Mancunian

A beautiful story of an unexpected lasting friendship. A recommended read, but keep the tissues handy.

Such a beautiful story of an unexpected but strongly forged friendship. Yes the ending is sad, but the wolf dies a natural death not one of violence and is treated with the respect he deserved from his human friend.

@Albert1434 you are right Danny is very lucky, he has great foster parents, now he has the support that all children should have. As for JJ, well it's possible he will pop out of the woodwork at some point in the future, we'll just have to wait and see.

Thanks for the compliment, I do my best. Yep that's the first hurdle overcome, later could be a different story, or could it?

The use of Polari in the story helped to give it more of an edge and added to its authenticity. As you said there is more to Polari than you included but there is not enough on the internet to research it properly, what you did include was nicely done and correctly used.

Thank you for your kind comments, I hope I can continue to keep you interested and entertained. The Major has his own issues which are yet to be uncovered, his background story is Lost Soul - The Ox, and doesn't feel worthy of other peoples friendship, care or attention, but in Judy he's met his match and secretly admires her. With Ian and Kevin he is reaping the rewards of his own selfless actions, just as he 'looked out' for them in the past they want to do the same for him in the future.

There is always something happening in The Boot, no different to any other shelter. Hopefully Beccy and Jim's future will get better, and hopefully everything goes well for John. All will be revealed in following chapters. 🤞

Thank you for the comments, it's great to read them. What happens in the next chapter will tell you if The Major will stay, I think you may like it.

The Major is a tough old boot, and I say that with respect for him, but illness can affect all us in different ways. The next chapter tells us a lot.

This is another fantastic batch of anthology entries that has content of quality, each one is excellent in its own right. Thank you to all of the contributing authors. Now back to twiddling my thumbs till next Thursday, lol.

A very realistic look back at one of the darker parts of UK history. There is humour, there is sadness, but above all there is realism. Well written and told, this should be a compulsory read.

It's a heart wrenching story of one of the darker points of our history here in the UK, if anything it probably played down just how bad it could be for gay men of the time. I heard stories of some of it from a few of my late father's friends, it's not till I grew older did I really understand how bad their lives were as a result of it. I think this story helps to tell their stories and helps us of a younger generation appreciate what they had to endure in the name of love and trying to live their lives. Many committed suicide rather than face court or prison. By writing this story you have told the story of many men of that generation and given them a voice, for that I thank you. Even some of the 'Larry's' of this story were victims, while some did what they did out of a twisted sense of duty other's were threatened and blackmailed by threats of exposure and imprisonment forcing them to commit these heinous acts. Being gay and sentenced for these 'crimes' would have been bad enough for any man in prison, to be an ex-policeman would likely have been a death sentence for them. Some of those 'Larry's' even tipped off potential victims of the 'sting' putting themselves at risk.

A great story told through the eyes of reminiscence, not of the relationship but the build up to the relationship, unique and brilliant. More than worth the read it's highly recommended.

Hooked? I took the bait of reading the first few paragraphs and couldn't let go. I love the way the story was told through reminiscing, it's true celebration of the relationship. But there were a few points where I wanted to bang their heads together and make them get a move on, dumb pride sometimes has a lot to answer for and in this case it delayed the inevitable, but it all come good in the end. A really good enjoyable story.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings, and what GA means to you, I'm more than sure that there are others who can identify with parts of your journey in life so far and finding GA. I've been lucky in that I had it easy and never experienced difficulties with acceptance from my family, my only difficulty was accepting myself but even then I had the support of my family. GA means something different to many of us, but whatever it means it is important to us. That is because it is more just a website, it is a community and one where very member is valued. I look forward to your future contributions to our community for many years to come.

A beautiful and heartwarming look into the future of two older gentlemen, read it and you will see why use term beautiful. A story to put you in a good mood and give hope.

A beautiful story of memories and love, my wish for all of us is that we get to experience it first hand.

A brilliantly written hopeful look into the future that is inclusive and encompasses so much it's a testament to skilful writing. It warrants more than the five stars that I rate it. My advice? Read and enjoy.

I always think after reading one of your stories that you can't top this, but when I read the next one I find that you have, and here you are doing it again. I love the look into a more inclusive future, as usual it's a realistic look by pointing out that not everywhere has reached the same level of acceptance, and you always balance it by a thought provoking look back to important events of the past. Thank you for yet another an excellent well written story.

We are often told simple is best, well this is simplicity at its best. Five simple short poems that can help you remember or make you think, or even both depending on your own experience. I found reading this a thought provoking and enjoyable experience.

I could not have put it better, often those simple memories of 'firsts' can mean more to us that the some of the important events marked in history.

I like it, it expresses the simple hopeful dream that many of us wake with every day.

A expression of frustration that many can relate to when a business comes to an end. The bosses drive away with their pockets full while the loyal workers walk away with little or nothing. Why? The last line - in suitably small print almost ignored - explains, they didn't move with the times, 'too old ideas and lofty ambitions while real potential has gone to waste.' Thought provoking, it lingers in your mind.

A simple, but sad, reflection on the difficulties of remembering the past and yet trying to let go and move on. Nicely done.

To me this sounds like someones realisation that love does exist, I like it.