MikeL

Those spell checkers make a lot of mistakes. Sometimes they do no more than insure that the wrong word is spelled correctly (e.g., "loose" vs. "lose").

Great chapter, Cliff! Thanks. You really eased off the cliffhangers this time. Are you taking the hint from your most vociferous readers or are you beginning to feel the vertigo that comes from such a long time on the edge of the precipice? If that volcano wasn't still with us, I would be tempted to issue a you-know-what. Three cheers for Cliff James everybody!

Jack, I was glad to find the full chapter this morning. I really enjoyed it and know Splash on the Web will be another great story. I don't know what to make of Rory and have to wonder if Ed isn't Rory in disguise. Did he drug Thad? Probably. Just what are his plans for getting back at Harvey and how sinister can he be? Will Thad recover in time to start his new gig? When will Thad and Bryan meet? I have many more questions and eagerly await chapter 2.

Cliff, one of my very distant cousins thinks he has found the answer to your chemistry question. There is one problem: the answer is written on the face of a cliff about 200 feet below the top of the 1,000 foot precipice. Happy landings!

There's another side to this issue. If you really love someone or really want to develop a closer relationship with someone, you might try dropping the bad habit even if he has not yet raised the subject. What better way is there to demonstrate your love for him than to sacrifice your personal comfort for his. I've been there and have done that. It worked for me. I get much more pleasure out of sex than I ever got from a cigarette. There's a bonus: I've outlived most of my friends who didn't give up smoking. I agree with you completely on one thing. Others should either deal with your smoking or move on and not force or "guilt" you into quitting. In this day and time, I suspect most will move on.

CJ makes most of his errors due to nervousness brought on by peering over the next cliff. For many authors, the errors arise from a lack of attention to their work. Most of them know the grammar rules, spelling, etc., but don't take the time to review. Most of us readers, tend to insert the correct word, spelling, or punctuation and never notice the error; we know subconsciously what the author intended to say. Our education system bears a lot of the blame by not emphasizing the grammar rules. Teachers want students to express their thoughts and emotions and overlook the fact that what is put down on paper may be incomprehensible. Insisting that students comply with all the rules may injure their precious little psyches. Schools, at least in the US, should institute an EFL curriculum. That's English as a first language. As for the bonus points, all I can see is that BlueSox may have intentionally used "in" rather than "or"; the description should read "Do they speak English or What?"

Living dangerously, Jamie.

Good picture, Jamie. Keep smiling.

Jon...you and Kevin both prefer to live alone but you suggest a merger? Consider the house an investment. Personally, I disagree with all who prefer living alone. Perhaps that's just me. It's not always easy living with someone else, but if you learn from your mistakes and master the art of togetherness, the benefits can be awesome.

Congratulations! Please post an engagement picture.

Just remember the old saying, "A friend in need is a friend I don't need". Or, something like that.

Maybe the four chapter story will be followed by a 30 chapter sequel. Just a thought.

If such a pill became available tomorrow, I would gladly take it. At my age, having been married for nearly 40 years, and with grown children and young grandchildren, I would not consider changing from the "straight" life I have lived. Anything that makes it easier would be welcome. If such a pill had been available 50+ years ago, I would definitely have taken it. I doubt it was easy for anyone growing up in the 1950s, regardless of sexual orientation. Gays had no choice but to stay in the closet. By the time I graduated from high school, I knew of only one openly gay guy. By the time I graduated from college, that number had doubled. A pill would have been an easy way to solve a lot of problems and eliminate a lot of uncertainty.

Another great chapter, Duncan...very well done. The flashback to Luc and Daniel's relationship is very helpful in understanding Luc's current state of mind. I hope he finds the professional help he needs and personal relationships which will bring him back to the joy he once knew. I'm glad Luc's plane finally reached the gate. I was afraid we would have to wait for chapter 9. To anyone who is reading How the Light Gets In with out having read Everyone's Wounded, please read the earlier story first. It will give you a much greater appreciation of Duncan's current work.

I agree with Robbie that it's primarily a matter of trust. You should not violate that trust - or demonstrate a lack of trust - by snooping in your SO's private matters or property. If your SO isn't trustworthy himself, he will demonstrate that in short order. Taylor's snooping crossed the line when he removed a picture from its frame to see if the subjects were identified. Answering the phone was another courtesy or favor he was performing for Luke...and it gave us a most enjoyable part of the chapter, his conversation with Rory.

Maybe...

Great second chapter, Dom. Taylor is learning a lot about Luke...most of it by being a sneak. Loved the phone conversation with Rory.

Your score is: 19 points out of a possible 25 That is 76 % -- Good! Hmmmm. I'm surprised!

I was assuming they couldn't get across or around the volcano to get to the airport. Actually, either side of the volcano could blow away in a big St. Helens style collapse. A tsunami could travel almost any direction from the island.

If they go by boat, they risk being capsized by a tsunami.

Dom, how about Line of Sight for a title? As in a clear, unobstructed view of something. Not bad for a blind guy. Just a thought. I thought Dennis and Travis got out of the bathroom and went grocery shopping. Or, are they back in the bathroom in chapter 25? Hope the migraines go away. I used to have those, too, but they just disappeared; don't know why.

Lemon tree very pretty and the lemon flower is sweet. But the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat. Any other ideas about the use of lemons in combat?

Lemons? We'll have to give that some thought. Lemons aren't exactly a high-tech weapons system. Good chapter, Cliff.

Cliff James has released Chapter 20 of Changing Lanes. The chapter title is "Explanations". Explanations? Well, we will see if the goat has explained more than the new questions he raises. "Explanation separates us from astonishment, which is the only gateway to the incomprehensible." - Eugene Ionesco

Complicated? Yes. But Dennis is still one of the good guys. He just needs for Travis to keep pushing his buttons. I bet Travis will keep pushing. Travis is good for Dennis and vice versa.