An Unexpected Present, by Nigel Gordon

[PeterSJC]

What a lovely, heart-warming story! The parallel threads (David's relationships with Brian and with Tim) came together in a very satisfying resolution.

I think this story is a bit unusual in that all of the villains were off-stage. The characters whom we meet all show a great measure of benevolence, something that contributed to the good feelings I got while reading.

Thank you, Nigel, for this nice present to all of your readers.

[Rutabaga]

Ditto to what Peter said above.  I suppose we could all see Dave's part of it coming, but Brian's response was a pleasant surprise.  

R