All Comments on 'February Almost Sucked'

Well written. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.

Very well written, but sadly it just doesn't cut it for me.

People always focus too much on the sex part and forget that what truly drives a poisoned stake through Jim's heart is the KEY moment when Linda walks away with Marc. (The very detailed and EXTREMELY public humiliation is the cherry on top that just adds that yummy extra skewer factor for good measure.)

The CHOICE she made to put Marc and "her loins" first is what really murdered this marriage. The wild sex that follows is just Linda (and Marc) dancing, I mean fucking on its grave.

Yeah, yeah, Jim (but not Linda, mind you. Because what she did is perfectly normal /s) will go to therapy and "learn to be a grownup about this", play the Pick Me Dance really well "for the kids" but we all know he's now a walking dead.

In 20, 30 years time, he will wake up to dreams of Linda and Marc fucking in the restaurant parking lot, her sucking his cock on the drive to his mansion, in the elevator, in his mansion's foyer, etc, etc.

("I was in his room for just ten minutes!" LOL, people have had quickies in three.)

He has effectivelly signed up to be her warden, spending the rest of his life worrying himself sick whenever she gets a notification at 11pm, or takes 20 minutes to run a five minute errand.

He will forever know that this is a woman who, when it actually MATTERED, threw him away like a used napkin.

Also, fuck Dee, she and the crew never get karma in any of these iterations.

The reason that they got divorced in most of the versions, was she refused to acknowledge that what she did was wrong.

She kept thinking that what she did was outside of the marriage, so it shouldn't count. She was planning to remember that night for the rest of her life as a wonderful memory.

Well done! I wish the character of Linda in the original had at least half the common sense, willpower, and love that this one did. Also good, growth on everyone's part (except maybe Marc LaValliere's), even the friends, who would hopefully be better fruends in the future.

I don't think you did yourself any favours by having your first story being an exercise at flogging a dead horse, especially one that's been flogged so many times it's pretty much down to the bone now.

On its own, the story is ok, but I really can't tell it apart much from half of the conclusions of this underwhelming universe, even if it is better than most other attempts that I remember.

Even the title feels trite, considering the circumstances. Their marriage took a big dent which they had to work to overcome. February still sucked, just not as much as it could have.

A good examination of the situation though I think Jim was almost too passive in this, and the final reconciliation was a tad mechanical - could have done with some dialogue with the family or a counsellor to explore things even if those things were "I don't know".

And the ending felt very tied off. As to their friends, honestly that would be grounds for ghosting. We don't see Dee's change just get told she is super sad. Show don't tell, really.

Again, a good story but I would have loved to see a bit more.

One of the few stories in the "Feb Sucks" canon that looks at real repentance on her part BEFORE she cheats. I liked this take, and though it could have been a bit longer with detail of each of their work towards saving their marriage, and detail if what Marc tried to do, overall I thought it was worth 5 stars and a follow to read more of your work.

Great effort for a first story !

She was lazing, naked while Jim dressed and got ready to do some light housework before the kids returned, when the doorbell rang.

Her fears were confirmed when she descended the stairs to see Marc "The Asshole" LaValliere standing in their doorway.

She didn’t leave her purse at his apt, so how did he get her address?

In the original, he drove her home the next day and that was how he had her address, in your story they never passed last names so he couldn't look her up that way. Small mistakes can screw up a good story for future reference.

A long story for naught.

It’s a good spin. I just don’t think Jim would respond that quickly. Linda said it: a previous girlfriend had severely damaged his trust. The damage was done. Jim lost his trust in Linda the moment Dee told him what Linda was doing. Trust isn’t restored simply by checking that she’s not leaking cum.

I'm glad someone did the story from this perspective.

Mostly well executed. Seemed like after Jim and Linda started marriage counseling the author was in a rush to end the story.

To me it felt like the author missed a golden opportunity after Marc came to their house. Instead of mentioning but, skipping over Marc's multiple failed attempts to seduce Linda again I think it would have been satisfying for the reader and very therapeutic for Jim if there had been a detailed account of a public pick up attempt that ended with Linda behaving as she should have the first time and publicly humiliating Marc in front of his teammates and their group of friends.

