Thank you! However, I should make it very clear that I in no way condone violence to an animal in the real world. This is a fictional story, which tells of Benji’s incredible bravery and the sacrifice he is prepared to make for Mara. Unfortunately, a ‘happy ending’ is not always possible. To deny that evil exists in the world doesn’t make it go away.

I apologise for your feelings on the subject, but I cannot accept any personal responsibility for them. If you have any objections to the content of my stories in the future, I can easily be found on Discord. Feel free to discuss them with me there.

I respect you profoundly as a writer and a person, and I hope to look forward to submitting to more of your contests in the future.