Anton_Cloche

A slow painful one, starting in his arm, climbing to his shoulder and slowly squeezing his chest, disabling his ability to call out for help, until his mitral valve seizes and then it's lights out. But before that, his brain struggles to find a solution, until the terror of recognition hits, like a thunder clap. 💔 Does anyone know why GA removed ability to add gifs to comments? Have stripped out and reinstalled app but gifs are gone.

I feel privileged to read this first book by @Sean J Halford, even as it is the 10th Anniversary 'rewrite' of the original Kindle version (which I missed). An author of some reknown said a century ago "The only kind of writing, is rewriting", which he later explained as "improving on the original". That author, then a rookie reporter covering WW-I, was Ernest Hemingway. When reading a first book by any author, my 'editor's eye' has a virtual Blue Pencil (the colour traditionally used by Editors for 'corrections') at hand to 'mark up' anything that needs addressing. Thankfully it did not get used here. Stronger Than Lions is a remarkable story of recovery from devastating personal loss, overcoming adversity, personal discovery and growth. The title also reflects on the remarkable setting that is South Africa. I recommend this for anyone's reading list.

@Ticklishboy30 sorry to hear your "ADHD has been making it hard for me to really sit down and write. To offset it, I've been writing in short spurts". Trust me when I say we will gladly accept whatever you write, whenever you can. Whether in "dribs and drabs", "Short spurts" or the length of "War and Peace"; as your writing and editing are very good! Be well. Take Care. 🫂

If one day 'Karen', aka Frumpty Dumpty, trys too hard to spy over Grandpa's "stone wall", something might befall her, and see her moved into a rest home (God save the other residents). Plus, if she's been that nosy (for years) she would have seen Pops and Gramps during the week.

Unfortunately there is a form of dementia that affects animals. More often in felines than dogs, exhibited by frequently 'circling' before putting head into nearest corner. Our Vet says feline version links with cats who spend anytime outside and come home with mice they've eaten the heads off. Mice are carriers of and transmit a form of BSE - Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (aka “mad cow” disease), which cats get by eating the heads off infected rodents thereby getting 'Feline encephalopathy'. 🐶 Dogs get it less often as they don't normally eat wild animal carcasses, especially heads. 🐺 Wolves, in the wild, have been found with CJD (Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease) from eating brain and nervous system of infected, cattle, sheep and other animals. 🧠 🤯

Bill, given the time restraints you mention, and that of your editors, one suggestion I might offer is use a future chapter (or epilogue) to include a conversation between Mac and Devin talking about trying to find a clothing solution. They agree that because of the different creatures they might 'shift' into, the easiest solution is to simply strip down, hide their clothes best as possible and return to the same spot to shift back into humans and get dressed.

As Ernest Hemingway famously said; “The only kind of writing is rewriting.” Years later in Key West (and Cuba) he clarified that statement as experience stemming from his time as a reporter writing for The Toronto (Daily) Star covering World War 1 in 1920 (and his editor demanding rewrites). Much of his experience resulting in his iconic 'A Farewell to Arms'. 'If you imagine a piece of content to be like a block of raw material a sculptor might work on — that raw material needs to be chipped away at and ‘shaped’, until it looks right.'

Time for perspective. 99% of indigenous tribes (across North America) cut off 'support payments, medical coverage etc. to 'non-native' spouses when tribal partner dies. This was done 50+ years ago to protect 'limited resources' tribes had at that time. HOWEVER, since 1979 'Seminole Tribes Inc'. and their 'gaming enterprises' (they own 6 of 7 major Fla casino operations), have seen explosive growth in their income. They have net holdings in excess of $10 BILLION (bn), and $2.5bn in net annual income. - - - Was Martina wrong? Yes, especially if Charlotte's money did not provide an annual income and benefits for Martina as manager / director of the refuge, which it should have (by law).

Wonderful new chapter @Altimexis. Plenty of updates, information and flashbacks, to catch us up to with all the guys. Just disappointed that yet again someone in their tight-knit group is seriously injured after being attacked. Looking forward to more (with apologies to Armistead Maupin) tales from the city.

Maybe Rhy can find a couple of thèse original mint condition cast 'golden' Eagle* emblems for Ian's restored 4x4 birthday present from his parents. Something to make his 'spirit' soar. Another wonderful chapter @Ticklishboy30. * purists may quibble that the Golden Eagle 'cast' metal emblems are from the 1985 AMC Golden Eagle, but they really look nice on It's 'parent' company Jeep.

If you are familiar with the Peanuts comic strip, there is a character we never actually see, referred to as "The Great Pumpkin". An omniscient being. A giant orange-headed being looming over everything and everyone that some see as scary. Does that help?

Wait, still scary in 2024?

