Marty

And it's full on here, as well. Woke up yesterday morning to persistent rain, and it's still raining this morning, with at least 13.5mm (over half an inch) of rain forecast for the day, and a maximum temperature of only 12°C (54°F). There's a possibility we might actually see some sunshine again on Tuesday... Stay safe, Albert.

And, as I've said before, you say the nicest things, young Albert.

Well, I don't. I employ someone to do that for me.

I had home made spaghetti bolognese for dinner tonight.

For your bloody what ! ?

And here's a blast from my past....

"Two countries - divided by a common language."

Morning (or afternoon, here), Gary. Been persistently piddling down here all day, so I'm gonna head out and do some shopping. Got some editing to finish when I get back, so I'll chat yous all later.

Greetings, young Albert!

Cheers, Gary!

Thanks.

Thanks, Val

Cheers, Page.

Well it's late Friday night, and I am now 1/4 of the way through my challenge to take and upload a new black and white photograph every week for 52 weeks...

Hey, Gary! You're more than welcome, bro.

Sure, the rain will help keep the dust down. Hi, clo!

So good, you said it twice!

Hello, young Albert (Hopefully you can see this with your zero visibility...)

My feeling is that the story ended at just the right place.

Ditto!

I'll be truthful and say that once I realised what the background was behind this short story I very nearly stopped reading, if only because it's a trope I've come across before and it doesn't usually work for me. However, @Headstall managed to grab my attention early on and hold onto it until the end. Two lost souls come together one evening. Trent is willing to take a chance, but Armie is reluctant as he feels it can't work. As the pair talk, and I learnt more about what has brought each of them to this point in their lives, I found myself liking each of them more and more. I'm not usually one to give spoilers in story comments so, if you want to find out whether Arnie's walls finally crumble (to use the metaphor that @Headstall uses in the story synopsis), you'll just have to read the story for yourself. I think you will enjoy it.

When I realised this was going to be another of those "Client falls for trick" type stories, I wasn't sure I would enjoy it. But you pulled me in, Gary, and I found I couldn't stop reading.

Hi, Page!

Eejit!