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Randy's Ghost
Dear Author,
[Photo 1] This is Randy, a 28 year old researcher. Ever since his car accident a month ago, he’s felt completely lost. Wrong. He swears a puzzle piece from his soul is gone, but he can’t explain it. He looks around his home and knows, down to his bones, that something is off. He can’t sleep because of nameless nightmares and when he does finally sleep, he wakes up in the morning reaching for something that isn’t there. That was never there. He knows he’s losing it when just looking at the framed pictures in his apartment or knick-knacks that have no meaning, creates an unexplained anger. He wants to throw them across the room— destroy them. But only certain pictures, certain items. His anger makes no sense. Nothing makes sense anymore. His friends start to worry about him and think he needs to get out. Maybe meet someone. After all, he hadn’t even gone out on a date in well over a year.
[Photo 2] This is Chilton. He works for a med-tech agency from the future. When he was assigned the case to go back in time to obtain the info they needed (some data not recorded because it wasn’t relevant in our time, but will be then: Ex. Experimental drugs for chicken pox, common cold, etc.) it was a simple task. Randy was researched and found to be the best person to infiltrate because he had access to the lab and it would cause the least ripple effect. After living with Randy for a year, it wasn’t so simple anymore. With his assignment completed, Chilton had no choice but to return to his own time, and to wash Randy’s and everyone else’s memory of him before leaving. Even his image was deleted from their pictures. But months after Chilton’s return, the pain of leaving Randy behind is still with him. He’d loved before, but not like this. When an unexplained ripple is found, he must return and welcomes the chance to see Randy again, even if Randy can’t remember him. He thinks if he sees Randy has moved on with a good life, he’ll be able to move on too. So he goes back years (years in our time, not his) after he’s left. What he didn’t expect was to find that Randy had never moved on— with or without the memory of the time they shared— or that Randy’s life is in a shambles it was never meant to be in. But, especially, the extreme pain of loss in Randy’s eyes.
All Chilton knows or cares about is fixing it. But how?
Photo Description:
There are two photos to go with this prompt. The first photo is of a fit, young, shirtless man, with disheveled blond hair. He sitting, hugging his knees, with his eyes closed and eyebrows slightly drawn. Clearly, he has lost something or someone. He himself seems lost. The second photo is a man in a crisp dress shirt with dark hair and eyes. There is a sadness to him as well, as if he is waiting for someone that isn’t coming.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
[Photo 1] This is Randy, a 28 year old researcher. Ever since his car accident a month ago, he’s felt completely lost. Wrong. He swears a puzzle piece from his soul is gone, but he can’t explain it. He looks around his home and knows, down to his bones, that something is off. He can’t sleep because of nameless nightmares and when he does finally sleep, he wakes up in the morning reaching for something that isn’t there. That was never there. He knows he’s losing it when just looking at the framed pictures in his apartment or knick-knacks that have no meaning, creates an unexplained anger. He wants to throw them across the room— destroy them. But only certain pictures, certain items. His anger makes no sense. Nothing makes sense anymore. His friends start to worry about him and think he needs to get out. Maybe meet someone. After all, he hadn’t even gone out on a date in well over a year.
[Photo 2] This is Chilton. He works for a med-tech agency from the future. When he was assigned the case to go back in time to obtain the info they needed (some data not recorded because it wasn’t relevant in our time, but will be then: Ex. Experimental drugs for chicken pox, common cold, etc.) it was a simple task. Randy was researched and found to be the best person to infiltrate because he had access to the lab and it would cause the least ripple effect. After living with Randy for a year, it wasn’t so simple anymore. With his assignment completed, Chilton had no choice but to return to his own time, and to wash Randy’s and everyone else’s memory of him before leaving. Even his image was deleted from their pictures. But months after Chilton’s return, the pain of leaving Randy behind is still with him. He’d loved before, but not like this. When an unexplained ripple is found, he must return and welcomes the chance to see Randy again, even if Randy can’t remember him. He thinks if he sees Randy has moved on with a good life, he’ll be able to move on too. So he goes back years (years in our time, not his) after he’s left. What he didn’t expect was to find that Randy had never moved on— with or without the memory of the time they shared— or that Randy’s life is in a shambles it was never meant to be in. But, especially, the extreme pain of loss in Randy’s eyes.
All Chilton knows or cares about is fixing it. But how?
