Summerabbacat

I may have to investigate this author @Gary L. I read her Wikipedia entry and how she was lauded as one of the most underrated authors as nominated by several literary critics.

I was hoping for it to be effective against humans only so that: Ladies and gentlemen Please welcome President Elect, Felix Sylvester Catt

In Kate's song @Lee Wilson the intention of the experiment was to develop a sound to kill someone, long distance if necessary, thus it could be used effectively in warfare. No chance of plagiarism, the "comparison" was an experiment gone wrong. Of course, any excuse to post a song by Kate Bush is good enough for me too. If you watch the video you may recognise quite a few of the "cast" if you are a fan of British comedy.

It's like a zombie apocalypse @Lee Wilson. Ironic that the only people to survive are those with cancer, and the chemical rids them of the cancer. I have to ask Lee, was the chemical developed to be effective against humans only, or will it kill all animals regardless of species?

Dare I say this story already illustrates what you are well know for @Lee Wilson, an extraordinarily vivid imagination. Due to the efficacy of the chemical developed with the intention to kill cancer cells, I can see it falling into the wrong hands with devastating effects felt worldwide. Quick, call Avery Noonan Sr. The scenario depicted in this chapter reminded me of the outcome of an experiment gone wrong as depicted in Kate Bush's wonderful 1986 single Experiment IV.

I can imagine Eric thriving with a site like GA available to him and stories as good as this one to read @northie. Ordering his groceries online would also help him enormously due to his arthritis and problematic balance at times. This chapter I believe cemented the friendship between Eric and Andy, moving the dynamic of their relationship to a more even footing. I think Andy is beginning to realise the benefit he is deriving from his friendship with Eric too, it is not all one way.

I had forgotten that scene, very comparable. I have found many 20 somethings, especially women, are incredibly shallow, self-absorbed and totally contemptuous of others who do not believe they should be the centre of attention due to their youth and misconceived beauty. Hopefully the "bite" will be deep and very painful @CincyKris.

Eric is single and does not have any children. This combined with the fact he is gay and poor, makes him largely invisible in society. Fortunately, he has Andy and by default Adam, and to a lesser extent Hazel Thompson, who have now shown some degree of concern for him. On the flip side he has the obnoxious young hooligans who have taunted and tormented him based on the ignorance of their stupid parent(s). Hopefully Andy is able to sort them out before they harm Eric physically. If it means Andy has to harm them, so be it. Eric's first kiss. I dare say Eric's sexual contact with a male is likely to be very limited to, perhaps only himself and his imagination. Both Andy and Eric have been give a wake up call. I expect Andy will take steps to ensure it does not happen again, steps which Eric may have to begrudgingly accept. Just so very good @northie; an outstanding read.

The teenagers whom Andy caught in Eric's yard are a by-product of their ignorant parents. Retrospective abortion for all of them. If Eric requires hospitalisation or is gravely ill Adam should approach the estate owner immediately with a demand Eric's home be improved immediately or else legal action will be taken against him immediately. Excellent work again @northie.

The digital age has completely bypassed Eric, as it has many others. I am reasonably competent digitally and do much online, however, what incenses me is that for many interactions choice has been removed from the equation. People like Eric (and my 83 year old mother) should not be disadvantaged because they do not interact digitally. My mother was given a very basic mobile phone but refused to use it. My brother and I bought her an iPad which she uses, but struggles with if it does something odd (understandably, I hate the wretched things). She could no sooner send an e-mail than she could fly to the moon, and she should not be ridiculed or excluded because of this. I think whoever attempts to assist Eric with using a computer is going to need an endless supply of patience, understanding and a calm soothing voice, as much for themselves as for Eric. I was pleasantly surprised at Adam's vehement opposition to online shopping. I do some shopping online but only purchase what I know will not need to be returned unless it is faulty. I think post-COVID waste has skyrocketed because many buy virtually everything online and if it is not the right size or is the wrong colour (clothing) just throw it out. We as a species have also "learned" to accept that electrical goods and many other items are not built to last anymore or "go out of fashion" in a short while, therefore adding more rubbish to landfill. This also incenses me (I am a bit of curmudgeon myself at times, but am only 61). Another enjoyable chapter @northie, giving we readers a glimpse into what makes Adam and Andy horny (amongst other things).