Bravo, my friend! Bravo! A unique spin on this heartbreaking story of betrayal. I NEVER get tired of a new twist to this story of heartbreak and the destruction of her marriage by a woman who suddenly finds betrayal in her heart. There are only so many ways that a woman can betray her husband. But each time I read a new version it is eye opening and makes the story "fresh" again. Thank You sir, for another look at this situation and what might have happened. 10 big blazing stars! Buster2U

your opinion on this story and its many variants is bang on. your version was probably the most realistic short of the one, the other being where the husband loses his shit on Marc in the bar for being disrespectful.

Excellent spin on the classic tale. Well thought out and well done.

Excellent (first) story! Well written, not overdone, but exploratory.

Loved this take... thank you!

Excellent! I like it. 5*****! You want to think that someone who is able to recognize the consequences of her decision would see it long before she goes off with Marc, but better late than never. As a reconciliation story, this works in an honest way. I expect the haters to arrive soon.

Very good, particularly for a first effort. I did feel it kind of lost steam later in the story

I read it. It was ok. I didn't expect a unique take on something that has been overdone to death; it's to the point where if February sucks is in the tile, I just count on the sucks part to be true. This didn't.

Great debut story! Look forward to your next!

Nicely done; smooth reading and a clean text until the begnning of page four. One finds this: "and to help him regain some of the emasculation he'd suffered." I'm sure that poor Jim did not want the family jewells separated from his body. Easily a five star.

I liked that this writer went a different direction than the original tale, so something new was clearly added to the story. As written, I think the reconciliation met my standard for believable. A had a few minor quibbles though. The story implies the friends later felt bad and that the couple is resuming their friendship with them. That doesn't seem realistic to me, at least if the couple truly wants to rehabilitate their marriage. Jim & Linda now know their social group does not support fidelity. If Jim & Linda are truly committed to fidelity now, why choose to hang around people that clearly do not share this core value? The other item I did not like was the downplaying of Linda's counseling. Per the story, Linda never identified why she did what she did. If Linda never commits to counseling enough to unearth the why of her cheating (she did cheat, just didn't have intercourse), then her supposed commitment to fidelity is a ticking bomb, ready to go off whenever he doesn't control her enough to prevent a problem. Control is not the answer for a happy marriage. Underlying motivation for what happens needs to be figured out, or repetition will happen. At least that was my experience. Wife cheated, we had kids, I forgave her, she went to counseling, came up w/ no answers, and then cheated again, and again...till divorce anyway. I know this is a story, and can be any way the writer wants. The counseling part didn't ruin the story for me, just letting you know where this comes off unrealistic to me.

Well done! Hard to believe, a unique take after so many. I chuckled at commenters who think a new take is not worth reading, yet read, Then, comment. A clear 5, look forward to more.

Taken in a different direction.

I was well on my way to giving this a 5, UNTIL the Author resorted to a standard trope in the collected works of a well established and popular writer in this genre! Two star deduction in my book.

I really liked Linda’s nightmares. Linda grew up in a hurry. One of the better treatments of the situation.

She still betrayed him and abandoned him. The outcome would still have been divorce for me.

Enjoyed your version of this outcome. Thanks for your writing.

I guess I'm just tired of the story. The original was a clever story. Several of the followups have been clever too. But it's been done over and over and over again until the shine is off the shoe. You can only do the same thing so many times before it becomes boring and redundant. That's what this story was - boring and redundant. And I didn't agree with the conclusion. Would it not have been enough that she left with Mark? Did Jim not suffer enough indiginities? Was his ego not crushed? Would he have any reason to trust his wife now or in the future? It would take a man of biblical character and fortitude to continue in the marriage. I saw none of that in him and therefore didn't believe in your story one single little bit. Divorce was the only possible conclusion.

Thank you for this different slant on this loved story. While there was the chance to go deep ( I personally would enjoyed that) your perspective, as explained in your notes is valid. I am looking forward to your future writings. Well done!!!

