by Ian_Snow
is what romance is about not those stupid group sex stoies that say they are romance but aren't
This was a tale that in the end brought up the whole issue of the ethical question of assisted suicide. It is illegal in most of the states of the US, but the question is there for us to look at. is there indeed a situation where the person looking to die is better off? Many think that when an illness is so debilitation that the person cannot bear it any longer and there is no reasonable hope for any sort of recovery then it is not only permissible, but merciful. Mental illness is a bit harder to reconcile because it is almost always possible to pacify people with drugs somehow. Silje was apparently beyond comfort with drugs so she becomes a suicide that we can accept to a certain extent. I don't know how you live with the role of assist when it's someone you really love. Physicians are able to assist in a few states and they can take a formal role and keep out of the emotional aspects for the most part. I have no idea how someone like Colin could live with what he agreed to do, but maybe it is possible. It does make for a good story, however. A lot heavier than you get into in these stories and more philosophical. 4*
Is a wonderful heart warming story. Definitely Hallmark material. Good character development and enough detail to let our minds fill in the rest. Thank you.
Awww... this was wonderful. It had so much heart. I loved it. I wish I could write like this.
~ I feel the need to let you know in advance this story deals heavily with the aftermath of one person's suicide. I tried to write this as compassionately and carefully as possible from my limited perspective, but if this is a trigger for you, please stop reading now. ~
you're not a writer. you're an apologetic pussy.
Like Hallmark on steroids. Wonderful story, well told. I’m about a gallon lighter from the tears, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. 8 stars out of 5. Thanks much!
Tc
Nice concept and well crafted story. The stories of Julie and Colin are woven together seamlessly. Very enjoyable read.
When it comes to competition writing I just read and vote. If I like the story I go look for the author. I should have figured you were the author. Great work
Very interesting story.
Overcritical discusses assisted suicide and how it is legal in some states. What happened in this story would not have been legal in those states. Individuals must be assessed by at least two physicians who are to certify the person is within six months of certain death and are mentally sound. It doesn’t sound like that was the situation here at all. Whatever Colin did would not have been legal and Overcritical did a disservice to the assisted suicide cause by even bringing it up in this context.
My only concerns with this story is how quickly they ended up in the sack and how the ‘big secret’ that had been hinted at throughout the story was quickly swept under the rug. I would have thought she would need some time to come to grips with the news but she just accepted the news with no hesitation. A little too simple of a resolution for my tastes.
I hope this isn’t the only & last story of these 2. I and I’m sure many other people would love more stories about them. I know I would.
To anonymous who called this excellent writer an apologetic pussy; exactly how many stories have you published? And how many have dealt so well with a very sensitive topic? Please go back to your village, they're missing their idiot fiercely.
Good story, well told, with very relatable characters.
Unfortunately, very accurate on how our lives are now fed on rumour and gossip, with scant regard for the truth. Offset by the simple pleasures families can still enjoy by celebrating the holidays together.
Small town life, always a contradiction between pettiness and inclusion.
Re: anonymous remark “apologetic pussy” what a crock of shit! If you are any good, write something better and then have the guts to put your name to it when you are done. Ian, this was a good story with characters a reader could get interested in. The plot was fairly clear from the outset and the results predictable, but it was, nevertheless, a heart warming and uplifting little tale. thank you for sharing it with us.
Thanks to everyone for the positive and/or constructive criticism. To CyberPunk1, I have some idle thoughts about returning to Pike Bridge in the future, but I don't really know yet what shape that might take. Small town erotic romance appeals to me though, so hopefully someday soon we'll pop in and see what these people get up to.
Great story, just a shame peabrains see fit to dump on a piece of work Ian_Snow has worked on and published for FOC access and has then opened that work up to creative criticism, crawl back under your rock anon, you have nothing we want, need or desire to hear. It’s a shame you didn’t listen to your Mother when she said “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all”.
A difficult but very rewarding story. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could. Thank you.
Great story but one little flaw.......unthaw. that literally means to freeze again.
Thaw is to melt
Unthaw is the reverse
5*.....great read . Please keep sharing.
I think the star ratings will speak for how well done this story is. Does it have it's dark points? Yes. Is some of it questionable from a legal stand point? Probably. But as a whole, very well done.
Beautifully written. Such a compelling, well written story. Really enjoyed this. Kudos, well done.
To those who leave comments, thinking Ian will ever take any of them into account, dream on. This guy is so arrogant, he will never listen to his readers. He a puritan. He might as well not write. Dont ask him to do a sequel, because he never will. He is got some ego problems.
I’m a big man, 56 years old, and the bedrock for my family. This has tears rolling down my cheeks though, knew what was coming re: his dead partner but that didn’t detract at all.
Absolutely fabulous piece of story-telling and at the perfect time of year. I’d give you 6 stars if I could.
