Sloppy End At The Horizon

The Man Who Fed On Tears always knows whose time it is to pluck from the world of the living. His existence is one of a symbiosis between his need for the tears and woe he causes to those closest to the deceased, and the natural order of life and death to which he is bound. He never questions himself or his actions and has never made a mistake. Until now.

Stella is a four-year-old girl who misses her mommy and wants to see her again. She doesn’t yet understand the concept of loss, so when she sees close family members crying, she tries to stay cheerful and optimistic. After all, Mommy said they’d see each other again when the time comes At Horizon’s End. So if they’ll meet again, why is everyone crying?

At Horizon's End by Chris Sarantopoulos is a short story told from two different POVs: The Man Who Fed On Tears and a four year old girl. The Man doesn't understand why the little girl isn't grieving the loss of her mother, along with the adults in her family. Something about the love inside her causes him pain. Stella doesn't understand why everyone is crying when she knows they will all see her mother again one day.

The contrast between a creature who thrives on grief with a child who thrives on happy memories creates an interesting setting, but the story falls apart at the end. I think there should've been a third POV at the end: the girl's father. Instead, readers are left with many questions. For example, what did The Man do to her mother and why?

As always,
AstraDaemon