ChromedOutCortex

We finished our lunch, dropped off our trays at the cleaning station, and headed out. I was eager to set up the coffee machine and finally retire the Keurig. I was hoping Jon would stick around to help, but I knew it was getting late, and we had left his car parked at the clinic. He probably had plans to head home soon. “Hey, Jon,” I said, hesitating for a moment as we walked out. “I know I’ve kept you for the day. If you need to get going, just let me know. I don’t want to impose.” Jo

Yeah - I am very sorry about that. I've been paying closer attention to the POV in my newer stories. I swear, I probably read each chapter before I post it a dozen times and usually catch these things. Obviously I did not this time. ☹️

Oh does he ever! I totally agree. I think things change for the better. Soon. ☺️💕

I know religion can be a contentious issue regardless of orientation, but it can also help ground us and perhaps give us more meaning.

I cannot understand hatred; you may not agree but why harbor that much hate towards them -- especially family?

Shucks... thank you so much! Truly appreciate that. 💕

You are so right... we only have so much time, we should learn to make the most of it.

The first thing I noticed when I woke up was the warmth, the kind that wraps around you, sinks into your skin, and makes you forget the cold edges of the world outside. The second thing was Jon. As I lie there, the quiet of the night settling around us, I realize just how much I enjoyed the time I spent with Jon. It wasn’t just the physical connection, it wasn’t even the first time I’d shared something like that with someone. But there was something different about being with him. Something

Hey Peter - Thanks for pointing that out. I usually re-read several times before posting and I must have missed that. My apologies. 😞

Late in the evening, my phone buzzes, the soft glow of the screen cutting through the dim living room. It’s a text from Jon. Hey Jim—hope Alex’s lesson went well. I’ll follow up with the instructor to see how things went. I sit up straighter, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. Jon. Just seeing his name makes me pause, but I shake it off and type a quick reply: Thanks for the note, Jon. Yeah, it went well. He was a bit disappointed, but in the end, everything worked out. I hit

Hi @riccardo - Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and for taking the time to read the story, especially during such a difficult time. I’m deeply sorry for your loss, and I can only imagine how challenging it must be to navigate grief while finding moments of comfort. Please take care of yourself. 💕

I thought about it... but the restaurant mentioned, MeeT is actually a real place (eatmeet.ca). I ate there when I was in Vancouver, BC - great food! Hope it's OK to post their URL.

Finally, Friday night. That meant I’d be picking up Alex early Saturday morning. I was excited to see him. I always looked forward to our weekends together—especially after our last one. I pulled up to the house and noticed Alex sitting on the front step, his backpack slung over one shoulder and another bag beside him. As I stopped, Alex got up and walked over to the passenger side of the car, opened the door, tossed his bags into the backseat, and settled into the front. “Hey, bud,” I

Saturday rolls around, and without Alex this weekend, I decide to take Jon up on his offer for the running clinic. It’s been years since I’ve done something like this, and honestly, getting some feedback on my form might not be a bad idea. I hop into my car and drive over to Jon’s office. A few cars are already parked out front, and as I step out and head toward the entrance, I catch a glimpse of a couple of people chatting inside. I push open the door and step in, taking in the clean, prof

I met Teddy at Andy’s party. I didn’t want to go—I was exhausted from school, job hunting, and a recent breakup that left me feeling stupid for thinking we’d be together forever. But Andy showed up at my place and insisted. “You’ve been holed up here for weeks,” he said, his usual easy smile replaced by a look of concern. “You need this.” Reluctantly, I went. And I’m glad I did. The party was just getting started when we arrived. Andy’s apartment was filled with familiar faces—friends