Somewhat longwinded, but it portrayed the damage realistically. You could have detailed Jim's struggle to deal with the damage at greater length.

The d marriage is destroyed and they have to create a new one.

Thanks for sharing...

I liked the rationality behind your thinking, this is very good first effort 4*. A word to the wise though, rational thinking normally doesn’t fair well in this category, It’s many Mob jeering around the ashes of a god BTB that wins the day.

Nah, sorry but kick her out. As King Willie pointed out below the fact that she stopped short of sexual intercourse with LaVallierre does not mitigate the cold, calculated disrespect and contempt she heaped upon Jim when she walked out on him with LV.

The author mentions exploring forgiveness but forgiving this level of betrayal doesn't make anyone a saint, it makes them a doormat and demonstrates a total lack of self respect.

As for Linda wanting a medal for showing a modicum of restraint, albeit belatedly; forget it. If my wife walks out on me with another man, plays tonsil hockey with him and lets him first play with her tits then get them out for his pleasure then she forfeits the right to continue being my wife, forgiveness be damned.

Well written deep dive into human nature, but could go many ways. I liked this one but there are many other options

No thanks. Marc would never have taken no for an answer once the slut was at his apartment and Linda had already crossed the line of disrespect and betrayal. Either way she's damaged goods. Marc takes her, supposedly against her will but I doubt that she really didn't want him, or, your story unfolds in which case Jim is traumatized by a wife who would try and fuck another guy at the drop of a hat. You want to forgive her, fine, but no way you stay with this lying skank.

Why did you piss away the opportunity to introduce yourself with another version of the most tired story on Lit? Not a very good version on top of that. None of these characters has an ounce of respect for anyone but themselves. She becomes no more than a wife who couldn't resist fucking another man therefore ruining her marriage. He becomes some weak ass pushover. I agree with another commenter, you did yourself no favors writing this trash.

Nice too bad an effort. I think I've read all the "hundreds" of follow-up versions and this had a different angle. However, I'm a "detail" person and there were a few things that didn't play out as expected.

Linda had worn a "special" dress, meant to be for Jim and their special night. However, only the arsehole Marc got his clammy hands on it and into it. Symbolically, Jim should have taken that dress, the sexy lingerie and shoes (the whole outfit) and burnt them in the back yard.

Plus, Marc apparently didn't know Linda and Jim so how did he find out who she was and where she lived, in order to visit? Did Dee tell him? But we don't know if she knew him, as per many other completion stories suggested.

Finally, you painted Jim as a weak, passive man. Why? I'm not saying he has to be some alpha type but he is just pathetic. Crying regularly. Also, why didn't Jim kick those "friends" into touch. They also betrayed him and you make him forgive and forget what they did to aid and abet. Cheers.

Assuming that this is indeed your first story, I am excited to see another decent LW author hit the scene (it's been quidry lately). I see the talent here, even though I don't LOVE this particular story, maybe it's the dead horse aspect that another comment mentioned. You did hit some emotional veins that I can see you exploiting... keep em coming.

interest but lacking in deep story telling It is a different take but does not really delve in to the emotions rather floating about it all too blithely. Nice effort but ultimately lacking.

As much as I groan at further February offerings, I still read them, so I can't say much. This time, I'm glad I did. I see it's your first story, so all I can say is, excellent job, and I hope you keep it up. God knows this category needs a counterbalance to the BTB children that infest it.

I offer this analogy.

Let's say that you have intentionally decided to step off a high cliff, and then done so (NOT wearing a parachute).

On the way down you change your mind, 'regretting' your decision to step off, and start trying to stop your fall.

So, which of your decisions was the 'critical' one? Easy answer, right?

Essentially, your original decision, when acted upon, began a process (gravity) which made the available subsequent choices meaningless!

The moral of the analogy: "Some 'choices' are irreversible!"

AWESOME thankfully a woman the came to her senses and realized the cost. why would remain friends with a group like that.

A worthy version of the original. Thank you. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Marc deserves an ass beating. Especially coming to Jim’s House. He should have left crippled.

