Remember, Remember, The Sixth of November by David Heulfryn

David Heulfryn / / David Heulfryn, Stories

In the UK, Bonfire Night (or Guy Fawkes’ Night, or Fireworks Night) is celebrated each year on the 5th of November. We are celebrating the discovery and prevention of a plot (of whom Gay Fawkes was one of the plotters) to blow up Parliament and kill the King.

This story centres around a student who has to host an international student, Risa. The family show him British family life and takes him to a Fireworks Night celebration. Will explains why they are celebrating, and Risa misreads the signs and kisses him. Will’s reaction to the kiss humiliates him, and he runs off.

The following day, the 6th of November, Will and Risa talk about what happened, and it turns out to be a night to remember.

My Date With Death by David Heulfryn

David Heulfryn / / David Heulfryn, Stories

Happy Halloween Readers!

Don’t be scared as you read our Halloween special.

Reed is persuaded by his friend to go to a Halloween party. But it is a costume party, so they have to dress up, and to Reed’s horror, His friend, Jai, has also arranged a blind date for him. Jai chooses Reed’s costume, a skin-tight skeleton number. But plans go awry as Jai’s girlfriend doesn’t come, and the blind date Jai has arranged for Reed has a better offer.

At the party, Reed sees a dark figure dressed as Death. He keeps appearing, but Jai claims he can’t see him.

The Reluctant Gardener by David Heulfryn

David Heulfryn / / David Heulfryn, Stories

The time before you leave home and go to university can be exciting, boring, or possibly both. Jonathan is bored, counting down the days before he leaves home and starts a new life at university. But his mother refuses to let him waste his time lounging and getting under her feet.

Without him knowing, she asked the neighbours if they had any odd jobs they want doing and offered her son’s services. He is not happy having his free time ruined, but he reluctantly agrees.

His first job is to mow the lawn of a man down the road, and he has to confront his sexual inexperience.

 

The Last Ride of a Virgin by David Heulfryn

David Heulfryn / / David Heulfryn, Stories

Simon is waiting out the days until he leaves for university, but his mother doesn’t want him to stay in bed all day. She nags him until he gets out of bed, and he decides to get out of the house and her nagging.

His favourite pastime is cycling, so Simon dons his Lycra and gets out on the road. Unfortunately, an accident on a riverside path led him to land on a fisherman’s tackle.

Autumn Is Here

David Heulfryn / / David Heulfryn, Screeve

Autumn has arrived, and the evenings are drawing near. The days are getting shorter, and the central heating is on. After some torrential rain recently, we are slowly drying up. It’s been a difficult time over the last few months, but things are looking up. The talking therapy I have been having has helped, and I am incredibly grateful to the NHS for the help they have given me.

It has been nice to feel my old self (no pun intended), and I am working better and enjoying my free time. I hope you’ll all be pleased to hear I’ve started writing again. This time, there is no new series, as I didn’t want to start a new one. The pressure to complete it can be overwhelming, and I hate starting a multi-part story only to find that it is abandoned. But I have written some short stories I hope to share soon.
So, please keep checking back, and those who are subscribed will get an email to let you know when I post anything new. If you aren’t subscribed, then sign up to receive notifications.

Finally, thanks to all of you. I may not have responded to emails, but that doesn’t mean you don’t mean the world to me. Thanks.

 

A Summer of Discovery: A Bientôt by David Heulfryn

David Heulfryn / / David Heulfryn, Stories

Ben’s time in France is coming to an end, but it is not the end of his fun. Unfortunately he feels the wrath of Mr Fisher as he takes it too far. To get back on his good side, Ben helps take down a tent and load up the coach. But Ben wants a memento of this time and gets his mates to sign his Speedo. The first to sign is his new friend, Yves.

Talking Therapy

David Heulfryn / / David Heulfryn, Depression

 

I’ve been quiet for the past couple of months, and I am finally starting to feel better. I’ve been up and down for over six months as I tried to manage my depression myself, but it got to the point where I had to reach out to NHS Talking Therapy for help.

I can’t underestimate how good they have been and how responsive they were; they didn’t put me on a never-ending waiting list. Just the act of reaching out was the start of my recovery. I’ve only had a few sessions, but we’ve already identified trigger points and my behaviours. My counsellor also explained that cutting yourself from the rest of the world is perfectly normal. I have to admit that it is my main coping mechanism.

I’ve received some positive comments over the last few months, which I have not responded to. I always feel guilty for not responding, but during the dark days, I can’t, even though they are positive. I doubtless have lost a lot of goodwill from my readers over the years for my self-enforced silence.

It’s important we take away the stigma of mental illness, and when I feel up to it, I like to let you all know why I’ve been quiet. If I haven’t responded to any emails or comments, I hope you understand, but I appreciate you all and the support you give me.
I’ve also started writing again! I hope to deliver the conclusion of Ben’s story in France soon. I’ve also got loads of ideas floating around my head, and I need to write them down.

Thank you for all your support and patience.

Wimbledon Fortnight

David Heulfryn / / Screeve

We are in the middle of Wimbledon Fortnight, and like every year, I find myself watching tennis. I’m not big on sports, but there are some major tournaments that I like to tune into. Wimbledon is one, the Olympics is another, and a few more.

I enjoy the days I work from home, doing things on my laptop while I watch two sweaty men grunting as they hit their bright yellow balls. I wonder why it grabs my attention!

Every year, when Wimbledon starts, I get an idea to write a story about it, specifically about the ball boys. Every year, it sparks my brain, and a story drifts in my imagination. But every year, it’s too late. I can’t get a story written and edited quickly, especially when I have another story on the go that demands my attention. So, alas, there is no tennis story this year, yet again.

One day, I will write it. Those ball boys are very adept at handling balls. It’s a story that teases me every year, and one day, I hope to tease you all with it. Until that day arrives, enjoy Wimbledon, the white dress code that hints at what is underneath, the unreliable British weather and perhaps some Pimms or strawberries and cream.

A Summer of Discovery: Fucked Into Adulthood by David Heulfryn

David Heulfryn / / Cockaigne Chronicles, David Heulfryn, Stories

Ben watches Charlie head to the ablution hut and can’t resist following. It is his last chance to feel Charlie inside him. He meets Pete and Andy showing the evidence of what they got up to in their shared cubicle.

Afterwards, Ben returns to the shop to meet Yves, who tells him more about Cockaigne-Sur-Mer and the other towns called Cockaigne. Ben is amazed that one exists in England as he’s never heard of it.