I am not saddened by your "ignorance" @Gary L because I have never seen the expression before either. I assumed, as did you it seems, Graham was being facetious, there was not a skerrick of humility in Venetia's boast of having hired a cook to prepare the food for the luncheon. It appears the only thing modest about Venetia is her dress sense, fortunately. I had a great laugh at Vince's indelicate topic of discussion, prison reform, with the "designated" second Mrs Philpott, Rowena. She proved to be as unassuming as Vince, much to the horror of Venetia and the dreadful Tania and Rolf. I loved Vince's not so subtle dig at Rolf for his impertinent question to Graham regarding remuneration for his poetry. What ghastly people to have as dinner companions. Graham's invitation to Rowena startled her at first, until his disclaimer she was not being considered for the position of the second Mrs Philpott. If Peter is invited and attends I wonder if Rowena will get any vibes of the relationship between the two. Does Rowena have any gaydar? The best thing I imagine which will emerge from the luncheon is that Vince will not be invited again, or at least not invited accompanied by Graham, whom I believe Venetia considers is corrupting Vince, or her ideal of him at least. A rather amusing chapter @Robert Hugill. I imagine Venetia affronted by Vince and his appalling dig at Rolf, and his most unsavoury discussion of prison reform. She is also likely mystified and disappointed with Rowena, assuming a doctor's wife or in this case ex-wife, would be far more elitist than what she apparently is. And I agree with @Gary L, as is usually the case, another classic @Robert Hugill.

The arrival of Eric at Adam's workplace and Sarah's reaction to him reminded me of a scene from my favourite comedy, Absolutely Fabulous. The scene is one in which Edina is browsing in an upmarket shop or art gallery (I cannot remember which), and as she leaves the shop/gallery worker looks disdainfully at her, to which Edina responds with "you only work in a shop you know so you can drop the attitude". I so wanted Eric to make some bitchy remark to Sarah, but that would have been totally out of character for him. Eric's observation of Sarah's look of disgust or contempt when he, Andy and Adam left together, was very interesting. If his observation was accurate and Adam ever becomes aware of any homophobic judgment by Sarah, she may well find herself without a job. Adam's interaction with Eric although relatively brief, was very interesting to observe. Although he is clearly well educated and from a monied family, he appeared to have no difficulty conversing with Eric, and his kindness towards and interest in Eric seemed genuine rather than forced. Given his profession it may be an act which he has perfected by necessity, but I don't think it was. I also got the impression Adam will follow through with the estate owner regarding the poor condition of Eric's home. He appears to be someone you would not want to get on the bad side of or attempt to deceive. A delightful chapter @northie. The warmth of friendship being offered by Andy and now Adam appears to be chipping away at Eric's long established wall of protection. He is as one reader described, a curmudgeon, but a curmudgeon who is aware of his ill-tempered and frosty or hostile persona, and is seemingly prepared to address this because of his growing respect for both Andy and Adam.

