Thank you, everyone! Wow, to have gotten the most votes in a Challenge of such wonderful stories just amazes me. Honestly, I am not sure how it happened, but I am very grateful for the votes, mentions, and kind words (big thank yous to Abernovo, Phryebrat and The Judge for the late votes, and atsouthorn, I'm happy you enjoyed the story). I'd like to say 'Well done, everyone!' for the high standard of the entries, and I hope everyone will return for October's Challenge (along with veterans who weren't able to enter this time, and new members, as they come along and try their hand at storytelling).
Chrispenycate, I hope you are feeling better. We missed you in the Challenge.
Abernovo, I would gladly stand the whole group of Challengers a round, when the world is a bit calmer.
Just a final few words - my wife and I lost our only kitty to kidney disease this past April. After four months of mourning we decided to look for a new kitty to give a home, and a friend of a friend who had a beautiful five-year-old she could no longer keep decided to bring the kitty, Tilda, over to us yesterday evening; and then I won the Challenge. It was an unexpectedly good day. (TJ, I will send a picture to you once she comes out from under the bed.
) Thanks again, and see you in the next Challenge, CC
