Bill W

Chapter 53 – Repercussions Rather than talk about what my parents might do next, Devin asked a question instead. “What the fuck made you transition into a polar bear this time.” “I’d been thinking about what might intimidate and possibly even be able to fight off an evil skinwalker and determined a polar bear would be my best choice. They can stand up as tall as twelve feet (3.7 m) when on their hind legs, and can weigh a 1,000 pounds (454 kg) or more. They also have thick,

This story is definitely bittersweet and it's a shame that it took Dooley's impending death to bring this about. I do hope he lasts until Valentine's Day as well, and even though they've probably celebrated Valentine's Day together before, It would be great uf he could celebrate it with his new husband before he died. Thanks, Cole, now I have to wipe my eyes again.

I loved this story. The shining light over the diner that led the pregnant woman and her husband there, along with Teddy and Finn, and when I heard the couple's names were Adam and Eva, I was convince they were going to have a boy and then would give him the Hispanic name Jesus. Instead, they named him St. Nick... I mean Nicholas. Great story and lots of fun. Thanks, Val.

You could always change the lyric on "The Twelve Days of Christmas" song for whichever day of Christmas you were born on. "On the ______ day of Christmas, so and so was born" Oh, on the chorus when they're going over each item for that day, it would become... ____ birthday wishes

This definitely wasn't what I was expecting, but I found it both funny and interesting. Great job! I'm really enjoying these stories.

I found this story very interesting. At the beginning of the story, as he was describing the office, I thought he sounded boastful of all the very expensive trinkets in his office and thought he was going to be portrayed as a "greed is good" type of guy, but then it all changed on Christmas Eve. Even though he took a ride in a classy Uber first, he ends up spending the night (and possibly the next day?) living as a homeless person. By the end of the story, I felt it was his way of keeping himself humble and grounded, as well as an acknowledgment of what it was like as he was growing up. Thank you for this story, which made me stop and think about my own situation.

A charming story about Jack, an older gay man who'd recently lost his husband due to cancer, and Mukisa, a gay immigrant from Uganda who is doing menial domestic chores in the same senior living facility where Jack now resides. At first, Mukisa gets a job doing chores for Jack, but they soon become friends, and Jack offers to help Mukisa adjust to life in his new homeland. There is no sexual relationship between the pair, but they do form a mutually beneficial relationship. You'll have to read this short story to discovery what that involves, but I'm sure you'll find it as wonderful and interesting as I did.

I thought this was a lovely story about strangers meeting under unusual circumstance, an aged widower and an immigrant meeting at a senior living facility. I thought you treated both characters with dignity and grace, and the interaction between them were very realistic. I also liked the way you worked things out so they would both benefit with the arrangement. Nicely done.

The word "equine" was first used in English in the late 1700s. The earliest known use of the word was in 1778, in the writings of G. L. Way.

I know some of you will have to Google this to understand what I'm saying, but as Neil Sedaka once sang, "Breaking Up is Hard to Do". It's never easy, especially when it's your first in depth relationship that's more than just fooling around. We've all had to go through those "broken heart" situations, and there are many others out there that will have to go through theirs as well, but hopefully they'll find someone there that can help them get through it. An interesting and thought provoking read.

How does the old song by Neil Sedaka go? "Breaking Up is Hard to Do". That says it all. Jace faced on of those uncomfortable situations when Chad left, but luckily he had Gary there to help him through it. If only we all had a friend like that.

With Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas all in rapid succession - it sounds like the trifecta from hell!

If I'd been diagnosed with diabetes, I'd probably have never survived. It's not so much the sweets, but giving up potatoes and pasta would have been nearly impossible. I'm glad I never had to face that situation and I can empathized with those who have. Thanks, Val, for another interesting and educational story.

Another story/chapter I enjoyed. And I know at one time you could have lured me in with a sweet man!

When I got to the end of the story, I had two thoughts. Is Cousin Russ the aforementioned Russell Tovey - possibly using a different last name for his acting gigs, or was the aunt the lady on the bus that he screamed at? Either way, it could make Christmas dinner very interesting. Thanks for a very entertaining story.

Another homerun, Val. Being a good Samaritan turns into a date. I wonder where it will go from there. Another great story for the holiday season, even if I'm coming to it late.

What a lovely story with a touching ending, Adi. I'm glad everything worked out. Val, I'd come to your party, but I'm afraid I'd go home 100 pounds (45 kg) heavier. 😲

If fruitcakes are that heavy to pick up, think about what they do to your body? It was an interesting story and I hope the mail carrier that gave him the fruit cake to delivers has to do both routes for a while. 🤪

what a cute and heartwarming story. I loved it. Thanks for sharing, Val.

I absolutely love these characters and was happy to see Hagan loosen up a bit. I can't wait to see if this improbably couple will actually get together. Thank you, Val, for given me another glimpse into this world.

Trust me, I know what it's like to start something and put it away, or sometimes even after it's posted, and then you come back and revise it. That totally happened with my Castaway Hotel series, and there were other stories like that as well. Thank you for the update.

How do I describe this wonderful story? It's supernatural if you think of the characters, and at times it's a horror story that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. When you finish reading this short story, you will probably have strong emotions about the various characters, in that you'll either love them or think their mindless dicks. And when you finish this stand alone story, it will leave you wanting more, and the author seems agreeable to making the readers happy by writing more. If I could have, I would have given this story a 6th star. Take a chance and read this story, I believe you'll find it an interesting as I did.

Val, as always, I'm late - 6 years late in this case, but I loved this story. I love the characters, I love the premise, and I love your writing style. As others pointed out, your characters achieve strong reactions from the readers, on polar opposites of the love-hate scale. That's a good sign and it brings readers back to see if their side will be victorious. I now how to go to your library to see your follow-up on this story. When I find it, I'm sure you'll be hearing more from me! Thank you for this wonderful story.

In the distant future, the residents of earth have all joined together to form the Terran Confederation, and they’re venturing into outer space and creating and expanding colonies in different worlds. In this new world, the old rules no longer apply and life is very different from the way it used to be, although conditions still aren’t perfect. The Terran Confederation now has to contend with an alien species from outside the solar system, and they’re creating problems and upsetting the calm that people have come to expect and enjoy. If you’re interested and wish to discover more about this new world for yourself, just click on the link and read this intriguing short story for yourself, so you can learn about what is going on, I hope you’ll find it as interesting as I did.

What? 😲 No comment from Steve before he gives a rundown of the week's events. Someone better take him to see a doctor immediately, 🩺 because Steve must be ill. Everyone please pray for him to get well soon! 🙏