Hello everybody, thank you for the feedback. I'm pleased to see that, overall, Favors From Hell has gotten the reaction I intended.
And ciristhan, I appreciate the honest criticism. I certainly didn't think everybody would enjoy this story, and really, it's not a story that can be "enjoyed" anyway. I think your criticisms actually apply in a way that work for those who liked the story, as well. You got me thinking a lot about what I was trying to do. I'll try to illuminate. I rarely do this, but I thought it might be a good challenge.
Yes it is predictable, but I was never really worried about that. The original title was An Incontestable Weight of Ashes. As for not being funny or exciting--I would certainly hope a story about child abuse isn't funny or exciting. I understand the depressing tone turning you off. That makes a lot of sense to me. I probably found the story as depressing to write as you found it to read. For me, sometimes that's the role of fiction--to take us to uncomfortable places and make us think about uncomfortable or depressing things. Admittedly, not everybody wants this in their fiction.
As for the point--maybe I failed there. I would argue the most important function of a narrative is to tell a compelling story. Any points that might be made are secondary. But if I had to say there was a point to Favors from Hell, it is this: predators are often people we know. Classmates. Friends. Relatives. Horror fiction tends to paint them as psychopathic strangers that happen to cross paths with innocent people. Less often are they depicted as people close to their victims by blood or friendship. Beyond that, Favors from Hell is, to me, about trying to face trauma(s) from your past instead of running from them. The trauma never really ceases, but maybe we learn to cope better. I wouldn't say Kalina and her brother really "defeated" their Uncle's ghost because his hold on them may never end. But I tried to give them a little more hope than they had when the story began.
This may interest you: I have written a story in which an abuser "wins" and is never caught. That's also featured in my book, Burn Down The House And Everyone In It. It's from the point of view of the abuser. I've also done humorous stories, too, which are included.
Thanks again for the honest reaction. It's a nice reminder that just because I have a vision that doesn't mean it will translate well for everybody. It's just that sort of thing that pushes me to work harder and explore more.