I've been reading Stephen King's novels since high school (around 1982) ever since my mom bought a copy of THE STAND. While his books have always had that emotional impact to its readers,even the horror novels, probably none so much leaves one sad and having lumps in their throats after reading THE LAST RUNG ON THE LADDER. Its impact lingers long after you finish reading the short story and sometimes strikes home to its readers because some of us in one way or another,probably failed too in our promises to a sibling or a close friend which sometimes ends in tragedy like the story. Classic Stephen King. Scaring the hell out of us and wrenching our hearts too.