Hmmm how did he know her address?

He called her lin.

Unless you wrote he got right out of the limo without leaving the lot, the marriage was toast.

Unless drugged or very low IQ. No one would actually leave.

So you did not justify not divorcing her.

Yeah…you pulled it off! I’ve read most of the sequels or variations of this, and I think that yours is the first that had Linda backing out before she fucked the guy. That was a scenario worth exploring, and you did it well.

.

Having Asshole show up at their house was cheesy, however. No way the guy dies that.

.

5 *****

He took back the shitty, traitorous, hypocritical friend group? What on Earth would possess him to do that? Nah man, ya'll can go kick rocks because either they were lying about their morals the entire time, or they give in way too easily to peer pressure group think. Either way I'll pass.

It's tough to forgive on these situations. It's tough to trust for sure. Divorce is OFF the table, but broken relationship and misery is guaranteed if they are together. A Man will finally decide to stay for the kids, but will never recover and will have "Don't care" attitude of his wife. It's the only way to be peaceful.

You called what Linda did a “near miss”. This fails to acknowledge that what she did wrong was walk out on her husband with another man intending to fuck him. Her changing her mind and hour or two later in no way absolves her of the original affront. In this version Linda is still a worthless slut and Jim is still a weak cuckold. One star is all I can give this weak attempt.

Personally, I am not at all a fan of explorations of forgiveness and repentance when the wife has made it impossible for the man to ever feel comfortable that he is loved and she will be there for him, so this and all the reconciliation versions of February Sucks, including the original, don't resonate with me at all.

Right when I thought I'd read it all, here comes a different version. Congratulations on the story; mostly well done. Would have liked to see Linda send out a Facebook post to her 'friends' apologizing for being such a silly and stupid bitch, thereby taking some of the embarrassment aimed at Jim, but maybe that's in a part 2.

I can't thank you enough for delivering a story grounded in human frailty, vanity, admission, realization, redemption, and restoration. You told a tale of a loving wife who life, family, and mate all flashed like lightning in a moment of utter selfishness. Linda fucked up, but Linda put the dagger poised at the throat of her marriage back in its scabbard, before it was too late.

We talk about duty, honor, fidelity a lot. But we you explored Linda's devotion. Her acceptance of humiliation, shaming, and parental disappointment and excortiation as essential to showing hubby her attunement.

You have written the best ending. Bravo. Thank you for bringing Linda and Jim truly to life.

All the best,

Dave

Foolish reconciliation and not credible as Jim had been cheated on, Linda demonstrated how little she cared about him, and how likely she is to cheat again. Walking out with the player was already the one and done.

Once again, the husband is described like an immature child, not like a man, even less like an husband. Interesting variant, but too much unrealistic fem-pov.

sorry, had to give it -3* right off the bat, because it was part of the story that just wouldn't die...

Always up for another FS redux! Well done! Too bad Linda didn't reach the conclusion that she was doing wrong before she got into the limo. But then there would have been no story. 5 stars.

I really need to stop reading these sequels. Jim is basically spineless and couldn't take a stand if his life depended on it. Linda doesn't deserve the understanding and reconciliation that she received. She betrayed, disrespected, and destroyed his trust. Knowing his history, she did it anyways. They really need a new group of friends.

Excellent take on a classic! 5 stars! Yes, some parts could have been further developed, but all in all it stayed just long enough to be enjoyable without becoming tedious. One little spin I might have added, agreeing with Miket0422, is to have been in a public place many months after the original encounter, with their "friends" and have Marc approach their table and try to physically take Linda to the dance floor. As she protested, along with Jim, the new couple in the group looked on in horror as they witnessed what the whole group had filled them in on what took place in February. Suddenly the husband of the new couple had seen and heard enough. Slowly pushing his chair back, he began to stand up in what seemed like stages until his 6' 7" frame and 280 pounds of chiseled muscle approached Marc and even towered over him. In an icy measured staccato voice he leaned into Marc and told him, 'the lady does not wish to be around you so therefore leave now'. The size, the tone of his voice, and the cold penetrating glare left Marc with little choice but to withdraw quietly. In a last ditch attempt to salvage a small piece of his ego he smirked at Jim as if to say, I will get her, where upon the 'new' husband walked over to him immediately and held him by his shoulder as he bent over right into his face and said, 'you no longer deal with them, from now on you only deal with me. Do you understand?' Even Marc did not have an answer to that. But, as I said your version was excellent, thanks for such a fresh perspective.