Photo Description:
There are two photos to go with this prompt. The first photo is of a fit, young, shirtless man, with disheveled blond hair. He sitting, hugging his knees, with his eyes closed and eyebrows slightly drawn. Clearly, he has lost something or someone. He himself seems lost. The second photo is a man in a crisp dress shirt with dark hair and eyes. There is a sadness to him as well, as if he is waiting for someone that isn’t coming.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
64 pages, ebook
First published September 8, 2014
1 person is currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
William W. Tate
6 books22 followersWilliam Tate (aka William W. Tate) is the m/m pen name and an alter ego of author Jennivie Wirries (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 9, 2014
Words are failing me this morning, but I want to say that this author took a great prompt and turned it into a great story. It was dark, emotional, and interesting. I can't help but feel it could have been even better if turned into a full length novel that would allow the characters to be more fleshed out with more development of their relationship, but for a free short story, I really can't complain.
September 9, 2014
4.5 stars
Chilton is a time jumper sent back to retrieve research notes in order to save his people from a common disease. He inserts himself into Randy's life, but things quickly get out of control when both men fall in love. The mission isn't simple now. Both men consider each other "the one" and erasing himself from Randy's life isn't going to be able to fix the hole he's left in Randy's heart.
Randy wakes up every morning dreaming about a man that doesn't exist, reaching out to him in a cold bed, and looking at photographs knowing there is someone missing. He's slowly losing his mind and spirals downward into a black pit, trying desperately to fill the hole of a broken heart he doesn't know he has. It's killing him and it destroys Chilton each time he observes Randy. What was to be a simple extraction is anything but, and it's caused a rift that needs to be fixed.
I loved this story. It was fresh, unique, and it hit that brokenhearted angst button I love so much. I wish the however, the pacing was excellent, the action was very well done, it was well written and I loved both of these characters. I really want to read more of them and hope that some time in the future that will be possible.
A definite recommendation to anyone who likes a sci-fi twist, a reunited love or just a unique story.
My thanks to the author for their time and participation in the Loves Landscapes Event.
Chilton is a time jumper sent back to retrieve research notes in order to save his people from a common disease. He inserts himself into Randy's life, but things quickly get out of control when both men fall in love. The mission isn't simple now. Both men consider each other "the one" and erasing himself from Randy's life isn't going to be able to fix the hole he's left in Randy's heart.
Randy wakes up every morning dreaming about a man that doesn't exist, reaching out to him in a cold bed, and looking at photographs knowing there is someone missing. He's slowly losing his mind and spirals downward into a black pit, trying desperately to fill the hole of a broken heart he doesn't know he has. It's killing him and it destroys Chilton each time he observes Randy. What was to be a simple extraction is anything but, and it's caused a rift that needs to be fixed.
I loved this story. It was fresh, unique, and it hit that brokenhearted angst button I love so much. I wish the however, the pacing was excellent, the action was very well done, it was well written and I loved both of these characters. I really want to read more of them and hope that some time in the future that will be possible.
A definite recommendation to anyone who likes a sci-fi twist, a reunited love or just a unique story.
My thanks to the author for their time and participation in the Loves Landscapes Event.
September 14, 2014
This story was written in response to my prompt, and I've gotta say, this was even better than I'd hoped for! The author made a general idea in my head come alive for me and I'm so grateful. It pushed all my buttons in the most lovely way and was so well written I'll be coming back to read it again and again!
September 8, 2014
This story made me tear up at times, I cannot lie. It does have a happy ending though. It is really sad for both of them. Two men from different timelines who come together and fall in love. A love that can’t just disappear. Most of this story is told in flashbacks, with the present thrown in here and there. We have our one lover, who sees a ‘ghost’. A lover, he can’t completely remember, everyone else thinks he is crazy. His whole life is turned upside down. Randy is slowly going insane and losing his life to drugs, etc. His own value on his life is spiraling downhill. He went from an joyful, strong-headed, kind, caring man to a the complete opposite.
His ‘ghost’ lover is named, Chilton. Unlike Randy, he knows and has to watch Randy’s life spiral out of control. He has done something that is against the rules, he fall in love with a ‘target’. Plus, never before, his lover, Randy, seems to have not completely forgotten him. As we watch Randy’s life go downhill, we watch to see if Chilton is able to find a way to save Randy AND be together with him.
It was a very lovely story. I really wanted the best for the best of them. I felt sorry that they are both suffering. I was happy with the ending.
