The Thing That Happened

by Vince Gatton

[ANTHOLOGY] A seemingly normal day at the office gets a shocking twist. The Thing That Happened takes a sideways look at the event by exploring the stories along its margins – moments that touch directly or indirectly on the events of that one terrible day. Hopping around in time, place, and genre, these six funny, scary, sweet and sad short stories look at the ripple effects of violence and the unseen threads...

[ANTHOLOGY] A seemingly normal day at the office gets a shocking twist. The Thing That Happened takes a sideways look at the event by exploring the stories along its margins – moments that touch directly or indirectly on the events of that one terrible day. Hopping around in time, place, and genre, these six funny, scary, sweet and sad short stories look at the ripple effects of violence and the unseen threads that connect us all.

A companion piece to the full-length You Have Earned Bonus Stars.

*****The chapters can also be read as standalone pieces, found separately here on NPX. They are:

• JAM [One Act]
• Status Update [Short]
• Cassie Strickland Is Not Under the Bed [Short]
• Things Are Looking Up [Short]
• She’s Blown Away [Short]
• Janmadin [One Act]

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The Thing That Happened

Recommended by

  • Julie Grixlen: The Thing That Happened by Vince Gatton
    “

    A fantastic interwoven tale, The Thing That Happened illustrates tragedy while thoroughly engrossing its audience. Through horror, kindness, fear, and love we see how the devastation of one day can touch so many. You will be moved, touched and amused.

    A fantastic interwoven tale, The Thing That Happened illustrates tragedy while thoroughly engrossing its audience. Through horror, kindness, fear, and love we see how the devastation of one day can touch so many. You will be moved, touched and amused.

    ”
  • Lee N: The Thing That Happened by Vince Gatton
    “

    Possibly the most moving, insightful, and clever work I've encountered regarding this topic. Do yourself a favor and read this.

    Possibly the most moving, insightful, and clever work I've encountered regarding this topic. Do yourself a favor and read this.

    ”
  • Aly Kantor: The Thing That Happened by Vince Gatton
    “

    I really wanted to figure out what this play was "about." Every time I thought I had it, I'd read another short, and my answer would change. Such is the nature of grief and healing - a nebulous, shape-shifting thing with no easy answers. The thesis? Actions have consequences!

    This play explores beauty and pain from so many unique angles, all tied to one traumatic event. The collection is simultaneously heightened and mundane, relatable and thoroughly alien, but always incredibly moving. Finding the connections between plays kept me engaged, but each self-contained story is riveting on its...

    I really wanted to figure out what this play was "about." Every time I thought I had it, I'd read another short, and my answer would change. Such is the nature of grief and healing - a nebulous, shape-shifting thing with no easy answers. The thesis? Actions have consequences!

    This play explores beauty and pain from so many unique angles, all tied to one traumatic event. The collection is simultaneously heightened and mundane, relatable and thoroughly alien, but always incredibly moving. Finding the connections between plays kept me engaged, but each self-contained story is riveting on its own!

    Gorgeously written!

    read more
    ”
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Doubling is certainly possible and encouraged, but the designated ethnic representation of the characters is specific and intentional, so please don't disregard.