59 Comments
User's avatar
Marmi's avatar

What a lovely ending, this was great Michael. I hope Chicken is all better now!

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

Thank you Marmi! I’m so glad you liked it. I had a lot of fun writing this one. And yes, thank you, Chicken is all better now, and she too liked the piece :)

Expand full comment
April Whalley's avatar

Michael!!!!

If this was a novel (which it isn't) and if I was asked to write a book blurb for it (which I haven't) this is what I'd say:

'Michael Edwards delivers the most romantic book of the year. In The Fellowship of the Chicken you will experience horror - "blood-soaked bandage" , "sick bag", you will be nerded out by familiar characters from LotR appearing as if by magic, you will experience extreme courage "I didn’t want to disturb you.” and you will discover the raw honest truth of a deep love, "Will you please shut up".

Michael also explores themes of ceiling structure, beards and time travel. His first novel has it all, inculding high and frightening drama "The stand-off was long. He, staring at me with a gun on his hip, and me, staring at him with Evie’s handbag on mine." If you only read one book this year read The Fellowship of the Chicken - the ending will bring a little tear to your eye - I promise'

But if I wasn't writing a book blurb and I was just writing a normal comment like a normal person then I'd say this

Fucking hell Michael, in the game of writing you just LEVELLED UP!!!!

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

Thank so much April!

I am smiling so hard right now after reading your incredible comment!

That is quite a flattering and comprehensive book blurb! I will definitely be employing your skills when it comes to writing my actual book as I think you have quite a knack for it!

Also, I am so glad you enjoyed the piece. It was a fun one to write, which I think helped with its overall delivery. And, of course, I am so appreciative of your kind words on my writing — here’s to much more levelling up in the future.

Ohh and P.S — I haven’t forgotten, I am still waiting for so new writing from you! Don’t leave me hanging too long :)

Expand full comment
April Whalley's avatar

You're welcome Michael. And yes, please do keep nagging me. After the ‘Ides of March' are over, I feel a whole new me about to burst forth!! You have been warned 😁

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

Ohhh I am sooooo excited! Looking forward to to whatever bursts forth. :)

Expand full comment
Alexx Hart's avatar

Right?!?! As I've said, what IS this devil-magic? Sheesh, he's done it again. Such an awesome blurb.

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

Thank you Alexx! And I know right?! April’s blurb was sooooo damn nice! :)

Expand full comment
Andrea Fisher's avatar

Perfection April- you absolutely captured my experience of this too. Spellbound

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

Thanks Andrea! I’m flattered! And I know right!? April is a wizard at delivering kind comments — she’s also an incredible writer herself :)

Expand full comment
Emmett's avatar

Rising up like a feather

From the end of your tether

Healing is a feeling

Floating up to fix the ceiling

I like the way you said it better 😏

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

I dunno Emmett, I think you said it pretty damn well, and with much less words!

And, of course, thank you for the kind words :)

Expand full comment
Michael Steele's avatar

First tears of the morning! The ending gifts an already enjoyable, funny, but also nerve-wracking piece poignancy and warmth out of all that sterile hospital chill.

I have done two late-night-into-day emergency room visits. My last one was during college when my salivary gland got blocked and my cheek swole into a grapefruit. I brought the book we’d just started in class—a real fever dream of a book—and it distracted me for the five-plus hour stay. I didn’t realize until my next class how long it had really been: we were reading that book for two more weeks!

I love the rich detail in here. Not a moment passed when I couldn’t see the room or the person (especially Fuzzy). I also really like the way reading it makes the final line into a sort of chicken feather for us, transforming the entire piece. A labyrinthine place like the ER is a sort of madness, but reading those final words, the entire piece just makes sense. It’s not about the hospital but the loved one you endure it for.

This was great. Maybe not as great as Dr. Dave’s apparent beard, though…

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

Thank you Michael. As usual you careful and considered comment makes my experience of sharing this piece so much richer. I’m so glad to hear that you mentioned the detail was strong and that you could see the room and people — I tried to really hone in each part of the experience and not rush my way through. And so, for you to say that worker for you is really rewarding. I’m also sooo glad you liked the ending. I was worried it was a little too weird or out of left field, (with the skating example and all) so again, it’s nice to hear it worked for you and that you got my intended point.