Such a sweet story, it gets dark but the journey was worth it. Would love a sequel but it doesn't need one. Though Colin as a deputy would be a great story. Maybe Brendan comes looking. 5*
Oh. My. God. Well, I guess I needed a good cry? It touches a bit closer than comfortable to my own life, and I also enjoy writing about dark subjects although my stores are less romantic and more twisted. This was... Heartbreaking. But well written. Very well written. 5 stars.
I loved the story 5* without a doubt. The only thing I could have asked for was more. There are areas where I would have like to see the story be expanded this would have been an excellent 10+ page read. I think you handled the issue of the sucide very well it was part of the story and neccessary for the story but at the same time it didn't come off political. I hope to see more stories of the same quality. Thanks for the great read.
Excellent. Pleased you raised the issue of suicide in the foreword as a very emotive issue for some. Thought you handled it very well. Only weaknesses were how quickly their relationship developed and the ending was a little disjointed and thought you could have covered more to close remaining strands including selling of Silje's books.
5 stars.
Excellent, 5 Stars, and I hope you win the Holiday contest grand prize. A tremendous little read including topics both dark and light, all handled in a mature, realistic, and entertaining way. Your character development was also well done!! Excellent!!!
Great job, Ian! Excellent setup and very nice job dealing with the major topic of Silje's demise and foreshadowing Colin's part in it, leading me to suspect but never be sure until the reveal. Colin and Julie's getting together, when it happened, seemed a bit fast and somewhat aggressive, but it seemed to be what Julie wanted and in accordance with Colin's nature, so well done. Best wishes in the contest.
I want to thank everyone for reading and for your comments. It means a lot to me that this story was so well received. If you are or ever do experience thoughts of suicide or face down depression, please consider talking to someone qualified to help you. If you're within the United States, help is available at the Suicide Prevention Hotline - 800-273-8255 - or you can reach out to your doctor or a medical professional. At the very least, it can't hurt to talk to someone about what you're going through. Journeys start with one small step.
Congratulations!!
Silje brought back a lot. Silje was very much like my my wife. Although my wife died in her sleep from depression and cancer, I don't believe I could not do what Colin did for Silje. You are to be commended for your way you presented Silje. There was a lot of love in her heart and it was a shame she passed as soon as she did. Colin had a lot of baggage too, and it was nice to know he was healed by Julie with a little help from the "cabal"
I wish you well in future writing endeavors. Keep up the good work
A good storyline. It seems almost sacrilege for me, a non author to critique it, but.
I felt the "romance " part was a bit rushed and sketchy. There are far more details about the divorce and suicide that lead to the romance than there is about their developing relationship.
The story of their relationship is kinda like a train journey, but all we are told is about is a couple of the stops at stations along the way, whilst we are given a much more detailed account of the taxi ride from home to the station.
A R W
Interesting take on assisted suicide. While I personally disagree with the concept as presented here; I find that the author has written an outstanding and compassionate tale to illustrate his point. 5 stars
That’s just a beautiful story. Ian handled the topic of suicide skillfully and with tact. It’s a hard event to deal with. Well done!
That is murder! Colin didn’t save Silje by murdering her! Silje was not dying from some incurable disease. She had mental problems.
Saw some criticism on one of your other stories (New Man) and even added some myself, although all chapters got at least 4 stars from me, and some five. This story doesn't suffer from any of those flaws. Hands down five stars. Thank you!
You are an amazing talent thank you for the tears I hope for me as I read your stories.
The memory (and story influence) of Silje was perfectly written. What a brilliantly realized character; not one word wasted; not one more word needed. Also loved the Sheriff and his wife; your phrasing and word choices made them living, breathing people without the wordy “bio page” often thrown at characters of their import. Sheer brilliance!
So very thrilled you eschewed the “giant-hearted behemoth saves the damsel” trope. You could have easily taken that path - and it would have been understandable - but it would have cheapened your story.
My constructive criticism would be that the ex-husband lacked some of the depth of a real-live person. I think the truth is probably that I felt that Silje was so deep and rich, the ex just didn’t hold up well in comparison. Whatever magic you summoned to bring the Sherrif, his wife, and Silje to life - he needed a bit of it.
Thank you. 5*
As someone suffering from many mental and physical ailments, I loved this story. Truly beautiful.
I've been reading Literotica stories for more than 10 years and this is the first time I've commented. Your story is brilliantly imagined and written, full characters with touching stories. Your writing reminds me so much of Norafares and her perfect broken characters and stories. Loved it! Keep writing please.
J
Brilliant. Outstanding. A wonderful story and great read. Love the characters.
I freaking cried. More than once. This was such a heartbreaking, yet heartwarming and extremely wholesome story. I hate you for breaking my heart but I love you for making me believe in such a profound love.
Brilliant. Easily one of the best stories I’ve read on Lit. raw emotion, compelling situations, fully drawn characters. Excellent.
I'd write a longer review but my heart feels funny and there's something in my eye.
Excellent story of Silje, Colin and Julie.
Too short though. His interactions with Cameron's kids were so sweet.
Wish you wrote more