A chapter filled with significant personal growth for both Andy and Eric, and the positive outcome it is having on their relationship, which is beginning to resemble a friendship, something sorely missing in Eric's life. I found the following observations by Andy profound, particularly when compared to their first meeting: "Had Eric ever had anyone special? Andy thought the answer was almost certainly 'no'. That hurt. Him and how many others of his generation?" "The old man's entire shopping for the week, plus some extras, came to less than a third of the cost of what he and Adam spent on food alone for the same period. Checking Eric's financial entitlements was top of the list of his priorities. He could only hope that the old man agreed." "Andy smiled at him. “Why not? If you're gay, that's what romance is, isn't it? Two blokes? There's masses of it online, and you can buy it in a digital format pretty easily, but that's not really any use to you, is it? I'll ask round and see if anyone has any books they would lend you.” Andy is to be commended for "walking a mile in Eric's shoes", recognising that things he takes for granted are unavailable to Eric, for many and varied reasons. And what of Eric's growth, perhaps even more significant in comparison: "Andy finished his inspection of the leaky cold water tap. “Yes, please. While it's brewing, I'll just have a quick look round outside, if that's OK?” “You'll be admiring the garden then?” The old man sounded faintly amused." "Andy noticed his reluctance. “I think we should be able to catch lunch with Adam. Wouldn't you like to meet him?” Eric smiled to himself. Now that sounded better. Another free lunch? He looked at Andy with a faint glint in his eye. “You mean that good-looking lad who's been daft enough to get engaged with you? I'd be glad to meet him.” They both laughed. Eric couldn't remember laughing in a long time." Eric showed a sense of humour, which to date had been completely absent. His cheeky reference to Andy admiring the garden a sign Andy was forgiven for the remarks he made at the first home visit. Eric's acceptance of transportation and assistance to do his grocery shopping, and even more significantly a free lunch, was in stark contrast to their first meeting when he insisted on paying for the chicken curry Andy bought for him. This concession to accept Andy's generosity has surprised me the most as Eric bristled noticeably at the thought of being "charity" for Andy. Eric's final thought that he could not remember laughing in a long time was profoundly moving, moreso because it is so believable given Eric's financial and personal circumstances, and his overall persona. I once again harked back to Madonna's lyric "I am usually drawn to sadness". An outstanding chapter @northie, beautifully and authentically written; one which promises much for both Andy and Eric, a mutually beneficial friendship forming. The intergenerational friendship between two vastly different gay men is also one which begged to be told, and thus far your telling of it is a delight to witness.

"He stopped talking, abruptly. Something had changed, He sensed the mood had darkened, somehow. Andy looked over to Eric to see if anything was the matter. The old man was sitting there, opposite him, with tears welling up, and a look of such yearning and loss on his face that made Andy's heart bleed." This is the moment Andy truly understands what Eric has missed which he Andy takes for granted. A breakthrough moment for both, with Eric appreciating the comfort and joy Andy can bring to his life in the simplest of ways. A heartwarming and joyful chapter @northie, one which read for the second time was as moving as it was on the first occasion

The first meeting between Tony and Aaron did not go according to plan, at least not Tony's plan. The wall of Berlin remains standing, but given Aaron's apparent after meeting tears, there may be a crack, even the slightest of cracks, in the wall. I have to wonder, who was Aaron really angry with the most with the most, Tony or himself. I think perhaps the latter, even if only to a small extent. Tim's change of heart, and Scott's apparent desire for a reconciliation between Aaron and Tony augurs well for the future. If Justin was to also suggest a reconciliation to Aaron, I think it would be enormously helpful to "the cause". A somewhat sad chapter @Mark Ponyboy Peters, but it is unrealistic for we readers to think that 5 years of angst, upset and hurt on the part of Aaron, could be swept away at the first meeting between him and Tony. Time is on their side for now as both are still young and healthy. Cyndi's wise words support a possible reconciliation. .

Adam calmly and without criticism pointed out the errors Andy made, mostly resulting from the assumptions he made, and suggested how he could resolve them. I particularly admired his reference to online ordering. Andy to be fair to him, was already beginning to question his behaviour at the first meeting, which is why he appeared to readily accept Adam's suggestions and advice. Andy's heart is in the right place, he was perhaps blinded by his own enthusiasm and pride in his charity. If Eric is able to accept Andy's apology a friendship between the two is a possibility. An excellent post-mortem on Adam's part @northie; just what Andy needed to help him accept his shortcomings at the first meeting and move forward in a more constructive manner.

