to spawn more dumbass 'rules' than any other kind of writing, and one of the dumbest is the assumed 'requirement' of a twist ending, going all the way back to H.H. Munro. This story is also the result of a long rumination on how stories are sometimes scuttled or diminished by succumbing to such 'rules'.
David JNothingโabsolutely nothingโin this life gives you more satisfaction than knowing youโre on the road to success and achievement. And nothing stands as a bigger challenge than making the most of yourself.
David J