Big Boy Pants

Caleb makes a huge mistake, which leads him to make the sudden decision to move away. He is forced to return a year later, and he ends up running into the one person he would least like to see.

Likes

The writing was very atmospheric. I could easily imagine how everything in the barn played out in my head.

Realistic and captivating dialogue. (Important, considering that the plot is primarily driven by conversation.)

Wow, a Canadian setting!

Spoiler-y Thoughts

Verdict

Honestly, this is my number one favourite one-off on GA thus far. Highly recommended.

5 stars.

This story makes me think of the importance of communication and patience.

Caleb thinks he’s not wanted and so he drops out and leaves home. Dalton needed time to come to terms with his feelings, but by the time he does Caleb is gone.

Caleb ignores texts and calls thinking the worse. What if he’d answered his phone? What if he’d not left? Well, you can keep going with the what ifs all day. But, the main thing is they finally talk and this time they take time to stay and listen as well.

A fascinating read.

Already did--trying to figure out how to do a 'star' rating.

A barn filled with memories, two country boys and a second chance.  This short but sweet tale is a relaxing way to end the day.  I really love it, and sure other readers will also.

Sometimes in life we make rash decisions and later regret them.  If we're lucky, there might be a way to correct the situation, while other times the various things that have happened in the interim make reconciliation impossible.  It's always nice when we get a second chance at happiness. 

Gary writes a wonderful story and you can feel the pain and heartache over what happened in the past, and the emotions are very raw.  Sometimes returning to the place where the problem began helps you to deal with the past, ocassionally with unexpected results.  If you want to find out what I mean by that, then read this excellent short story and find out.  I'm sure you'll want to thank me for guiding you in the right direction once you complete it.  

This is another of Gary's masterpieces that you should not miss. When you read it you are not just reading a story, you will be drawn in, and you will be there with them, bearing witness to these young men rediscovering each other. I'm not saying any more, instead, I invite you to read and step into the barn, I promise you will not regret it.