God Forgives, But I Don't

Based on a true story. This tale chronicles the life of a young boy as he grows into manhood while enduring neglect and mistreatment by his abusive father, who feels empowered by religious extremism. The story culminates with the tables being turned, as the father simultaneously faces the revenge of his son and his own mortality. Set in a disadvantaged area of the rural deep south, the story confronts many of the ugly truths that are endemic to such regions: including drug and alcohol abuse, violence, poverty and racism. The story concludes with the boy's inner struggle of whether to seek peace and reconciliation with his father, or vengeance. An alternative ending is provided for each of the possible culminations. This is to allow the reader to consider which of the paths they believe the boy, now a man, truly chose.