Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

I am wondering how many people fall into this trap of thinking because they had sex with someone that it was love. It seems often. I enjoyed reading. Thank you for reposting.

We made love. (made love or had sex???)

The next morning he neither punished me nor did he bring up Louise. (The following morning)

 Comment Written 21-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 21-Sep-2023

Thank you. For Tucker it was love. Maybe not for Louise. Sadly. Thank you for this. Gretchen

Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill

Exceptional

Boy, you are brave, letting yourself open to the wrath of the "God Squad" I'm giving you my six just for that. You know, I had no idea I had written fifty posts. And when I got the notice I had to count my stories to see. I have been a busy little thing. Thank the universe for you and Ric and the other intelligent beings here. You write a good story and you have guts galore. Karen

 Comment Written 21-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 21-Sep-2023

I see everything here as fiction. Made up. If it's listed as political. I won't read. No exceptions. Religion is subjective. Haven't had any problems from anyone here so far. Thank you for this great review and the awesome rating. Gretchen

reply by Karen Cherry Threadgill on 21-Sep-2023

I was so mad ay Dolly for her defending trump I ignored her for over a week. Then when i went back to read her stuff, I saw it is all exactly the
same. The same kind of pictures. The same font every time, the same light color type, and basically the same poem over and over as if she is using a grammarly let us write it for you program. it all seems so artificial. I wonder. Karen

Comment from Ric Myworld

Excellent

I like everything you write, which probably goes without saying since I read everything you post. But this two-part story is my favorite character study of good an evil yet. I just wish I had the stars to reward it properly.
Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 21-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 21-Sep-2023

Words go a lot farther than stars. I appreciate hearing what you like or dislike when I post. Never apologize for not having a six. I blow through mine like a sailor in Port on shore leave. Gretchen

Comment from John Ciarmello

Exceptional

I wish I could award you with every star in the night sky, but six are all I can see from my current viewpoint! And it's 9:00 in the morning, soo? Okay--maybe too much? Sorry, I got excited!

I didn't see any of that coming, and masterfully written, Gretchen!

Absolutely fabulous!!

 Comment Written 21-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 21-Sep-2023

Thank you so much. Sometimes I'll read something and say, " did I really write that? It's so not me." This was one of those. Gretchen

Comment from Sanku

Excellent

I expected this..I feel sorry for all the girls who live alone without a family support .No one reported her missing .which could mean she has no one ...What will happen to the boy !
you have a very good gift of telling stories..They flow smooth and keep the reader's interest..

 Comment Written 21-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 21-Sep-2023

Thank you so much. Gretchen

Comment from Debbie D'Arcy

Excellent

Gretchen, you can certainly keep those surprises coming! This is excellently done with that usual ingredient of shock but also empathy with the protagonist. Thank you for another amazing story, as ever, reflecting your unbeatable imagination:) Take care Debbie

 Comment Written 21-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 21-Sep-2023

I admit to an over active imagination. Thank you for this. Gretchen

Comment from Wayne Fowler

Excellent

I didn't want to like it, but I did.
The writing was great. And you aptly nailed the dialogue and emotions. Good work.
I've known Christians like that. They sadden me.
Best wishes.

 Comment Written 21-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 21-Sep-2023

They are Uber Christians. The kind who can only see your sins, not their own. Tucker couldn't balance good or evil. It came to a head. Thank you for this. Gretchen

Comment from BethShelby

Excellent

This is a twist. Death by baptism. I realize this is the end of the story but If something like this did happen, I wonder what it would do to the mind of the young man who thought he was in love with her. How would feel about killing her? Would it turn him into a mass murderer or would he feel it was an accident and he wasn't guilty of murder. Would he ever become a preacher? I liked your writing, but I kind of wish it hadn't ended so abruptly. I guess the answer is for the reader to determine.

 Comment Written 21-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 21-Sep-2023

I think Tucker was already a tad off because of his father's tyrannical parenting. I like to leave the reader thinking about various outcomes. Thanks for this. Gretchen

Comment from royowen

Excellent

I guess that's what religious fervour can do. Poor Tucker, that's very old fashioned Christianity, I was already married when I cam to Christ, but I wasn't a good boy, before that. This is an excellent post Gretchen, you have written a lot over the years, well done, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 21-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 21-Sep-2023

I have written a lot. Took a five year break and didn't pick up a pen. Missed it. But I'm back now. Thank you for this. Gretchen

reply by royowen on 21-Sep-2023

I can see that, well done

Comment from JSD

Excellent

Well! I didn't expect that. Brilliantly narrated as ever, and the battle here between love, or lust, and his Christian upbringing is beautifully depicted. Well done!

 Comment Written 21-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 21-Sep-2023

Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed it. Gretchen