Marla, You Liar, You Big Tourist!

ok but winning the (cinematic) long walk would be terrifying. it gives jan 6th vibes, with the masses singing patriotic tunes and the air ((presumably)) smelling of blood and gunpowder, fighting a broken system, watching someone you knew (((however briefly))) die in front of your eyes. i am of the belief that pete shoots the major and is gunned down, that nobody wins this particular long walk, but in that moment of holding the carbine and debating carrying out ray’s wish ((((because however briefly they knew each other in four and a half days, pete loves ray so much that he wants to see his wish happen, just as ray loved pete so much he would rather die and break his momma’s heart than watch pete die)))), it must have been fucking terrifying. even if he hadn’t shot the major, even if he won the walk and made his own wish, and got to go home a wealthy man, being crowned winner seems like it would be a moment filled with fear.

the rain coming down after Stebbins dies is CRUEL

i have watched The Long Walk three times, read it once. i’ve been alone for twice of my watches and i think that is the way this story is meant to be consumed. shared with others for sure, but as far as consumption, i don’t think it’s possible to feel it as deeply as intended if you’re guarded around others.