Summerabbacat

OMG, who is this impostor? A quietly spoken, confident, queer man, speaking with a steely determination. Surely this cannot be Eric Whitehouse (LOL). I hear Adam's wise counsel and words of encouragement as Eric speaks. Although he may be a reluctant visitor in Andy and Adam's home, he is clearly a welcome one. Brian's apology was heartfelt and welcomed by Eric. The main purpose of the apology was to assure Eric that his revelation did not change Brian's desire to be friends. Still loving this story @northie.

And they are both "delicious" too @Philippe.

You are forgiven, but only because you are the author and you might withhold "favours" if not forgiven (LOL). I don't know many non-Asian people who do like tofu Mark. I invariably will eat some as I am chopping it up, merely dipping it in chilli sauce as I am preparing it to stir fry.

I am almost certain it was vegetarian burgers only @Paladin as I don't like the idea that my burger may be cooked on the same hotplate using the same utensils as those made from meat. I would often go there to get a takeaway burger on a Sunday evening. I vaguely remember it disappeared without any warning, much to my disappointment. I distinctly remember it was run by a couple of lesbians so I felt very comfortable going there.

Adam to the rescue again. A knight in shining armour. I daresay Eric will be crotchety, but he is more self-aware now and tries harder to keep his short fuse in check as he did when he first entered Brian's cafe in the previous chapter. Meal times and the meals themselves at the Harper-Partington household will be different for all parties if compromise is made. There could well be some humorous moments emerge from this. Brian did not surprise with his take charge attitude. He showed Eric with actions rather than words that his revelation he is gay is of no consequence to their friendship.

I don't believe Brian is bigoted; I think he merely got a shock when Eric disclosed he is gay. I don't think it was necessarily the fact Eric is gay which shocked so much as Eric's candour. He had previously discussed with his wife that Eric seemed asexual and that is likely what Brian has always assumed. I expect Brian will take charge of the accident very quickly to ensure Eric is safe. Great work again @northie.

Eric's mind is being challenged and disturbed in ways previously unknown. He acknowledges this is a good thing, even though he is discovering much to upset him. He may find there will be times he will need to distance himself from too much upset though as it may become detrimental to his health, physical and/or mental. Andy's acknowledgment that Eric has woken him up too regarding the plight of members of their community is something of which Eric should be justly proud. The quintessentially English manner in which you tell your stories @northie is one of their greatest attractions. If you ever read the stories of other authors on this site you may wish to have a read of any story penned by your fellow Englishman, @Robert Hugill. His stories are quintessentially English too, and like this one present a slice of life, generally in smaller English towns, which have developed quite a following too.

Seriously delicious. Summerabbacat eats it frequently, even in non-Asian dishes. In summer I will often stir fry some and serve with a simple salad, or as I did the other evening with a plate of stir fried capsicum, avocado and chilli sauce (the avocado was not stir fried). When I lived in Erskineville (an inner city suburb in Sydney) in 1995/96 there was a take away cafe, Cafe Brontosaurus, that I frequented which made these to-die-for tofu burgers on really chunky bread rolls with a home-made satay sauce, lots of salad and the best home-made hot chips. I don't like silken tofu though which is served as a sweet dish, and I hate tempeh.

"He strolled down the path, enjoying the sunshine, looking at the plants on the way. It was so good not to have to watch his feet all the time – though the path still caught the frost like the old one. Eric stopped for a moment at the gate to take a lungful of fresh air." Is this really Eric Whitehouse @northie or an impostor?

Hyacinth Turner is certainly a busy body and very insensitive. She must surely realise Eric is not well off or is she so wrapped up in herself she is oblivious to this. And as for Bella, she should leave her inside when she intends on interrogating Eric. Clearly Bella does not like Eric (or is she like that with all other humans); her sudden lunging at Eric could be enough to knock him off his feet one day. If he were to fall I imagine he could be severely injured, reducing his life further. I like no nonsense Claire. I think Adam's idea of a dinner invitation for her and Eric together is a marvellous idea. I wonder if Eric is one of A Helping Hand's greatest 'success' stories. If so, I wonder if both Eric and Andy would be willing to be interviewed about their experiences in an attempt to obtain more government and/or private funding for the organisation. I love ice-cream, vegan of course, so the bacon flavoured ice cream would be a no-no. I have to say the ice-creams Andy purchased are very unappealing. 🤮🤮🤮 More small town delights @northie.

Stir fried vegetables and tofu with ginger, coriander and a special "Aaron marinade"? That sounds quite tasty @Ivor Slipper. Put that on Charlie Wong's menu @Mark Ponyboy Peters.

