<<--- Me after reading these lovely words...
OhmygoshI'mtooexcitedtotypeclearly!
I couldn't possibly ask for a better response, FoLCs! I am truly honored!
Many a night have I drifted off to sleep with this piece floating through my mind. This particular little story was something of a personal challenge for me, as I had to fight many an impulse to "fix" a myriad of itsy bitsy little details. I've also long struggled with writing from the first person POV, and especially in the present tense. Can't tell you how many times I re-read this and corrected the verbage.
Thank you so very, very much. This humble little writer is truly flattered by your comments!