Comment from Andrea Kepple

Exceptional

I love how you built the tension leading the story in one way. The reader is thinking along with Sid that it was a matter of time before he would be arrested. Then the Sheriff gives Sid a way out of the difficulties with the evidence. I don't feel cheated.

 Comment Written 28-May-2023

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reply by the author on 28-May-2023

Thanks so much, Andrea. You read this exactly the way I hoped you would. The balance between Sid and the sheriff teetered. Thank you for seeing the truth. Peace, Lee

Comment from Susan Newell

Exceptional

Lee,

I like the way you conducted the verbal dance and rolled out the story line. That seal is well-earned. This is a topic I imagine most of us have pondered about from time to time. Who knows what they would do or the true right and wrong of it? It was easy in the cinema when Fonda's friend was being burned at the stake by Indians. That was acceptable (codified?) mercy. But the balance still remains a tough act.

Sue

We sat quiet for a while, staring out in the same direction, but each of us clinging on to a different point of view. *******

Noah took ill is no more a secret than Alice Bentley's e-z peel bloomers." -- great insertion of humor

 Comment Written 19-May-2023

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reply by the author on 21-May-2023

Hey, Susan, Great to hear from you. Mercy is such an inegmatic concept. I believe there are instances when euthanasia is quintessentially humane. The problem has always been, 'Where do we draw the line?' And the debate continues.

Anyway, I'm really glad you got to see this piece. I think it's one of my all-time best. That it's more than ten-years old suggests I had a 'voice' right from the beginning.

Thanks so much, Susan. I hope all is well with you.

Peace, Lee

Comment from bob cullen

Exceptional

Once again, you've cleared all doubt as to who is the best writer on Fanstory. This is a superb yarn, Lee filled with old Western charm. Loved how you used the language that so typified my younger days watching cowboy series on TV. Truly a delightful write.

 Comment Written 14-May-2023

Comment from Ginda Simpson

Exceptional

It is excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed the read. Your command of dialogue is amazing and your descriptions are vivid and so detailed, we are right there on that porch, in the heat, just waiting for something to happen. It is tense and witty at the same time. Congratulations.

 Comment Written 14-May-2023

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reply by the author on 21-May-2023

Thanks so much for your glowing review, Ginda. I love your 'tense and witty at the same time' comment. Many thanks. Peace, Lee

Comment from Douglas Goff

Excellent

Great story. I don't feel ripped. I never saw this before.

This sentence is so true and poignant:
Balance ain't so easy when somebody's tossing 'official' weight around.

Good stuff.
D

 Comment Written 06-May-2023

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reply by the author on 07-May-2023

Thank you, Douglas. I'm delighted you enjoyed. Peace, Lee

Comment from Debbie D'Arcy

Excellent

This is an excellent story packed full of skilfully written dialogue and humour. Considering the lack of action, the whole writing still has its own pace and lulls you along in an enjoyable, laid-back way absorbing all the background detail and personalities involved. The part describing Useless is hilarious and the cinema reference also adds interesting and colourful dimension to the story. Great job! Thanks for sharing

 Comment Written 06-May-2023

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reply by the author on 07-May-2023

Thank you, Debbie. There's some about porches and galleries in the South that makes them perfect settings for dialogue. One day, I'm going to compile a book of porch short stories. I'm glad you enjoyed. Peace, Lee

Comment from Carol Hillebrenner

Exceptional

This is really great, a perfectly well-rounded picture with grief, pain, guilt, and love. And the sheriff loved the good old boys as much as anyone, enough he made sure there was an excuse for no fingerprints. You certainly deserve that story of the month.

 Comment Written 05-May-2023

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reply by the author on 07-May-2023

Thank you, Carol. There's something about the way people talk to each other on a rural porch that I really like. The Sheriff knew exactly what had happened. Sid suspected he was about to be arrested. The story unfolds in verbal cat and mouse. So glad you enjoyed, Carol. Peace, Lee

Comment from Zoe Webb

Excellent

I'm sorry I don;t have six stars to give this. It's very well written.

Here are my thoughts, in list form:
-Sid is really likeable. He has a good sense of humor (especially when it comes to Noah's dog).
- Wanted to know a little more about the Johnycake boys.
- Otherwise felt this was the perfect amount of information for a short story.
- Everything tracked well with me and added up. This was very well written!

 Comment Written 05-May-2023

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reply by the author on 07-May-2023

Thank you, Zoe. You're right about the Johnnycake Boys, but maybe that's for a different story. I'm delighted you enjoyed. Peace, Lee

Comment from Sanku

Exceptional

I went through a roller coaster of emotions reading this. the dog was truly hilarious. and the way Sid kept maintaining the balance is gripping ThEddie smartly solved the problem of finger prints and saved Sid. It is touching that Sid didnt want his friend suffer...

 Comment Written 05-May-2023

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reply by the author on 07-May-2023

Thank you, Sanku. It was all a bit of porch diplomacy--between Sid and Useless, and between Sid and the Sheriff, Everyone wanted to maintain an uneasy balance. Thanks again. Peace, Lee

Comment from Aaron Milavec

Exceptional

Very nicely done. A study in innuendoes! Much enjoyed--esp. the part played by Useless.

Only two rough points.

#1 The missing word "car" in the first line.
#2 "Waddled"? Maybe "shuffled."

Peace and joy in writing,
Aaron

 Comment Written 04-May-2023

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reply by the author on 07-May-2023

Thanks so much, Aaron. The 'car' is not missing. Modern cop lingo has transformed 'unmarked' from an adjective to a noun. Shuffled is a good suggestion. Thanks so much. Peace, Lee