While I read the story, I kept picturing it as a silent movie/clip in my head. With the cinematic slowing down at the start and choppy gruesome pictures at the end. Yet throughout the story, there was this "muted" quality, even during the screams. I think it comes from the way you write, it's very soft and light. The voice of the protagonist is so poetic yet fragile. You can't help but feel for him.
This was really good, especially for a first time. You write really well. One or two places, the fluidity broke a bit but it wasn't much noticeable. So, I hope to read more from you. Thanks for sharing.
And yeah, congrats for your first like.