A Few Thoughts: Stealing from Steven King.
I have heard that writers are not bound by any set of rules saying they cannot steal from other writers. I think that is true as long as inspiration causes one to expound or enhance a story line in order to make it seem more real. I have not read the original story, but I have a pretty good sense of what the main character in this case was experiencing. This all came to light as I watched a film inspired by a short story written by Steven King titled:
"Mr. Harrigan's Phone."
He had a seriousness, and a sadness drawn on his face like some bizaar graffiti. I did not know at the time that this would be the last time we would speak, but somehow deep inside I knew something was wrong. We all have that sense about the things we would rather not think or speak about. Perhaps the portable oxygen tank sitting beside his chair was the clue that I simply put out of my mind until I found him there clutching his cell phone like some last drastic ploy to hold on for a few more precious moments of life. In any case the old man was gone, and I had lost not only a friend, but an ally who kept me protected, and made me feel powerful in that dank dim space in which we shared a portion of ourselves hidden from the world. Our darkest secrets merged in that moment when they closed the casket containing his earthly remains, and a link only vengeance could explain. Yes, he had been a ruthless businessman in life, and now an avenging angel in death. God help me for making it so.
D.A. Wittler
10/13/22