His ‘ghost’ lover is named, Chilton. Unlike Randy, he knows and has to watch Randy’s life spiral out of control. He has done something that is against the rules, he fall in love with a ‘target’. Plus, never before, his lover, Randy, seems to have not completely forgotten him. As we watch Randy’s life go downhill, we watch to see if Chilton is able to find a way to save Randy AND be together with him.
It was a very lovely story. I really wanted the best for the best of them. I felt sorry that they are both suffering. I was happy with the ending.
October 26, 2019
Bravo 5+ Stars for this masterpiece!!!!
I have waited so long for a release by this author that I can't tell you how pleased I was to finally be reading one of her/his stories.
This science fiction romance between Chilton and Randy was amazing. It was a rollercoaster of emotion from the word go! Who would think from two pictures and a short letter that you could write a story that could make me laugh and cry at the same time. This story had depth for each of the characters and a great story surrounding their life together and apart. My heart bled for Randy but the story made me rejoice in the love they found together. No one can write an insta-wet moment like our William Tate. Of course, this story had a happy ending,it was a requirement but for a while there I wasn't sure it was going to. From the moment I started reading I never took my eyes off the screen, this was a magnificent story. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!!
I have waited so long for a release by this author that I can't tell you how pleased I was to finally be reading one of her/his stories.
This science fiction romance between Chilton and Randy was amazing. It was a rollercoaster of emotion from the word go! Who would think from two pictures and a short letter that you could write a story that could make me laugh and cry at the same time. This story had depth for each of the characters and a great story surrounding their life together and apart. My heart bled for Randy but the story made me rejoice in the love they found together. No one can write an insta-wet moment like our William Tate. Of course, this story had a happy ending,it was a requirement but for a while there I wasn't sure it was going to. From the moment I started reading I never took my eyes off the screen, this was a magnificent story. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!!
September 14, 2014
The prompt was so specific, I can imagine it was hard for the author to push the boundaries. The premise was interesting, the execution just so-so.
There was a lot of telling, and the scenes with the MCs in the "present" (when Randy and Chilton first meet) were rushed and a little scripted so I had a hard time believing their love was strong enough to span dimensions of time.
I love time travel stories, but this was far too short, so the time travel aspect was thrown in there with nary an explanation or world building.
It was original, I give it that, and the writing was fine, but the story needed more depth and development. Some non-graphic steam included.
~2.5 to 3 stars~
There was a lot of telling, and the scenes with the MCs in the "present" (when Randy and Chilton first meet) were rushed and a little scripted so I had a hard time believing their love was strong enough to span dimensions of time.
I love time travel stories, but this was far too short, so the time travel aspect was thrown in there with nary an explanation or world building.
It was original, I give it that, and the writing was fine, but the story needed more depth and development. Some non-graphic steam included.
~2.5 to 3 stars~
September 20, 2014
A very angsty read with a killer beginning that drew me in.
September 3, 2018
TW: Drug use
I don't read much sci-fi but I liked the prompt provided for this one, so I figured I'd give it a try. It was an interesting read, and does follow the prompt quite well. I wanted to know how it would be resolved and that kept me reading, but the execution wasn't the best. I can't even say this is all telling and no showing, because we're not even told much either.
Pretty much the entire first half of the book is just one sex scene after another because apparently lots and lots and lots of sex is the only thing two guys need to fall in love with each other. *rolls eyes* I would've preferred more focus on the sci-fi part of it and less on the constant sex. We don't even know what year Chilton is from. How do they research and figure out what point in time to send people to? How do they track possible ripples? How do they do the mind wipes? Randy never even finished his research on whatever he was researching that somehow cures a bunch of people dying of some sort of unexplained disease in Chilton's time. How did anyone even find out about this research and figure out they needed it? You can hand wave it away as "sci-fi" to a certain extent, but there's not much here to indicate what the future is like, just the barest slivers of information. A little more world-building would've been appreciated.
I don't think I buy that Randy would've spiraled out of control like he did, either. It was the most stereotypical demise I've read in a long time. Then there's some to-do over Chilton's father that also isn't explained very well. The ending is also rather confusing because
I don't read much sci-fi but I liked the prompt provided for this one, so I figured I'd give it a try. It was an interesting read, and does follow the prompt quite well. I wanted to know how it would be resolved and that kept me reading, but the execution wasn't the best. I can't even say this is all telling and no showing, because we're not even told much either.
