northie

Wow! What an amazing piece of writing which totally messed with my head. Once the deception was revealed, I had to go back to the beginning a couple of times so that I could understand the full effect of your word play. His view of himself was honest and unflinching; I was very happy that in the end he could not only accept who he was but revel in it.

armour

Reims, France

I can only ever look on from the outside for this subject as I'm not a writer. I respect Cole's wish for personalised tributes but I think this will be difficult to achieve. Relatives of the dead may not want to give the details necessary; the living may not want to be that directly involved and trying to match authors with people would I think, be very tricky. Having 102 pieces written about the tragedy as a whole or focussing on particular aspects would be more possible. Would it be a virtual collection or would it have a physical component? Anything involving an actual print run is going to involve a substantial financial commitment and as W_L comments, sponsors would have to be found. Or, crowdfunding might be a possibility? It would be a fitting tribute, perhaps to appear on the first anniversary? But this sort of project needs someone (or a small group) to take ownership and push it forward.

It may be short but it is very effective. It's not Narnia but an alternative universe with a preferred life (and a preferred lover?). A strong sense of paths not taken. What would the woman see?

Maybe we should move this idea into a new thread where it will be more visible?

Ullapool, Scotland (You don't believe in making life easy, Reader )

unassuming

Written with such fiery, proud defiance. Profoundly moving. It was a privilege to be able to read this.

Ere

For those who died, other lives continuing to be lived to the full and being celebrated and accepted is the only response. For those who survived, I hope they will continue their lives without guilt. For those who were bereaved, I am at a loss to imagine their pain and suffering.

The triumph of hope over experience? It has to (somehow) otherwise life would be miserable. Music has such a powerful pull on emotions - wanted and unwanted. I'm glad Imagine is providing you with some solace and hope, Carlos. Best wishes, again!

York, UK

win! (Or not ... )

receptive

flower

Inverness, Scotland

Aberdovey, Wales

nap

usurer

Not only does the have the best tunes, he has the best characters. Depicting 'goodness' is tricky and I found myself siding with the stroppy, uncouth, mouthy imp. Bureaucracy is hell; hell is bureaucracy – I loved this aspect particularly! The partnership is unlikely but, as these things usually work, they gradually work together better. I enjoyed this immensely - more, please!

I loved this. The back chat and literal-mindedness of the imp had me reading with a broad grin. The games seemed provoking and impish but not malevolent until suddenly Druella finds the tables turned. Moreish!

methane

It is pretty obvious that the box is significant: valuable, curious, old? When it is opened, a tale is told through objects: of an attraction (love?) not acted upon. Who'd kept the things? Johnny? If so, why hadn't he used the train ticket but still kept it? Gary and I were left to ponder on what might have been. The choice of things and how they each contributed to that story was so well done (I particularly liked the snake …). A parallel between the two couples was subtly highlighted. Were there others?

Truro, Cornwall