And ohh man, a blocked salivary gland sounds intense! A blocked anything is never good, and especially something to do with your face! That was so smart of you to bring a book. There is something about the hospital which just seems to bend, slow, and shift time in weird ways, and so having a book to help assuage that would be ideal.

And finally, yes, you’re right — nothing is as brilliant as Dr Dave’s beard.

Thanks Michael :)

Expand full comment
Michael Steele's avatar

The ending definitely works. More than definitely.

And yes indeed on that hospital time warp—especially once you go inside. I had a phone during my last ER trip, but not a smart phone, so it was book or nothing for entertainment. I will always remember A Severed Head by Iris Murdoch because of that haha

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

Thank you Michael.

And yeah it’s a weird experience, sometimes there are no windows around, the lights are on all night — the whole thing becomes disorienting. Hahaha well, at least you’ll always have ‘A Severed Head’ :)

Expand full comment
Kimberly Warner's avatar

Michael this is an extraordinary piece of storytelling. It has all the elements! Humor (and my god is it funny), wisdom, tension, humanity. I think this might be my favorite piece you’ve ever written. And I love all you’ve written so that’s saying something.

This paragraph….hahahahaha! It’s so good I read it three times.

“Turning our attention to the clock on the wall, we debated whether it had a low battery or if the purgatory of waiting around in a hospital actually altered one’s time perception like some drugs are wont to do.”

And I had to chuckle when you started explaining the ceiling issues. Dave also likes to pull out his “I’m a handy man” card and explain how everything is (or should) be built. I try so hard to follow but…oh…did you see that bird fly by? 😂

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

Thank you Kimberly. I really appreciate your kind words on my writing. That means a lot, especially coming from a writer like yourself whose work I respect so much. If I’m completely honest this is one of my favourite pieces too. Initially I wrote it just to share with Evie, and I think that helped free me up to play with the writing more than usual.

And thank you, I’m so glad you quoted that paragraph as I always love to see which bits stood out for people.

Hahaha yes, us ‘handymen’ can’t help but share our wisdom with our partners, I think sometimes it’s an attempt at impressing them, but funnily enough, as you (and Evie) pointed out, sometimes, our ‘wisdom’ is less impressive than we’d hope haha. Speaking from experience, though, we do it appreciate it when you humour us a little. Haha.

Thanks Kimberly :)

Expand full comment
Donna McArthur's avatar

This is a gorgeous love story! I laughed out loud when you talked about Evie getting your special form of crazy and that, with that understanding, it becomes love. I did not laugh out loud at the thought of you sitting in the hospital, on those god-awful chairs, for all those hours. That is not good for anyone.

There are a lot of layers to this essay. I am sorry to hear that Evie was sick and I hope she is doing better. My favourite part, aside from the love and your relationship ties that you've woven with your words, is how you expertly put your health routine up against the hospital experience! This was so well done. The lights, the cold water, the blanket over your head...all of it.

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

Thank you Donna. I’m so glad you enjoyed the piece. And yes, this is most certainly a love story wrapped in my humour and mixed up with mine and Evie’s special form of crazy. It’s a weird wild mess and we love it haha.

And yes, you’re so right — those damn chairs were awful. In the end I’m sure I suffered more than Evie on a account those damn chairs haha.

Thank you, yes, Evie is all better now, and she is touched by all the concern everyone has expressed.

And omg that’s so awesome! I was hoping someone would get a kick out of my health protocols being juxtaposed next to the hospital experience — I am so glad you said that, you totally just made my day Donna! Thank you :)

Expand full comment
Camilla Sanderson's avatar

as per usual Michael, I enjoyed your sharp observational humor intertwined with a sweet sense of sincerity, and I like how you also capture the surreal nature of hospitals, the beauty and fun of companionship, and the quiet revelations that emerge from life's most inconvenient adventures. Nice one!♥️🙏🕊️

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

Thank you Camilla. That is actually such a concise (and kind) description of the piece. And it is one I’m deeply flattered by. I mean, I love this line — “your sharp observational humor intertwined with a sweet sense of sincerity” — that is such a wonderful compliment. And also something that I aim to do in my writing: balance humour and sincerity. And so, I just love to hear that that shone through for you.

