News for hackers. Stuff that matters.
Re:My Friend Aaron by gwbas1c on Wednesday August 26, 2026 @09:29AM (#49448834)
I enjoyed the story!

Opinion

The ending is quite abrupt, I'd consider another short scene. Perhaps one at Aaron's funeral where there's a little more exposition about the shooter, such as with a conversation with Aaron's mom, or with the wider group of friends. For example, we don't know if the bet was paid out, or if the bettor had some relationship to the shooter.

The shooting itself could have a bit more conflict and tension. Imagine if, for example, there was some kind of animosity due to a fight between Aaron and the narrator. (Instead of them drifting apart.) Then imagine that the narrator saw the bet before the race, saw someone suspicious, put two and two together, and tried to warn Aaron?

Anyway, great story!

Re:My Friend Aaron by JKCalhoun on Wednesday August 26, 2026 @10:20AM (#49449720)
"The ending is quite abrupt"

As was the ending of the young man's life.

It works perfectly as is. Often in life there is no denouement.