Yet another story where the writer sets up the issues, and then proceeds to address them by entirely ignoring their actual significance, and simply painting an ending they'd like to see. Written word is not the medium for cartoons.

After a betrayal like he got the husband would need years to reconcile with Linda. The most likely outcome would have been divorce as trust in Linda would be zero.

Marc's reappearances in the story were a false .note....not credible for reasons that aren't hard to figure out. Other than that, this was a very good effort.

Finally! A rational Linda character.

hmmm...

this alternate universe is quite a novelty and truly is different from other Feb Sucks alternatives.

though the first part is sort of a homage to the original version, but after that it veered entirely away from the original. The original story has still the fundamental part where Linda had a great sex with Marc and most alternate versions retain this core and that was where the alternate stories got real interesting with their own twist.

/

But this one didn't and that is where I think this version miss. It was a very different Linda - this one isn't like the entitled woman that GA's originally portrayed but this Linda is just a woman who made a mistake. And the fact that she only spent one hour with Marc, well, that is one good reason why reconciliation is a must. But that fact spending a very little time with Marc, is what killed the intrigue of this story. Yes, of course it should be reconciliation I mean what else is there.

/

But I would like to thank writer Fraactured for his effort in trying to be different. But I stopped reading after learning that Linda had a changed of heart and walked away from Marc after an hour so I knew right then this is reconciliation and I just lost interest in reading the rest of the story.

Totally different story. Linda still got off lightly though, but the reconciliation worked in this story. Marc needed to get burned very badly and for a long period of time. Forgiving the friends was a step too far though. You should stick to writing your own stories in the future.

The author is one of the few people who understands that the original story is quite literally senseless. The Linda George Anderson created for us would not have done what she did, would not have acted so cruelly, so selfishly, so coldly. This Linda makes more sense, though still goes farther than the original would have. The one part of this that rings false is the reconciliation with the friends, especially Dee. It’s now them, especially her, that behave contrary to the characters George Anderson created.

Added nothing and wasn't worth the time reading!

How could you get 4 pages -- about 30 in Word -- out of this shit?

.

ANY February Sucks follow up story sucks.

@dragonmann72about 6 hours ago

re: She was lazing, naked while...

The receptionist from Marc's apt. building heard Linda give it to Dee.

Finally a version of the story that seems “real”. The original basis has been accepted by about every variation. That a rationale supposed loving wife, in the presence of her husband, would willingly abandon him for a one night stand based on celebrity and physique. And that none of their friends would see a problem with that.

A person that could do that, regardless of gender, is NOT in love with their spouse. Even a girl/boyfriend relationship would not survive that decision, much less a married one with higher expectations of absolute fidelity. No sane person would expect otherwise, IMO. Even in this story, excluding a fairly high level of intoxication, pushes Linda further down the path than I think anyone not already a serial cheater would go. But it does at least show her stepping back from the brink although it would already be too late for many husbands.

One of the best to explore/ build on George’s original story and unlike the original, didn’t leave me feeling disgusted with both Jim and Linda. Looking forward to your future efforts!

This is a believable story...

The same sheep donothing husband as in the original tale. No much of a followup.

Highly unrealistic fem-pov vision in this version, with the regular unbelievable weak whining husband. Totally unbalanced and too much one-sided (wife-sided).

Thoughtfully done. Thanks.

Very good version. I like it. Thanks.

Good job.