The first meeting between Eric and Andy was not a complete disaster @northie, but it was a disappointment for both, primarily because each had unrealistic expectations of the other and what the first meeting should achieve. I think as many have stated, Andy has likely had little experience relating to people significantly older than himself, particularly those with limited financial means. He made a number of assumptions about Eric and his life experiences, some of them understandable and most, if not all of them demonstrating a lack of awareness of anyone having any limitations in life, whether those limitations be financial, physical and/or mental. It clearly did not occur to Andy Eric may be vegetarian, hence the unsuitability of the chicken curry he purchased; or Eric may struggle with opening the packaging or reading the undoubtedly small print of the instructions for cooking or heating; or may struggle to properly digest the meal. His assumption Eric would possess, let alone know how to operate, even the most basic technology is understandable as he knows no better, but was irritating nevertheless. If a second and additional meetings take place I am hopeful Andy will recognise Eric may be hard of hearing at times, may have reduced eyesight, may be less mobile than he is, may not be able to afford or have the desire to own the things he takes for granted, and just may be acutely aware of, and ashamed or embarrassed by some of his limitations. Having said all this, Eric also needs to find his voice and inform Andy of his limitations and not assume he will recognise them. Eric's biggest "mistake" was thinking Andy would immediately like him, miraculously improve his self-esteem and give him a reason or reasons to want to live rather than just exist, and resolve any and all of his problems. A wonderful chapter nevertheless @northie, one which illustrated the vast gap between Andy and Eric, attributable to but not limited to their ages, financial means and past experiences.

I hope it is one in which you have taken into account all dietary limitations e.g. gluten-free, peanut-free, fat-free and taste-free, or at least vegetarian.

LOL. I tried to work that song into my comment, but I just could not find a home for it.

I thought this may have been the case.

Very brief @Lee Wilson, but introduced the inevitable adoption of Krystof. Methinks you might have a new story on the boil, or even already well cooked and waiting to be served for our consumption.

Predictably, I liked the songs like Legs which were danceable, and I loved the now dated videos.

I thought this was the case. I hope Chris "tells" you to allow him to give birth and explore the best way he or someone else can raise the child, but I recognise it will not be easy to write or at least write with the authenticity it deserves.

Similarly to @CincyKris, I am giving this story and its two follow up stories a re-read as @CincyKris suggested I might enjoy them, and there was no indication I had done so previously. I was disappointed to discover the first time I read the three stories I have only rated the chapter content and commented on the latter chapters of Never Too Late To Believe. I am now an avid commenter as I feel if the story is something I enjoy, I ought to make the effort to provide this feedback to the author who freely donates their story for my enjoyment. I also like observing the banter which often develops between commenters, particularly those who often comment on many of the same stories. First chapter second time around is as enjoyable and melancholic as it was on first reading. Eric is perhaps a little bitter life has been neither kind to nor exciting for him, but he acknowledges, or at least appears to, this is largely due to his social awkwardness and limited financial circumstances. There were several times I recognised characteristics or beliefs Eric holds similar to myself, which I like Eric try to suppress or deny, particularly to myself. I live in Sydney, Australia, @northie which rarely if ever gets as cold as where Eric lives. I find anything less than 25 or 26°C I am wearing at least a light jacket of some sort and am prone to winter "blues", therefore I cannot imagine how poor Eric retains any zest for life when the weather is as bleak as it apparently is where he lives. A most enjoyable and beautifully written first chapter @northie, providing much insight into Eric's limited circumstances and experiences, and his simple dreams and desires for his future. I distinctly recall when I first read this story, the song Love Tried To Welcome Me by Madonna, from her Bedtimes Stories album, and particularly its lyric "I am usually drawn to sadness" played in my mind frequently. It once again popped into my head when I read this first chaper.

I neglected to mention in my first comment @Mark Ponyboy Peters, one of the reasons I was so keen to write a comment on this chapter was to acknowledge what a terrific job your editor and beta-reader @MJC does. There is rarely a spelling mistake, missed word, incorrect character name or any other types of errors in your stories, some of the credit which must go to @MJC I assume. Personally I find an error-free or low-error story easier to read because I don't become distracted. So, well done @MJC.