GOOD STORY AND GREAT ENDING, BUT DESERVED MORE BODY.

I may be a little late in commenting.  I was delayed by my class reunion :).  But This is a very good story. The exchange between John and Gail was obvious enough.  The disapointment of a relationship that has died, though replaced by another, was the only lapse I sensed. It is well written, and well executed.
Thank you for sharing this with  us

I found this story to be highly imaginative.  For so short a story, it packs considerable punch.  My congratulations!
Hugs,
Ginger

I enjoyed this story, and although the execution is perhaps a bit rushed, the picture is drawn with sure, strong strokes. The basic idea is very clever and original, with a neat identity-theft twist.

Paula, this story makes no sense. It was almost decent until the ending...what happened to John? Not a very good story...decent plot though, but you didn't follow it through.

Barbara Lynn Terry

Thank you for the kind comments and I am sorry that at least one reader is confused. One problem is that writing in the closet has to be quick and to the point (or not as the case may be). I have always felt that what is not said is almost as important as that which is said and that you have to leave some things to the readers' imagination.  
What is important is that you have taken time to comment and I thank you for that. Puzzlement or positive comments are reaction and that ultimately is what all writers seek.

Paula

to me confusing????

Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard...  I absolutely agree
that leaving some points unsaid is very effective writing &
contrasts refreshingly with those writers (including me,
occasionally), who can't bear to leave anything out.


--Pervette

Nicely done! And while your readers no doubt will have figured out what is going on about half way through, you never deliver a crystal clear punch line or revelation.

Not only will what you have written, Paula, probably stay longer with your readers than most stories, what you've not written (but only pointed out) will have us mentally rehashing interesting details of what might have come thereafter.

Pity your story wasn't longer; you know, build up the suspense and keep it tuned to a fairly keen pitch before descending toward the finish. But this is an unqualified success, so maybe you've found your tale's most elegant form.