Pretty much the entire first half of the book is just one sex scene after another because apparently lots and lots and lots of sex is the only thing two guys need to fall in love with each other. *rolls eyes* I would've preferred more focus on the sci-fi part of it and less on the constant sex. We don't even know what year Chilton is from. How do they research and figure out what point in time to send people to? How do they track possible ripples? How do they do the mind wipes? Randy never even finished his research on whatever he was researching that somehow cures a bunch of people dying of some sort of unexplained disease in Chilton's time. How did anyone even find out about this research and figure out they needed it? You can hand wave it away as "sci-fi" to a certain extent, but there's not much here to indicate what the future is like, just the barest slivers of information. A little more world-building would've been appreciated.
I don't think I buy that Randy would've spiraled out of control like he did, either. It was the most stereotypical demise I've read in a long time. Then there's some to-do over Chilton's father that also isn't explained very well. The ending is also rather confusing because
July 11, 2020
Some excellent ideas here, but like some of the other reviews, I agree that it would've been better with more length for expanding the characters. Still, although I'm not sure what happened with Chilton's father (major plot black hole there!), overall it wasn't too bad.
November 20, 2014
I'm kind of feeling bad for almost only handing out rather negative ratings lately - but maybe just put it down to my personal likes and dislikes.
A lot of telling is going on there which is always kind of off putting for me.
I found the time traveling science was poorly (or not at all) explained and left me with lots of question marks.
The solution to the father's intervention I found badly executed and has me wondering how Chilton managed this spin. Lazy writing for me. Author does not not know as well, just skip it and jump forward in time.
Also Randie's decline in life was superficially done.
A male pen name? My opinion about that - if you would feel being gender fluid or transsexual or anything comparable, than it would be totally fine. Your profile does not mention any of this and so I find this cheating because some people searching especially m/m romance written by a male (me I was looking forward to a story written by a male between all these female authors).
A lot of telling is going on there which is always kind of off putting for me.
I found the time traveling science was poorly (or not at all) explained and left me with lots of question marks.
The solution to the father's intervention I found badly executed and has me wondering how Chilton managed this spin. Lazy writing for me. Author does not not know as well, just skip it and jump forward in time.
Also Randie's decline in life was superficially done.
A male pen name? My opinion about that - if you would feel being gender fluid or transsexual or anything comparable, than it would be totally fine. Your profile does not mention any of this and so I find this cheating because some people searching especially m/m romance written by a male (me I was looking forward to a story written by a male between all these female authors).
September 15, 2014
This book deserves so much more than 5 stars. The only complaint I have is that it is a novella. I devoured it. I went through so many emotions while reading this book. I was completely engaged with Randy and Chilton the entire story. I can only hope we see more works by this brilliant writer soon!
I have a confession to make, I feel asleep while reading the book. I as holding my son, who is 2, and he was napping. There is something about him napping on me which seems to drop me like a fly. I usually end up napping too. The only reason I am admitting to this, is because, I totally had a complete dream about Randy and Chilton during my nap. I was so engaged in my heart with these characters my mind continued their story while I slept.
I love this work Willaim Tate, BRAVO, My Friend!!!
I have a confession to make, I feel asleep while reading the book. I as holding my son, who is 2, and he was napping. There is something about him napping on me which seems to drop me like a fly. I usually end up napping too. The only reason I am admitting to this, is because, I totally had a complete dream about Randy and Chilton during my nap. I was so engaged in my heart with these characters my mind continued their story while I slept.
I love this work Willaim Tate, BRAVO, My Friend!!!
September 26, 2014
The first half of the story was great. There was enough angst to make the plot believable, and I thought that the main couple would work through it and get their much-deserved happily ever after. While the happy ending was there, the resolution was so confusing that it displaced some of the emotion.
Going in, I was already expecting and prepared for the assumption that the audience would know that Randy and Chilton are in love, so I was surprised when the story spent a long time in the 'before' portion. I definitely would have preferred a shorter 'before' courtship, and a longer explanation in the end for how everything worked out.
Going in, I was already expecting and prepared for the assumption that the audience would know that Randy and Chilton are in love, so I was surprised when the story spent a long time in the 'before' portion. I definitely would have preferred a shorter 'before' courtship, and a longer explanation in the end for how everything worked out.
