Bill W

I know you wrote this long ago, but I want to comment. It's sad how little things - like the argument about the couch or the disagreement over the dishes - can open a crack in the relationship that seems to grow wider and wider with each succeeding disagreement until it has wedged open a chasm so wide that they can't jump across it and repair the relationship. Compromise isn't always the answer either, like with the compromise over the couch, because neither one is totally happy about the outcome and that builds as well. Maybe alternating at giving in to what the other one wants, but that's probably not the right solution either. How do couples seem to remain happily married for 50, 60, or even 70 years? There must be some secret that the rest of us haven't figured out, but what is it? Anyway, a touching and sensitively written story about the end of a relationship, but at least the ending isn't ugly or angry, just sad.

There were 13 Popes that used the name Leo, and as far as I can tell, that was not their name before they became Pope. The first was Leo I (440-461), also referred to as Leo the Great (only 3 Popes were ever given the title of Great), and the last was Leo XIII (1878-1903). I wonder if they took the name Leo because they viewed themselves as Leonine?

The first known use of the word leonine in literature was in the 12th-century romance Guillaume d'Angleterre. The word leonine is an adjective that means "like a lion" or "resembling a lion". According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the first known use of "leonine" in English was around the late 14th century, appearing in the writings of Geoffrey Chaucer, the renowned poet of that period; essentially meaning it was used during the Middle English era.

Great start to a Sci-Fi story. The ship is in drydock when a malfunction (explosion) not only breaks them free of the drydock, but it also triggers the computers to make an impossible jump to a galaxy far away. What's going to happen and how are they going to get back home? We'll be learning more about that as the story progresses.

@Myr great start to the story, but I have an advantage in saying that. I'm going back through the anthologies from the newest to oldest, so I've already read part 2. Just keep this going. Love the characters, love Aegis, and it will be a long ride home.

The earliest known use of the word vulpine in English was in the early 1600s. However, English writers had been using the word to describe foxes since at least the 15th century. Dogs and foxes are distinct but distantly related canine species. Until recently, scientists thought it was impossible for them to breed. However, the discovery of a dog-fox hybrid in Brazil suggests that The Fox and the Hound might sometimes be a little more Lady and the Tramp.

My guess would be that this guy doesn't have a gf or bf. He's too involved with his spider and snakes, and that doesn't leave a lot of time for human interaction, even if he could find someone that's willing to put up with his pets.

She may not have a filter when it comes to getting her way, but I think she'd be a little more cautious if it meant endangering her son and lover or driving them away and end her precious desire to have grandchildren.

You are correct, Val. In the past I have written multiple stories for an anthology - there was no restriction as to how many stories an author could submit.

You're absolutely correct, Al. They're having trouble believing their "lying eyes", since it is so contrary to everything they'd believed up to this point. And even though they've applied the brakes on their remaining vacation plans, they're taking time and letting it all sink in before they address the boys.

Any idea when you might start posting book 2?

Animated comes from Latin anima (soul), animare, animat (instilled with life). Animate first appeared in Late Middle English. The earliest known use of the word animate in English was in the Middle English period, between 1150 and 1500. The earliest evidence of the word animate as a verb is from around 1487, in a translation by poet John Skelton. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the first known use of "animated" in English was in 1534.

An action packed, well-written story about a young boy who finds himself in an awkward home life and unloving mother after his father dies. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll be amazed by how well the protagonist fares, considering it seems that all the cards are stacked against him. It's a roller coaster ride of fast paced action that will keep you coming back for more. Do yourself a favor and check this story out.

I'm glad to see that all of the knuckle-draggers have all been locked up - well, except for Dr. Bail-jumper and Jordan Turner. And you didn't even take us to the end of the baseball season to see how the team did and if Pete got his varsity letter - and in one week both Pete and Mitch would be rejoining the team. Thanks for leaving us in suspense, @Al Norris! 😜 On a serious note, great job with this story and I'm glad that it took me so long to find it!

@weinerdog The language is wiener without the dog!

I know this may sound strange, but could Jordan Turner have been the guy whom George acquired his gay knowledge from? It may have started off as youthful experimentation, but as Jordan grew older he became ashamed about what he'd done and now hates all gays???

Get out the branding irons! Carl and his buddies all need an "I'm with Stupid" brand on the forehead.

Consider this - Pete says he calls the house and they don't answer. It doesn't mean the kids don't want to talk to him - maybe Mom has forbidden them to talk to him and they're too afraid of her to defy her.

Thank you Jiminy Cricket.

I very hectic chapter with a lot going on. I was thinking that Jimmy might have to come live with George and Pete, the way his dad was acting, but that was before the scene out in the yard. Jimmy still might need a safehouse if his mother does kick Micca the fuck out of the house and divorce him for what he did. It will be interesting to see what happens next.

Maybe his mother's brothers. They sound like that type.

Is anyone thinking as I am? If the new kid at second is getting really good, could Pete move over to short? He no longer has to worry about hurting Mitch's feelings, not after what Mitch did to him, so maybe Mitch will lose out in baseball now.

Most 14-year-olds are even thinking ahead to college yet, let alone what they might major in, and Pete is already thinking about a career. I'm not so sure about what people are thinking about what Mitch is doing. He might have overheard something while he was showering and notified someone about it... maybe even the state police. Who knows? I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt.

Personally, I worry most about those whose age is greater than their IQ! Dinner with the 'rents. Not just about sex now! hehehe

Another one bites the dust... it looks as if Chilton is done teaching - at least at the school in Elko. Oh, that might be two bite the dust... Greg, the guy that bumped into Pete intentionally will probably suspended or expelled as well. I guess they're just culling the herd.