Headstall

Thank you, centex! This chapter really had to work for the story to work. There was no gunfight in my previous westerns, but it was necessary for this one, and to tell you the truth, it was fun. I always try not to be cliche, but sometimes it just fits. Thankfully, Virgil has some speed. Lucas was a fool. He let his jealousy get to him, and an observant Virgil pushed him enough he spilled the proverbial beans. I think one of the biggest revelations was that this gang of rustlers wasn't Mexican at all... rather a mix of bad guys bleeding a town dry. Outlaws often banded together in those times because there was safety in numbers. Yeah, Wyatt is only safe for the time being. Hatred and prejudice don't go away overnight. But Virgil is a hero to this town, so they should be able to leave with no trouble. Thanks again, my friend. Glad you are enjoying this. Cheers!

It's a universal truth, and was probably present when man first stood upright. I don't think Virgil is quite sure what is happening, but he sure seems invested in Wyatt. Is it more than the young man's safety? Methinks something is stirring... and yeah, he is conflicted about that. Thank you, my friend. It feels good to have readers commenting on a story of mine again. It's been too long. Cheers!

Someone rustled them there hills, I reckon. Thanks, doc, for the kind words. I thought it was time for another western. Cheers!

That fourth chapter was the end of it, buddy. There's no more to come.

Two great poems that I can relate to. One giving a finger, and the other raising a glass. Well worth a read and a mulling over. Cheers!

A beautiful expression regarding one of the realities of life. Some leave us unexpectedly, and we are left behind to remember. Another lovely poem, Val. I found this one quite touching. Cheers!

You go, Gurl! Compared to me you are still pooping yellow. Love this poem, Val. Sometimes we have to give aging the finger and carry on... if we open our eyes in the morning, we're winning.

One of the most engrossing stories I've read this year. Yes, the subject matter is difficult at times, but the author is masterful in painting a realistic portrait of a family in crisis in an easy-reading style. Mental illness touches us all, and it can turn lives upside down in some truly horrendous ways, but Kbois manages to provide balance in this story. That is a commendable achievement, and I recommend you see for yourself what I'm talking about. Cheers!

Whoa! Searingly realistic and skillfully written. I was not expecting this, but I was completely engrossed in Shay's journey. I've delved into depression, but nothing like this endeavor. You paint the ups and downs in brilliant primary colors and somber grays. It was hard not to dislike Shay's mother and the damage she did to her husband and child, yet logic told me her illness was what we and they were seeing. In some ways this was brutal to read, yet there was balance here in the support given by Andy and Tori. And there was Dad, a saint if I ever I saw one (his recollection of his marriage's early years to Shay was heartbreaking in showing what he lost). And then there was Griffin. Ending with them possible reuniting was a masterful stroke. It allowed me to feel some of the relief Shay experienced when their mother died. I commend you on a job very well done, Kbois. Cheers... Gary....

It's been four years since Virgil lost his lover, Norrie. He's definitely feeling something. As great as their talk was, and how beautiful it was to see Wyatt open up, we don't really know what he's feeling, other than a physical attraction. But, yes, no matter what, Wyatt needs to leave that town before he gets killed. I admit... that ending was a bit of a cliffhanger. Glad you're loving this, buddy. I know you like westerns as much as I do. Cheers!

Thank you, Albert. You are way too kind, but don't ever stop. I will keep trying to provide magic when I can.

Lol. Writing westerns brings the kid out in me, so I'm glad I have company, Bill. The dialect is something I've developed over time with the westerns I've previously written, and I even think in it now. I must keep reminding myself not to go too far with it, so it pleases me you think I have it down. In all honesty, I soon saw this story could be a novel, but I really wanted to support the 20th anniversary anthology, so I curtailed my enthusiasm. Hopefully it works well as a shorted story. Thanks for the kind words... much appreciated. Cheers!

Thank you, Albert! Wyatt is used to this kind of work, but we'll see what kind of effect Virgil has on him. Will he open up more, or continue to keep his pain private? There was real tension in the bar shortly after he arrived... lol... dead men too dumb to come out of the rain. That's funny... and true. I'm pleased you could taste the dust in the air, and that you felt the attraction Virgil had for Wyatt. Lord knows this town could use some fun. Appreciate the support and the kind words, my friend. Cheers!

I have a four chapter western in the anthology that has posted, if anyone is interested...

Pretty. Aloha, Albert.

I've heard that about him... he's young, so...

A lovely short story, well baked by the author. I recommend you take a few minutes and read this sweet offering. Cheers!

This story was as sweet as a piece of cake, Adi. I loved how a life is described through cake over the years. Might I call this story fateful, that they were meant to meet and have those ten candles... err... years together. Not enough is written about men of a certain age, and I always find such stories a real treat. Well done, and unusually presented. The ingredients were delicious! Cheers!

Virgil definitely likes Wyatt, but how much is he willing to risk for him? They've only just met, and not in the best of circumstances. The Old West is unpredictable, but there is nothing wrong with hoping. Cheers!

I just had to include Lottie. The conversation between Virgil and Wyatt was an important one to get right, and I hope that I did. Both men showed trusting the other... particularly Wyatt, who disclosed his shame with such vulnerability. It's no wonder Virgil wants to help him. He sees the whole picture now, and understands that Wyatt is living on borrowed time in that godforsaken town. All I can say is read on, my friend. There be a storm coming. Thanks for another thoughtful comment, Terry. Cheers!

Thanks, buddy! Things are happening fast... no doubt about it.

It is, isn't it? Gaydar might be a contemporary word, but I truly believe it has always been in existence. Thanks, Dan, for reading and commenting. I hope you are enjoying this little western. Cheers!

A lot happens in this chapter, but the most important thing to me was the trust that is building. Wyatt has had a terrible life, but as Virgil noted, there is no hardness to him. There is strength in that fact, and Virgil appreciates it. Wyatt needed badly to hear the stuff Virgil had to say, and I give the man credit for caring enough to help him out. That was the best kind of sharing, for sure and certain. The gang of raiders are getting the best of the town, and they are slippery to boot. That is good cause for the meanness of men to come out, and yes, you're right that Virgil's feelings about bible thumpers is just as true now as it was then. Happy you are enjoying the story so far, buddy. Cheers!

What raven1 said. Thanks for the support, Terry. You are a great addition to the GA family with how invested you are as a reader! Trust me... it is appreciated.