Kudos for both recognizing the fundamental flaws in the original and also that no one had explored the option that she truly backs out in the heat of the moment. If I have a criticism (don't I usually? LOL), the added visit by Marc was more of a distraction, adding nothing to the story plot lines. 4.5*

Pretty good but she should have repeated dropped to her knees and drained the anger outta Jim to the point he couldn’t remember her screwup. And what of the pricey lingerie, not retrieved and used as makeup material? Such a waste

You’ll get a lot of comments; hope helpful. Hope you try something on your own. Thought your “Closing Notes” well crafted and interesting. Otherwise, the piece suffers from “too much” and I wish I could say, too much of a good thing. Do like your effort to create drama around real characters, but Karen appears 1-dimensional. The opening line when they reconnect: “She walked, silently up to him then slowly knelt before him.” Establishes the asymmetry between Jim and Karen. After all, the piece is all about Jim with little, if any effort, to delve into her behavior.

“ The fact that she went so many hours under this delusion that her husband would be just fine being walked out on seems irrational to most of us; because it is.”

And so might the actions of my wife: to have a 2-year-plus affair with a man who rented a room from us. That the affair started before she asked me if he could rent the room. That I never made the mental leap that their close friendship stepped over the line. That she actually intended to stay with him when we moved him to his new job many states away! I think she was likely bipolar this whole time and longer. I was informed to the basics, but never the details, four years afterward.

I find Linda’s unbelievable behavior all too possible.

Your style sucks, in one very pronounced aspect - Marc came to their house and pushed his way in and Jim did nothing. He insulted Linda and Jim did nothing. The group sided with Marc/Dee/Linda and Jim did nothing and even reestablished relationships with that group later. Did Jim even have a man-card?

\

Marc was humiliated then wanted revenge upon Linda - Jim did not take him to task - only a getting an RO - whoopee? Jim is a pussy.

Marc learned nothing and got away with near rape and near assault.

BTW, Marc's humiliation could only have come from the condo night clerk/secretary, the Uber driver knew nothing. Linda & Jim weren't talking about it, Dee did not know for almost a week alter.

\

But worst was Dee, she needs a come-to-Jesus-moment - maybe Jim telling Dave her bar conversation (in being a good friend to Dave - a friend that Dave could not be to Jim) was needed. But that would mean Jim had a man-card.

\

Group friends like that group are not worth the spit to say their names. Best find a new group and stay clear of those turn-coats.

\

2.9***, hooyah but not worth any follow up

With the way Linda's character is originally, written I think the "splash of cold water" revelation would have happened much sooner. As soon as her dance with Marc was over and she looked over at her husband and seen the hurt and anger from him only getting her second best smile after giving another man her best smile would have sobered her right up. She would have realized that if he was that hurt by her actions that far there would be no way his love trust, and respect for her would survive the plan she'd just agreed to. Let alone her moral compass and self respect.

Good God, can you authors stop beating the dead horse already and write something original? P

Start hiding assets.

After what had to be Jim’s worst nightmare, Linda’s attack of conscious and well love really washer only saving g grace. I know my next thought won’t please everyone. however the Mark had to be physically wrecked. Period…

Him inviting those people to his house and still being friends with them killed it.

Based on your story it was done in two pages the extra was fluff that really had no basis but to be boring with no real assist to the story. The fact she left with Marc was the betrayl and that was the bigger issue as it was so public. she be gone in most men's eyes regardless that she didn't follow thru. The rejection on her part with Marc seemed disingenuous as she had already been compromised with alcohol and most likely was not able to make that turnaround to reject. You present like she was less inenbriated from when she left the bar and had better control over her ability to reverse her and you make a greater case for Marc to not be so debonaire, in fact your presentation is extremely different then all the other sultry presentation to almost being a complete ass hole to her. Like he was completely insulting and an asshole before he even could get in her pants. Further you down play his playboy living situation as being austere. So no, it was not even steven what you provided and really undermined the sexual setting. 1 star for defunding the whole sexual setting.

I really liked this one and believe it portrayed far more realistic emotional responses.

The original seemed very two dimensional and, as you've already stated, inexplicable.

Top marks from me for a very good read, if a little long. I think I have read most of the variations on the original but this one had one of the best twists. Thank you and I will look out for further work from you.

