Mancunian

But there are many times when you need one. I'm just being nice friendly and helpful. 😃

Corrected it for you. 😃

Thank you @JeffsFort for the update, it is appreciated. I understand Momicality's feelings, but I hope that you have explained to her that Comicality's friends, fans and supporters want to do this for her. It is not an imposition, it is our way of responding to the friendship and support that Comicality has given us over the years. I would like the GoFundMe page to continue after it has reached its current goal, I cannot speak for others but I know my finances can stretch to a couple more donations over the coming months and I'm happy to do it.

Writing a sequel is not as easy as many readers think it is. I have only written one sequel, admittedly that one was easy as it was a natural progression of the overall story that started with a single-chapter short story. I would like to write a further sequel but finding a natural progression and valid storyline to continue with has eluded me so it is unlikely to happen. I have written other stories that are considered 'spin-offs' which I'm happy with, they explore the lives and storylines of characters from the other two stories giving them some background. I feel they complement each other and go well together leaving an opening to expand and more to the base topic that forms the theme of the stories. I think for any author it is for them to decide and there are good arguments for and against sequels. I've described the way I have treated the idea of sequels and 'add-on' stories which works for me. Others may benefit from doing something similar, I know some have as that approach is not unique to me, but others may not benefit from it at all. I believe that it is a decision for authors to make based on what they feel is best for their story, authors should never feel pressured by readers as I feel that will detract from their work. It has been interesting to read what others think and feel, and look forward to reading more opinions from other authors.

Love hits you when you least expect it and now Johnny has discovered it. I understand why Johnny was concerned about some only being interested in his wealth, but it appears Ed is different as he is oblivious to Johnny's wealth. I hope that Johnny can deal with this situation sensitively as it could blow up in his face if he gets it wrong. Will Ed understand or will he be offended by Johnny's deception? Only time will tell, I guess we will find out in the following chapters.

Thank you for taking the time to read this story, Paul. I'm happy that you enjoyed it.

Aloha Albert, sorry I didn't reply earlier, I was at the hospital. All is as good as it can be thanks, how are things at your end.

If I tried that I'd scare everyone away, lol.

Hi Terry. The news about Thailand is great, I hope you and Aod, and all of the gay people in Thailand, enjoy the celebrations. I noticed that some have already started planning their weddings. What do you think of Albert's posts about Headstall's paddock. 😃

It's good to know that Clay's relationship with Billy is based on love for each other without any influence. Let's hope Johnny can find the same, but at least for now his first time was something for him to remember as a good experience.

Albert, you should seriously consider author status and post these. What you are writing is beautiful and fascinating. 👏 👏

As you and others have noted, very few people will miss Bill, the world is probably better off without him. Mr P is in the hands of the police which puts him where we all want him, behind bars. Jeff leads a good team, what he can't do someone else often can and will do, and Kenny is in good hands.

Offences of this nature are always investigated, as much as many people like to hear of this type of prison justice, it is still against the law. However, at the time this was set (late 2000's, early 2010's) it would not have been a priority investigation, possibly remaining unsolved.

Ian and Kevin love The Major unconditionally and will do anything for him, luckily he ran into Peter first and he was a great help. By working in the convenience store in Piccadilly Gardens he will have seen many things that will give him an insight, no doubt that is what prompted him to help the lads. The help JJ needs is specialist help, hopefully, he will get in the unit he is going to spend a short time in. Danny will be okay, he is in the best place he can be, a loving home with a loving family who will support him.

The only time I've allowed a reader's comment to influence a story was when a reader asked how The Boot got its name. That was when I was writing The Boot Three Years On, I knew in my mind how it came about and decided not to answer the question in the comments. I answered the question in a chapter by one of the characters experiencing a flashback which explained in detail how the name came about. Luckily I managed to pull it off and it did enhance the story for the readers without changing the story that was planned, it was a 'one-off' that I would never consider again as it could so easily have gone the other way and not something I would recommend to anyone. Comments that inspire a follow-up or other stories are different and should only be considered if a writer feels they can do it justice and has something to add.

What can I say? Except, you will need to read the next chapter. 🤐

JJ has had a bad run of luck, I'm not sure it's come to an end yet but he has good people on his side which does help.

Jason's true identity was bound to come out sooner or later, that's the only good thing to come out of his contact with Bill. Bill is a lascivious a***hole, he will get what's coming...one day.

You decide what you think is best and whatever you decide, Carlos will be proud of you and what you have posted, and we will always be grateful.

Maybe we will find out but Kate and Steve's first concern is to get Danny checked over. Sister Judy is doing her share of bullying, but hers is for The Major's own good, lol.

WOW. Albert, I don't know when you dreamt this up but I have got to say, I love it. I could happily read more of it. Thank you for sharing and paying homage to Gary @Headstall, our host, who brought us all together. 👏 👏

I can't argue with either of the quotes you highlight as there is truth in both. In order to make progress sometimes we do need to tear some things down, but this needs to be done with care and never before its replacement is in place. But we also need to look hard as rearing down is not always the answer, very often reorganisation or better understanding is all that is needed. In The Boot's case, all it needed was an open and honest conversation and time.

Jason and Jim's talents are a side of homeless people that many do not see or realise exists, not all homeless people are beggars, many want to work and try to find useful ways to make ends meet. When we see these, or other talents, in homeless people we try to encourage it as it can be a way to help them back into mainstream society, many continue to need ongoing support for it to work. Unfortunately, it is not always successful but it is always worthwhile making the attempt. The only thing I will tell you about The Major and Danny is that appear throughout the story.

As always, like in many other shelters, there is a lot going on with new developments every day. I can't say what will happen except to say there will be good and bad events, much like real life.

There are always adjustments for the staff and guests at these shelters to make, some are easy, other's are not so easy but they happen. How John/Christian, and Beccy and Jim deal with their very different problems will be revealed in future chapters.