Somehow I cannot imagine Eric surfing the net for porn, watching endless videos from Raging Stallion, Hot House or Falcon, or loading his profile onto Grindr or SilverDaddies, but stranger things have happened. Who would ever have thought he would get a computer. In all seriousness though, a site like GA would be ideal for him, one which does not rely upon porn revenue to maintain its existence and has certain limitations on content. "I picked up your laptop a few minutes ago, but I've got to go and see a client before I can come to you. It'll be late afternoon – 'bout four? “I need to get some food in after the engineer has left. I've run out of milk and bread. You'll have your key, so let yourself in if I haven't got back.” Is this really Eric Whitehouse speaking, instructing someone to enter his private domain in his absence, even though he does have a key? Such is the comfort and contentment brought by Eric's friendship with Andy that this is now possible. Crocuses, what a beautiful flower, and for Eric to be surrounded now by such beauty. I believe something as simple as this would lift and soothe Eric's spirits in times of upset or anxiety. More joy from your pen @northie.

She did present rather well in this chapter didn't she, almost human and likeable. Brian's suspicion there may have been a blowup with Jasper has merit as she was less inclined to defend his actions the last time she and Brian spoke. I found humour in this chapter too. I had not noticed it before, but in conversation Deirdre shortens Brian's name to Bri (WTF), and does a lot of snorting (I seem to recall Therese was a snorter too). Their telephone discussion was amicable, almost like two old friends catching up, which makes me even more suspicious Jasper may have outstayed his welcome. If he has become involved in smuggling to any extent and Deirdre has become aware of it, she may have ended their relationship. I doubt she would disclose this to Brian as her pride would likely be wounded. Toby enlisting assistance from Elise is a good idea. Perhaps they can make it a family event; whilst Elise assists Toby, Lin can give Brian some lessons in cooking Korean style.

You rascal @Mark Ponyboy Peters.

A delightful return to the world of Eric, Andy, Adam and an array of "smaller part" characters. Life has improved significantly for Eric since he met Andy and Adam. He has a more positive outlook on life, his social circle has expanded a little and he is moving outside his comfort zone to embrace new things, such as a computer. The only thing which has not changed is the bloody awful weather. People who live in such climates obviously have a far more robust and resilient constitution, both physical and mental, than I possess. If the first chapter is any indication @northie, the journey through Eric, Andy and Adam's life is set to be as enjoyable in this book as it was in its predecessor.

Could this be in Tony and Aaron's future? A wonderful song, performed by many since written in 1937, but I don't know of any version better than the one performed by Peggy Lee, a favourite of mine from the 1950's and 1960's. Perhaps the sprawling white house?

$1.5 million. @Mark Ponyboy Peters started publishing this story on Nifty in March 2020 just as COVID hit big time. $1.5 million would likely have bought Tony a very nice home in Thompsonville then, possibly the sprawling white house on top of the hill which he did not recall previously seeing. I strongly doubt he would be able to buy the same house now for $1.5 million. I find myself agreeing with @Al Norris again, this chapter "appears to be an interlude, a chapter of reflection and possibly, one of hope. While Justin is reserved, Scott appears to be very hopeful that such a reconciliation may occur." I suspect Justin is keeping things close to his chest, and not just because he is generally more reserved than Scott. He is after all, Aaron's closest confidante, the one who likely saw Aaron at his lowest. He obviously feels very protective of Aaron, but at the same time I don't believe he would leave things unsaid if he did not believe there was some hope of a reconciliation between Aaron and Tony. Tony's thoughts in this chapter seemed less melancholic than what they have been to date. He seemed in a much more contemplative mood, looking forward, whilst still taking into account the past. The house on the hill seemed to pique his interest, albeit briefly. @pvtguy's comment he "hopes the meal being delivered includes a side of Aaron...." gave me a great chuckle. A side of Aaron would be far healthier than a side of fries and leave a much more pleasant aftertaste for some time to come. Delightful writing as usual Mark.

Walter's generosity should not go unrewarded. If Captain Jose were to become aware of Walter's generosity of spirit (he is already aware of his generosity of endowment), he may be inclined to provide Walter with some personal generosity of his own. Hot hot hot, smoking hot.

A small cast, a simple story of friendship, light on melodrama. Beautifully drawn characters placed into a variety of situations. A story steeped in reality, the struggle of a retired man with limited financial means and no support systems in place to make life easier or more bearable. Enter his life a young gay man, self-assured, happily coupled and determined to do right by the older man, thinking he knows what is best for him. What unfolds is a thing of great beauty, a real intergenerational friendship between two very unlikely friends.

"Eric didn't usually stay up to see in the New Year – he'd never seen the point. One year had been pretty much like another – dreary, without hope. He was going to this year. Yes, he'd be in bed, waiting for the church clock to strike, but that was enough. Eric smiled to himself. So many changes in so short a time, and more to come. He couldn't wait for what the New Year would bring." Are these the thoughts of the same old curmudgeon who presented himself at the beginning of this most marvellous of stories. The text in bold, especially astonishing given the solitary life Eric has most likely always led. This thought itself would most likely astonish Eric too. What a spectacular transformation. And Andy, still a little forgetful at times, a memory like a sieve, but what a transformation he has gone through too. His thoughts about the joy he and Adam experienced in the afternoon spent simply with Eric, an indication he has come to appreciate the simpler comforts he has attained from his friendship with Eric. What a journey, ably steered by the Captain of the ship, @northie.