And they all lived happily ever after!

"She felt her coat slide from her shoulders" - I've always wondered where her coat was. It was either checked or at the table, and she slipped out the back.

\

"They were supposed to be in a hotel, enjoying city life again that night" - They were? Then why did he have to tell the baby sitter that they needed her for one more night?

\

"regain some of the emasculation he'd suffered" - "Regain?" I think that should be reverse.

\

"Jim could have stopped Linda, but he didn't."- When? When she went to dance? He could have TRIED, opening up a whole other can of worms. Once she snuck out, he couldn't have stopped anything.

Well done! This ending could very well spark a revival of further endings examining more of the nuances of the original !!

Well done

Well done, I understand the angles you were trying to explore, however, the sticking point for me is that she leaves in the first place and all the things that went along up to that point . That is the unforgivable part, for me.

Their marriage is doomed at that point. I’ve seen other authors try coming up with other ways to explain her behavior. Drugs being the most, but not quite successful explanation. It kinda works to explain some of her behavior at the club not all

Good try though, thanks for writing

I loved it. That is saying a lot from my perspective. I totally agree with the "Closing Notes" of the author. The original had a lot of in consistent things that never made sense to me. I think for me, reconciliation is always the better choice, but only when it is a case where it can be justified. The original story was really so black and white that it was hard to see any wiggle room for Jim. By having Linda come to her senses before crossing the line the author gave Jim the room to forgive. But Linda really was standing on the knifes edge so it could have gone either way. One of only a few I really loved. Thanks.

I gave you a 4 for your first story. I think you did well, particularly up to their initial reconciliation. Marc, the asshole showing up at her house was a little strange.

How did he know where she lived? He'd have had to trace her down within the day. You should have included that in the confrontation. He was going wild but Jim did not even call 911. The restraining order should have been then not a year from then. If his failure was enough to fester in him and make him keep trying to confront or succeed with Linda, that could have lead to an interesting public outing of the whole situation. But not a year later, perhaps a week or 2 later.

Also Dee waited until the following Thurs to call. She'd have called the next day or Monday at the absolute latest. This was a woman who could not believe Linda turned down her once in a life time event.

Little things like this change a story. I could understand Jim who at first felt relief had second thoughts later in the week and was distraught. Kind of an after the event catching up emotionally. But that could have been explained differently.

A nice change would have been for Marc after being rejected by Linda a second time a week or so later, and having it made public, goes back to the club. There he finds the husband is not so stupid and is waiting outside when Marc comes out with his wife. He breaks Marc's leg and kicks him in the balls and face. Adds to the scope of your story but fits.

Going into this category with your first story here tales some courage. This was well-written and definitely one of a small handful where the wife didn’t fall from grace.

Good take on the Linda Delimma. I think this is the only version where Linda wakes up from her fantasy of what she thought her marriage is, and remembered what it actually was. Marc still needs a nut busting.

Really interesting and thoughtful twist on this story. I thoroughly enjoyed this and hope to see more from you. BardnotBard

"I was reading one of the many adaptations and thinking about why this story is so popular for people to explore." (from author's notes)...

I think anyone that has gotten the "February Sucks" fever has wondered the same thing. I have over 40 different spin-offs of this story in my bookmarks. My best theory is that the original George Anderson story had a perfect storm of events to deeply stab into the emotions of the reader. There's so much buildup establishing Linda's character, and the relationship she has with Jim. And then there's the special dress and lingerie that Jim wasn't allowed to see on Valentine's Day because of the weather, which leaves the reader looking forward to the amazing night when he finally gets to see it... only to find out that she left him to go give herself to a total stranger. It's gut-wrenching!

Anyway, fantastic first story, and cheers to your bravery in publishing your first story in the LW category. Hope you keep writing!

I think the original story is such a piece of crap. Authors want to somehow fix it. That is tough.

My suggestion to anyone who still wants to try: Jim must work. Linda goes to the get together alone. She does what she does but not in Jim’s face. That’s what made it so unbelievable.