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Hmm... I suspect this is a lot darker than many of your fans will be expecting. Don't get me wrong - it's good, very good, but pretty grim. Whether the only way is up, I'll be interested to find out.

A 'slice of life' story rarely has any kind of 'closed' ending, never mind an HEA. It is a very satisfying conclusion though, with the split becoming real and new lives to be lived. Thanks, Gary.

Thank you for reading.

Does it really matter? I can say without hesitation, I have no idea.

I do believe you're in the wrong story for that. But, since you ask, here's a link: https://culture.pl/en/article/the-12-dishes-of-polish-christmas

Thanks, Val. It was one of those that just flowed. As you say, perfect for Christmas.

As I've noted before, night, darkness, and the world at sleep are such wonderful themes for your poetry. With this in mind, you'll understand why number 2 speaks to me. And do I spot some more kimos? You make these snapshots a signature of yours. Thank you for your Christmas gifts. 💖

The kiss reminded him of chemistry lessons in school, when if the right two elements were put together, they’d explode. Alan leaned forward to peer at the TV screen, drinking in the men's beauty, their ardour and sexiness, and the rightness of it all. Even his faded, ancient corduroys momentarily felt tighter in the crotch. Then a lifetime's worth of regrets, hidden secrets, and loneliness welled up; tears oozed out, one by one, until slow rivulets flowed down the lines in his face. A gropin

There's no other site I visit multiple times a day, pretty much every day without fail. [I don't do most social media. ] And there are multiple reasons why that is so: @Myr, admins, authors, readers (visible and not) all contribute to a community which has helped change my life. And of course, there are those friends I've made here as well.

Or in my case, a reminder that the sun still exists. And there was a time when it didn't rain every day.

And thank you, dear friend. ❤️

Thanks, Val. It's more gloom and darkness here.

Long sunlit days lighten my soul I marvel at dragonflies, their bejewelled Brilliance reflected in so many blooms Leaden skies threaten and lower Winds howl their fury, rain slashes down Nature’s rage let rip Alas, this too is summer now ~~~~~~ On a sunlit terrace, lunch is served Wood pigeons feast on glossy seeds, a robin sneaks morsels away But all leave the table when the finicky squirrel arrives. The dinner menu attracts new guests Meal worms are the star attracti

Thank you! I enjoy writing females who stand up for themselves and for others. As for Aaron... whatever his level of repentance now, it doesn't take away the fact that he did those things.

Age difference is still a bit of a taboo, isn't it? Whether it's between the couple, or from those looking on. Good for Trevor - he's just going for the guy he likes regardless.

That's an interesting way of describing it. I know what you mean though. It seemed right.

No And no again...

@lomax61 Thank you for a detailed and thought-provoking comment. Feedback from readers is something I love about writing, and that's regardless of whether the thumbs are up or down. I don't do sugar-coated endings, especially for this 'slice-of life' kind of story. And given both men are only at the start of something else, it would've made even less sense than on other occasions. Your thoughts about Aaron made me pause. I confess to not actively planning out the why's and wherefore's of Aaron's actions the day after. If I were to speculate, I'd say he feels the same kind of urge as Malcolm ie to tell someone. Why his manager? He certainly couldn't turn to any of his co-workers. The other reason might be to confess rather than wait nervously for Malcolm's possible accusations and subsequent disciplinary action. The fact of the photos being taken, I think, would be key to this. Anyway, that's rather after the fact. Do those work for you? Malcolm is rather like this author who could only make sense of their life when the appropriate vocabulary and situations became known.

I am so pleased you took up the suggestion (not mine) to write a full calendar of kimos. You manage the motionless snapshot effortlessly - at least, it reads that way. Favourites? February definitely. I imagine the shovels' owners doing exactly the same thing. And July, I think. There is something about a playing pitch in July (be it baseball or cricket) which seems timeless. Congratulations, these are great.

Something's happened to the original image? @Renee Stevens might know.

Tim, in theory, only 'promoted' authors can add banners to their stories. I know there have been the occasional exceptions, but that's my understanding.

Me, I need the last reel to explain wtf's been going on with the preceding however many.

Yes, those irritating, slice-of-life things with no proper conclusion... Thanks, dugh.

There are always different shades in something like this. It can vary from simply wearing trousers and flat shoes through to mimicking exactly male dress. And yes, it has been a fight for women to (re)gain control over what they wear.

Thanks, dugh.