The only thing which could have improved Christmas Day lunch at Andy and Adam's would have been the death of one of the attendees. An alcohol infused seizure or heart attack, or perhaps a homicide, but the latter of course would have resulted in problems for the killer(s). Adam's father is loud, obnoxious and self-opinionated. I assume he was at one stage quite different; if not, why did Adam's mother marry him. I had forgotten that in their leisure time Andy and Adam are enthusiastic cyclists. I hope they are careful and wear a helmet at all times. Mrs Turner appears relatively harmless, but her gossiping ways could be problematic for Eric. The old saying loose lips sink ships comes readily to mind. The intent may not be there, but her gossiping about Andy visiting Eric for reasons unknown might add fuel to the accusations of the young hooligans that Eric is a "fag" or a "paedo". Frankly, both Bella and Mrs Turner need to be on a leash, and the latter muzzled as well. Well it is unanimous @northie, Adam's father is as popular with your readers as he is with Adam and his mother. Perhaps you could "borrow" some poison, or an ancient Mesopotamian dagger or some other unusual weapon from Agatha Christie, to improve Adam's father's appeal.

I find Christmas and Easter both, very upsetting and distressing. As a vegetarian, I am revolted by the horror of both celebrations resulting in the mass slaughter of animals on a much larger scale than usual. In addition, Christmas and its immediate aftermath are a terrible time of year for domestic pets, many of whom are adopted by stupid parents for their children because they look cute, only to be abandoned or surrendered shortly thereafter because they are "too much work". Like many, as I age my patience has decreased, and my tolerance of such gross displays of carnivorous behaviour and neglect of animals is very limited. I find it difficult to watch my fellow humans consume meat and if I smell it then I cannot bear to sit near whoever is eating it. As for people who abuse, neglect or abandon domestic animals, I would not be sad if such people met a horrible end, sooner rather than later. I shall climb off my soapbox now and delight in the simple pleasure Eric derived from two phone calls for Christmas and four Christmas cards. He gave a hint of what his childhood was like, indicating it is not surprising he lacks social skills, self-esteem and a recognition he deserves happiness just like anyone else. A delightful chapter @northie and a thank you for not describing in great detail the food undoubtedly consumed at Andy and Adam's home.

I refuse to use self-service checkouts at the supermarket because I scan too quickly, sometimes the item is not barcoded and the machine has a hissy fit, and the automated voice drives me barking mad. I am prepared to wait in a queue for this reason and to ensure there are jobs in supermarkets for checkout workers. If the supermarket insists I self-serve, then a discount should automatically be applied to my total as I have not contributed to the employment of a checkout staff member. In Australia, my homeland, the two biggest supermarkets we have, have made substantial profits post-COVID, have been investigated, found guilty and heavily fined for dishonest practices, and now are the two most distrusted "brands" in Australia. One also recently tried to force its employees to sign very dodgy work agreements, but the general public was swift in its condemnation of this. Eric's newly established friendship with Brian is already yielding positive results. I was pleasantly surprised Eric allowed himself a treat of a Chelsea Bun to accompany his cup of tea. This story continues to entertain and provoke much discussion, both of which I am very pleased about @northie. Exemplary work from you as always.

As several other readers have commented, the M/M romances Eric is reading can, and certainly for now, are a double-edged sword. He is fascinated to read of gay life and relationships, perhaps giving him a sense of "belonging" to a group, but at the same time they are filling him with a sense of despair, regret and yearning that he has never experienced such things, and at this time of his life never may. Once again beautifully written @northie. Eric has transformed from a grumpy older curmudgeon to a grumpy older curmudgeon who is comforted by a genuine friendship and is willing to step outside his comfort zone, to some extent, buoyed by that genuine friendship.

I hope @Ronyx spares Lucas' life as I think there is some hope for his redemption. I believe his problems stem entirely from his upbringing; as noted by @Fry, he has been subjected to sexual, physical and psychological abuse by members of his own family, quite possibly in one form or another for most of his life. In this chapter he showed some remorse for his treatment of his friends: "He hadn’t meant any harm to any of them, not even Neil. He had always enjoyed the power he had over his smaller friends, but he never intentionally hurt them. He was usually able to intimidate them into doing what he said, so there was no need for threats." I strongly suspect the power Lucas refers to is as the result of the powerlessness he felt each time he was raped by his Uncle. It appears likely he has had to be concerned about where he is going to live too, given his grandmother's frequent reminders he is burden she would prefer not to have and her belittling treatment of him. I doubt Lucas has ever heard "I love you" from anyone. If Lucas lives and if any good results from his attempted murder, it may be he will be forced to accept the care and compassion of his friends, and will realise what genuine friendship means, particularly if any one or more of them assists in his physical rehabilitation. I wonder if Mr Collins might become Lucas' guardian as he certainly needs to be removed from the "care" of his grandmother. As for Uncle Raymond, prison for the attempted murder and repeated sexual assault of Lucas, the latter of which will hopefully be discovered by whoever is treating him for the beating he has sustained.