WOW @chris191070 a great, one chapter HEA story. Perfect for a 'humpday' (For those unfamiliar with the term, it refers to Wednesday being the middle day of the week, ergo 'Over the Hump'. Oh crap, I sound like Vincent 🙄.) 🤣

Thank you for this chapter @JLynch Hmm, Carey has (yet again) found himself being led around by his ... hormones (you thought what?). Being seduced and preyed upon (yet again) by another 'controlling' person. Not the 'hunter' Harper, but someone who's very name oozes seduction, entrapment and addiction ... Oxydahl. Universities and colleges both attract and provide a protected breeding ground for these type. I know someone who was lured in by a Psychology Prof (at a leading university in a 'national capitol'), who used his position and skills (subliminal hypnosis and others) to seduce and sexually abuse students. When disclosed, the University closed ranks to protect tenured staff and its reputation (and donors) from investigation and litigation. Local police were blocked or discouraged when an 'alphabet' intelligence agency hid/expunged details of the professor's activities under guise of "National Security" as the Dr. did 'work' for them. In the end, the student / patient was discredited and endured years of problems. Because 'his' complaint came to light during the 'Me Too' years, not one law firm paid serious attention or was prepared to accept a young male claiming sexual abuse. 🚫 ⚖️ 4 👦

Thank you @Robert Hugill for this chapter in the continuing (and developing) story of Brian, Toby & Gordon. Seems vacance en France was good time for all. Either Arman is a semi-regular driver for Russ, and used to his 'activities', or just nonplussed. Looking forward to where it goes next, although I expect some dreary Dierdre (legal?) involvement as a permanent decision needs to be sorted for Toby. Perhaps a larger home for the BTG family? With garden, close* to river or wetlands for Toby to discover; courtesy of Russ (preferably without strings attached). * Something near a river (but not on a 'once in 500-year' UK flood plain. Been there, learned hard lesson).

Okay, so @CincyKris delving into Egyptology has found some possible links to Grey's nightmares / dreams and cries of "Solar". Also uncovered are links between Grey, Dave and Mark that seem to explain much of what has been occurring vis-à-vis the 'curse'. The last two chapters seem to be knocking on the door to 'The Twilight Zone' with Clara's behaviour. An amazing explanation of what is going on now would be nice, but instead we get Maio 'talk' that is spread a little thin over a sandwich of magic 🍄 ?

And just like that, Apollo is gone ... to Portland? He and Carey connect in that most intimate of ways, and poof? Because of a job (dancing / rentboy) to pay the bills and not be homeless? But perhaps it's just for the summer? Perhaps Apollo will return, and with his apparent math abilities Carey could get him tested and vetted for admission to university. Despite Apollo saying “I never graduated from high school, dude,” he can test for his GED and get started on a teaching degree? "... Pass before my eyes a curiosity? Dust in the wind. All they are is dust in the wind." Is life meaningless and do our dreams and passions really mean nothing?

In this chapter, the trip to France was more taxing than they imagined what with roadway delays (always) and the less than enchanting 'maison'. Thankfully Toby is less 'screen' oriented than the usual teenager. I think Gordon, Brian and especially Toby should be in no rush for Russ! His arrival (and agenda) may be cause for great concern and maybe some unwanted changes. Some of which could threaten the family. (Let's not give dreary Deirdre any ideas). 🐞

A HEA. Or is it? Harry's "For just a moment, a very short moment, I got the worst headache I had ever had in my life. Then it was gone as quickly as it had come", is symptomatic of brain aneurysm that can turn deadly, quickly. An excruciating, sudden-onset headache known as thunderclap headache (TCH) is a medical emergency, very different from more common headache like migraine. If you develop TCH, you should call 911 or immediately go to the closest hospital. Often (but not always) accompanied by sudden, severe neck / shoulder or arm pain. IF reported immediately an MRI may detect the bulging blood vessel and intervene to save a life. Unfortunately, that is rarely the outcome.

7 hours ago, @drown said: I'm just a puppet for these characters. @Tris : The characters have chosen their Puppet well! So who is pulling the strings (or has a hand up puppets 🍑?) (Lest someone correct, yes technically first is marionette not puppet).

A different multi-Pack leader named Sebastian would have put Grey's 'sire' down for the garbage he is, for killing humans (hikers) for sport and drawing attention to 🐺🐺 needlessly, and being bad in general. Just saying. Shifting back to your story, a riveting chapter, although, one step forward then 3 years back, raising even more questions. Granted it fills in some blanks to provide 'possible' reasons behind Grey's actions. But when are the next handful of (43 remaining) chapters going to drop? "Look into my eyes. So hungry..."

Sticks and Stones may break my bones but faux silver chains will never bind me. (With apologies to ?). ⛓️ 🛑 🐺 ?

Sorry but the Stones said it better, first 35 years before Coldplay used that line in Fix You in 2005? Beatrice revealed on Grey's 15th birthday, that when he was in his mother's womb, she tried to remove "the curse", but only had enough power to save one pup, and spent 15 years trying to make up for that. Did the pup she couldn't save from being cursed, die in the womb? Was Theodore his twin 🐺 ? That would explain when Grey's mother said: "Happy Birthday, Grey. 15 today,” she said. Her smile seemed sad, and her eyes had a longing, distant look. Keep up the great writing. (So far no errors that caught my 'Editor's Eye'.

For this good start to Secrets-2, and the return of Devin and Mac to CSU Fort Collins for University 2nd year, you earn an 'A' Bill. It seems Mac will be the more serious of the pair, especially when it comes to their special abilities. It's not that Devin is irresponsible, but his impulsiveness can come with a price if they are discovered (and Barry is trying to solve a problem); and that 'price' not only puts the 'boys' at risk, but also family and other's (tribal). But, if not for Devin's impulsiveness, that young boy on the 'Zoom Drop' ride at Lakeside Amusement Park (real place in Denver) would have plunged 15 stories to his death. Caution must be on Devin and Mac's mind, all the time. And yes guys, invest in stretchy 'super' clothes.

Sticking with football analogies, Roy and Cory's are both carrying the ball and the scrimmage resulted in a first down, and no flags were thrown. As for Roger and Beth, backfield in motion and pass interference. No one's crossed the goal line ... yet. 🏈