And yes, totally! Hospitals are surreal places — they spin me out! Haha

Thanks Camilla :)

Expand full comment
Camilla Sanderson's avatar

Hi Michael, in addition to your masterful use of humor, as you have previously mentioned your intention to commit to the craft of writing, I'm feeling moved to offer more feedback on *craft.* And I'm playing with something I've learned with writing - I want to offer critical feedback about *craft* rather than my own subjective response.

I appreciated the vivid characterization. The story is filled with distinct and well-developed characters, each brought to life through their quirks and behaviors. Fuzzy (Jordan): His rapid-fire, drug-induced monologue establishes his personality instantly. His resemblance to Samwise Gamgee and his comically long-winded storytelling create an endearing presence. The Nurse with DJ Headphones: Small but memorable details, like her ironic humor and fan disguised as headphones, make her feel real. Doctor Dave: Described with amusing comparisons to Lord of the Rings, his beard becomes a central symbol of his character.

The strong sense of setting is also skillful. The hospital is portrayed as a surreal, almost otherworldly place, filled with absurdities and discomfort. The sterile environment, oppressive fluorescent lights, and the mind-numbing wait are all vividly depicted. The ER waiting room is a stage for a wide array of characters—heaving patients, a police-escorted babbler, a man contorting his chair into a bed—all adding layers of chaos and humor.

There is also a skillful use of dialogue. The dialogue is natural, fast-paced, and layered with personality. Fuzzy’s rapid-fire speech and Evie’s gentle teasing contrast well with your own introspective and comedic voice. The balance between humor and heartfelt moments (like Evie’s exhaustion and your worry) makes the characters feel real.

The unique narrative voice & tone invites a reader in. The first-person narration is conversational, intimate, and full of personality. The voice shifts seamlessly between humor, frustration, deep love, and philosophical reflection. The use of stream-of-consciousness storytelling (especially in Fuzzy’s dialogue and your late-night exhaustion spiral) adds to the immersive, chaotic feel.

The effective use of symbolism and themes is skillful. The Chicken Feather Metaphor: In the final scene, you describe the way extreme exhaustion and suffering can make something as simple as a feather feel profound—tying it back to your love for Evie, calling her “that thing.” This beautifully links your skateboarding philosophy to the relationship. Also the Lord of the Rings References: The repeated comparisons to Tolkien’s characters (Samwise, Gimli, the One Ring) create a fun, mythical undertone to an otherwise mundane hospital trip. Also the waiting room as a journey: the slow progression from the waiting room to the examination room mimics the structure of an adventure—every new character and moment of absurdity could be a level in a video game.

I appreciate the emotional depth and subtext. Beneath the humor, there’s a deep love story at play. Your concern for Evie, your willingness to endure discomfort for her, and the final moment where you call her “that thing” show intimacy without sentimentality. The contrast between your suffering and Evie’s gradual lightheartedness (especially post-tramadol) adds to the emotional push-and-pull.

Pacing and Momentum. The story never drags, despite being about waiting. Each moment feels dynamic, thanks to a mix of humor, new character introductions, and rapid-fire dialogue. The repetitive structure (DING! New ticket number, new absurdity) keeps the reader engaged.

All in all, this piece is a fantastic example of character-driven storytelling, observational humor, and heartfelt emotion all wrapped in a chaotic, vividly written scene. The balance between absurdity and sincerity, alongside a unique voice, strong imagery, and comedic timing, makes The Fellowship of the Chicken a compelling, entertaining, and deeply human piece of writing.

Hope you enjoyed my little experiment in offering feedback on craft😁♥️🙏🕊️

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

I shouldn’t swear because I know some people find it inappropriate, but I have no other way to respond to your awesome offering of critical feedback, other than to say — holy fuck Camilla!

That was incredible. I don’t really even know what to say (other than holy fuck). I mean, that was such an in-depth and well put together piece of critical feedback. I know this much: I wish you were a part of my writers group! You could teach some of them a thing or two about giving feedback haha.

Reading everything you said also made me so appreciative of people like yourself who really ‘read into’ a piece and take notice of its many dimensions. In fact, I almost feel like you pointed out dimensions I was only partially aware myself. In other words, you gave me (the writer of the piece) a window into parts of it. And for that, and for taking the time to write all that out, I am deeply thankful. Thank you Camilla, I really appreciate that.

And for the record, whenever you feel so inclined, I welcome your critical feedback about craft on any of my future pieces. :)

Expand full comment
Camilla Sanderson's avatar

I'm so happy to hear you appreciated it Michael! Feedback is an art form in itself, and when I learned, "a writer doesn't need opinion, a writer needs craft", it really made sense to me.

Also what's fascinating about *giving* feedback on craft is that it actually helps the writer who's giving the feedback too. By identifying the elements of craft in a piece of writing, it's like you're showing your own brain why the piece of writing is working, and how it's working. So it helps both the giver and the receiver of feedback.

And regarding your "holy fuck", it made me smile😁

However, seeing as you brought up swearing, when considering using swearing in a piece that you plan to publish - i.e. from a professional perspective - you may find this interesting: "Use of Colloquial & Slang Language: A conversational, irreverent tone can be a great strength, but some phrases may be jarring depending on the audience. While swearing can add to humor, consider whether the expletive enhances the moment or if a different phrasing would keep the humor but broaden audience accessibility."

All of this is offered in support of your intention to be a 'professional' writer😁♥️🙏🕊️

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

Thank you Camilla. And yes, I totally agree that providing feedback is just as beneficial for the receiver as the giver. Evie and I give each other feedback on our work, and I noticed is exactly what you said about spotting how and why a piece of writing works whilst going over Evie’s writing, and I found it tremendously helpful to my own process.

As for the swearing information, I appreciate that as well. These days I am more mindful of my use of swear words and I do occasionally take them out, other times though I leave them in as I feel as though they are the most authentic way to convey my specific voice. But yes, I do think sometimes it’s good to substitute them as long as nothing is lost.

And finally, I love that you are offering your feedback on support of my intention of being a professional writer — when I hit the big time, I will be sure to give you many shout outs :)

Expand full comment
Camilla Sanderson's avatar

😁and again you made me smile😁

always a delight to connect with you in the digital writerly ream Michael♥️🙏🕊️

Expand full comment
Robin LaVoie's avatar

Oh my gosh I loved this story - I hope Evie is recovering well. I approve of her “many thoughtful questions, like; ‘I don’t care’ and ‘Will you please shut up’ hahaha

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

Thank you Robin. I really appreciate that. And yes, Evie is recovered and feeling much better. So much so that she is back to shooting off many of her ‘thoughtful questions’ haha :)

Expand full comment
Andrea Fisher's avatar

Ditto everything April wrote. Add to this: Michael, this was a moving and brilliant ride. Every twist, every turn was like being a skateboarder with wind under my feet. And you know, the whole world is falling in love with ‘your’ Chicken too. YES!!!! Hugs to you both!

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

Thank you Andrea. That is so kind of you to say. Your compliments on my writing really mean a lot. Ohh that is so lovely, she is such a wonderful Chicken — I figured at some point the world would have to fall for her as well. And hugs right back at ya :)

Expand full comment
Michael B. Morgan's avatar

“On and on this goes as you spiral further into the depths of a special kind of madness.”

This one shines. It is the intersection of all meanings, the meeting point of heart and brain. Pure truth. But the whole piece is good. Damn you if you can write well!

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

“The intersection of all meanings” — that is such a great way to put it, Michael! There is definitely something intersecting about it; how it cuts across different layers and all melds together. I had never put it into those words before! I’m so glad you said that.

