Grunt

April,
I read this story many many times because I absolutely loved it. You have established a true voice here, in both your word choice and transitions from one paragraph to the next. In the first paragraph I like how you introduced the father as "Yes Sir! No Sir!" I think this works really well because it reflects not just his marine background but the way in which he deals with his children. You used a lot of visual elements in this story like "altar of big, black, shiny combat boots," "tattooed with inky bruises"...I could actually see these things as I was reading the story. I also really liked how you used the acronyms to describe each one of the girls, I just thought this was really unique and it really stuck out to me. I honestly don't think I've read a short story that I have enjoyed as much as this one, you have a wonderful way with words. My only suggestion would be to elaborate just a little bit more. I was a slightly confused about the gunshot and also feel you could have shed some more light on what happened to each of the girls. Other than that I enjoyed this story very much and I hope you keep writing because I would love to read more of your work!