Well, I don't know what to tell you. I'm not a horror writer nor do I want to be. I do have a satire on a visit to Hell but that isn't especially dark either. I'm saving that one because I may try to get that published.
The short story is a rough draft so I wasn't expecting someone to scream classic. I did want the bully to be the antagonist. The father was added as more of a stream of consciousness thought really. I had to have a reason why Billy was getting away with his antics while no one did anything about it. Anyway, different styles for different folks, I guess.