And, of course, thank you for your kind words on the whole piece. It really means a lot. I am so happy your here reading and sharing your thoughts. :)

Expand full comment
Michael B. Morgan's avatar

And I do feel glad to be one of your readers. I hope you keep on writing ;-)

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

Ohhh I’m gonna keep writing! Don’t you worry about that :)

Also, I just saw you substack DM. I didn’t reply directly because my phone is old and shitty it doesn’t support the substack app, so I have to go on my laptop to respond to DMs. But I could see what it said, so if you wanna send me the first of your stories, I’d be happy to read it and give you my thoughts on it.

If you can email it to thecuriousplatypus@substack.com

I’ll email you back a response as soon as I can :)

Expand full comment
Michael B. Morgan's avatar

That is great news. I'll send you the story when I'm home. Thanks, bro!

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

My pleasure. I look forward to reading it :)

Expand full comment
Jeffrey Streeter's avatar

A beautiful ending, Michael. After you have passed through the rings of hell (A&E) you realise that your fellow voyager is the Beatrice to your Dante. Lovely.

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

Thank you Jeffrey! I really appreciate that. And yes, very well said. I love that summation. :)

Expand full comment
Priya Iyer's avatar

What an incredibly romantic and lovely ending, Michael! How you describe skating is how I experience writing. I hope Evie is feeling much better now.

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

Thank you Priya. I’m so glad you enjoyed the piece and that you could relate to the skating description in your own way. And as far as feeling that way about writing — I totally know what you mean! These passions of ours they do be challenging haha.

And thank you, yes, Evie is doing much better now. :)

Expand full comment
Steve Blake's avatar

Fabulous piece, Michael. Loved it.

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

Thanks Steve! I really appreciate that. It was a fun one to write :)

P.S — I hope to be back at writers club soon, I’m just getting over a little injury that’s been keeping me away.

Expand full comment
Fotini Masika's avatar

Give a big hug to Chicken and please assure her that when I say that I love your writing I mean it in a purely platonic way.

A hell of a fuzz, Michael :)

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

Haha thank you Fotini. I will be sure to assure Evie of the purely platonic nature of your support. I will also continue to be so thankful for your platonic support. It means a lot.

Ohh yes, all the fuzz in this one :)

Expand full comment
Hrvoje Šimić's avatar

As I was reading this, I saw scenes and heard dialogues and I got pulled more and more into this cinematic experience, and then it ended in such a romantic way. Well done, my friend.

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

Thank you Hrvoje. I am so glad you enjoyed the piece. And I am so thrilled by your comment. As a writer, receiving a compliment like that on my writing is so meaningful. So, thank you, friend, I really appreciate it. :)

Expand full comment
Alexx Hart's avatar

Dammmmit! How do you dooooo that?! I so needed this read tonight. It was my bribe for finishing two sets of government paperwork and getting some Etsy listings up for my friend. Dangle-dangle...jig-jig...come on, you're almost done, then you can play. So no shit, there I was. Dobby was free from work, hence Dobby got to cackle and guffaw and chortle-snort all over your delightful chicken-scratch. It was exactly the kind of PFFFFT pressure-cooker release Dobby needed to--

Annnnnnd now you and Evie have me sighing and swooning, all choked up and ruminating on Life, like usual. What kind of devil-magic IS that?

The precise kind I needed tonight. Thank you, Michael. You rock-buk-kawwww!

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

Hahaha thank you Alexx!

I’m so glad you enjoyed the piece! And to hear that reading my piece was your way of winding down and treating yourself after government paperwork is such an honour! I am thrilled I could offer some laughs! And thank you for the kind words, I’m glad you liked mine and Evie’s sappy emergency room misadventure. It was a fun one to write.

P.S — I so appreciate the chicken noises you sprinkled through your comment! You are a master of writing out hard to convey sounds! :)

Expand full comment
Alexx Hart's avatar

Hahahaha!!!! I'm so glad they translate. Exchanging humor, especially in medical adventures - so necessary!

Expand full comment
Michael Edward's avatar

Definitely! :)

Expand full comment