July 14, 2016
Enjoyable but for me, it lacked that special something, that spark that would make me love it. I liked it, didn't love it.
The time travel aspect was a bit confusing at times. I liked the characters well enough, but I didn't strongly connect to them. And I did enjoy the romance.
The bottom line is that I liked many aspects of this story- characters, plot, romance. But I didn't love it. Therefore only three stars.
I would recommend checking it out tho, it's free to download on the website: http://www.mmromancegroup.com/randys-...
The time travel aspect was a bit confusing at times. I liked the characters well enough, but I didn't strongly connect to them. And I did enjoy the romance.
The bottom line is that I liked many aspects of this story- characters, plot, romance. But I didn't love it. Therefore only three stars.
I would recommend checking it out tho, it's free to download on the website: http://www.mmromancegroup.com/randys-...
October 7, 2014
4.5 STARS
Loved this story. There were a few back and firths that I felt could have either been done without or expanded on. But who am I? I sure wasn't talented enough to write it. Lovely paranormal story that screams through the years that love lasts or love never forgets. Wouldn't that be a wonderful feeling to know that we're true. You'll love the two MCs and the fight they had to keep each other.mwell done and highly recommended!
Loved this story. There were a few back and firths that I felt could have either been done without or expanded on. But who am I? I sure wasn't talented enough to write it. Lovely paranormal story that screams through the years that love lasts or love never forgets. Wouldn't that be a wonderful feeling to know that we're true. You'll love the two MCs and the fight they had to keep each other.mwell done and highly recommended!
June 3, 2015
[NOTE: I rate most writing event stories (free reads) 4 or 5 stars because of my appreciation of the author's participation and gift.]
It was okay. I thought one sex scene went on a bit too long. The concept was pretty interesting. A good bit of action at the end.
I'd read more from this author.
It was okay. I thought one sex scene went on a bit too long. The concept was pretty interesting. A good bit of action at the end.
I'd read more from this author.
September 18, 2014
I love this story! I think the author did a wonderful job navigating the minefield of time travel. It is one of my favourite subjects but not an easy one to write about. Randy and Chilton are wonderful MCs and could easily be expanded to a full length book! Thank you, William Tate, for your caring insight to the emotions of these two men.
March 1, 2016
3.5 stars.
Recommended to Sci-Fi lovers that like time travel plots in particular. A short, sweet, at times heartbreaking read. Both MCs are likeable, the time travel related philosophical questions were interesting. I would have given this a higher rating if there was more world building and more detail concerning the mission.
Recommended to Sci-Fi lovers that like time travel plots in particular. A short, sweet, at times heartbreaking read. Both MCs are likeable, the time travel related philosophical questions were interesting. I would have given this a higher rating if there was more world building and more detail concerning the mission.
September 24, 2014
3.75 stars for the concept alone. Wow. As much as I like to read I love sic-fi also. And this one had a whoa, did your mind just go there field day. Glad the guys got their HEA. Hated what they had to go through for it.
April 27, 2016
I was intrigued by this story when I read the prompt. It was great! I had to slow down at some points to figure out the whole time travel deal, but I think there was enough explanation to carry the story since it was a short one. There was just enough detail to fit the storyline.
October 19, 2014
Different and a great concept. I think if this was a bit longer it would have worked even better. An enjoyable read, thank you.
September 17, 2014
Thank You
November 8, 2014
Review to come
September 29, 2014
I like the concept. Not a fan of dark, angsty stories like this but it was a good story.
November 2, 2014
Weird. Sweet premise but...
February 13, 2017
3.75 ⭐️
It was a great prompt, and an entertianing read. I kept yelling at Chilton to do exactly what he ended up doing. Wish the story had been more fleshed out, but I enjoyed it all the same.
It was a great prompt, and an entertianing read. I kept yelling at Chilton to do exactly what he ended up doing. Wish the story had been more fleshed out, but I enjoyed it all the same.
May 16, 2015
For the most part, this was pretty good. But I don't think I quite got the ending, tbh. Overall, I found it a little confusing and I'm just not a fan of the ending, it made me kinda dislike Chilton. Still worth the read, though, since it's very unusual and mostly quite good.
April 2, 2016
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
March 22, 2015
2.5 stars.
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October 20, 2015
I adored Randy and Chilton. Their love got under my skin. I think a little more editing and maybe more time would have made this one shiny. It's still a great read just in parts it seems unfinished.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews