This is a thought-provoking story, @seki1. You write both on the surface and also between the lines. I think you have a gift. It is very difficult for many writers to tell a story that does not follow a linear path and fill in every moment along the way. As a reader I am left with questions about the gods, and how these featured so prominently in Mr. Harold's reality. How is he both tormented by his own physical challenges and the pain and suffering of the gods and their own bullies? Yet it doesn't diminish the story that there are no answers to those questions.

In other words, I admire your writing style. It tells a complete story, but gives readers plenty of space and opportunity to fill in any blanks with their own ideas and imaginations.

That said, Mr. Harold refers to the narrator as both John and James. What is his true name? 😄