Geron Kees

Thanks. I did consider what would need to be done if this had been a real situation, and it brought some very interesting things to mind, especially with regards to food. I think the need to horde whatever you found into one location you could guard would be natural, but the reality would be that doing so would not be safe. Having food stored multiple places would secure you against losing it all at once should you also lose control of the storage place. I decided on the character of Jack in the role of 'wise old head', because even though a young man himself, he was older than the kids and had the experience of fighting zombies in the city. Jack is kind of a cheat, really, a way to have the kids already a little 'zombie smart' as the story begins. I think most of us know or have known at least one person in our lives that seems almost over-endowed with common sense and clear thinking. That's Jack. He decided to fortify the town store and leave the bulk of the food there, and only bring back enough to the camp to have on hand as a back up. The risk is losing the store in town to roving survivors, but that would be something they would spot on approach to the town, and serve as a warning. And if they somehow lost control of the camp, they would still have the food in town. And, for real, Jack really didn't worry too much about a lot of other survivors. From what he had already seen before he'd arrived with Mom from the city, he just didn't think there would be all that many survivors to contend with.

I can't say without telling, so I won't! Thanks for the kind words.

I've been around long enough to be a Romero fan, and to enjoy episodes of some of the newer TV shows like Walking Dead. My brother is an extreme fan of zombie flicks, and you can't have it in the family without being exposed. So I am a fan by proxy, if nothing else. Glad you have enjoyed the beginning. Just hope you still feel the same at the end!

Sad chapter. Obviously, both Chase and Hank are in pain. Chase is further along in dealing with it, while Hank is still groping his way. It's unpleasant for both. But that they still love each other seems clear. As always, you're doing a wonderful, sensitive job of telling this tale. Bravo!

I liked them both, but especially the second one, and how the titles suggest that one leads into the other.

Nope. That's not the line I was referring to! Shhh!

If fifty hefty lefties gifted Nifty with thrifty whiffs of sticky, would Nifty slick the trick and make the reader's prick a stiffy?

Shhhh! You are touching way too close to a current story idea! ☺️

Disappoint? You? Haha! Let's be reasonable!

I feel ya on the winter sentiments. Yet I was just talking to a friend of mine in Queensland, Australia, and he was talking about the awful heat and humidity they were experiencing there. It made me consider whether I would like to trade my cold, gray days for his hot, steamy wet ones...and, surprisingly, I decided I'd rather not. Winter has its place, too. It's great for sharing time with others, and for fun indoor activities, like sitting by the fire and writing. Good poetry, for instance.

Ah, sisters! Cindy has really been supportive. The mac and cheese from Mom's recipe box was a wonderful idea, and a great boost for Chase. Dr. Chorney is earning his money, too. There seems to be enough thinking going on among the players here now for me to suspect a positive outcome to all this. I mean, Rex needs both his daddies! Let's be reasonable!

When you have sadness in your life, you have to find the root of it and deal with it. Chase may be on his way to dealing with some of that. I like Dr. Chorney. Good listeners make good advisers. Now we have to see if Chase has heard enough from his own innards to start acting on it in a more positive fashion. Very good chapter, Gary. I won't even make the obvious joke about pillow talk.

Hey, here's a surprise! I read this one when it was in the challenge at Iomfats, but it was just as fun the second time around (where have I heard that expression before? ). Another chapter wouldn't hurt. There's room for more. Inspiration time!

Wow. Chase is his own worst enemy, it seems. I do sympathize with Hank, but he also is a little rigid in his attitude. He has a right to be angry, but Chase is obviously damaged goods, and you cannot expect someone not totally in control to always go the way you want. It looks like Hank doesn't want to forgive, but can't just walk away, either. He's been looking out for Chase too long just to make a clean break. And Chase doesn't want to lose Hank, but seems unable to produce the right tools to try to fix the mess he is in. Complicated at the moment, and not enough info to make a judgment either way. Guess that means I need more chapters!

A very nice New Year's treat! Always enjoy your stories, Gary, but especially when you're bringing people together! Happy New Year!

Great read! These two seem a natural couple already.

Like what you have here so far. The two mains are appealing guys. Feels like a live-action gay sports joke, alright!

Likable bunch so far. This one is off and running.

Thanks, Gary. But I am a long way from Santa Claus. I'm more like Max, except taller.

Ohmigosh! You have moth balls? I can't make a comment on that here in a public place!

Auggie doesn't have crystal balls! Ivor said HE had crystal balls! That's MUCH more interesting than having a magical feline character have crystal balls! Uh...isn't it?

Yes! I'm still thinking about your comment about having crystal balls!

Happy New Year! Hope we all have our wishes fulfilled!

That's what crystal balls are for, right?

I never said that Auggies reproduce at all. But let's assume they do. It makes for better storytelling! Pon Farr? Ohmigosh! I have to pretend I don't know what you mean. I'm not a Vulcan, after all! People might think I'm a nerd or something if I admit to knowing! I'm a writer, Jim, not a Trekkie!