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Not too long after I first discovered LGBT fiction, I was introduced to the work of the prolific Chicago area author Comicality. Over the following years, I read many of the stories that he wrote. I came to respect and appreciate his contributions to this genre of literature.

Comicality's writing was unique. I'm sure it appeals to all of us in different ways. One thing that I noticed was the depth that he brought to his characters; even to minor characters.

Occasionally he introduced characters of sufficient depth that I was certain they were destined play a greater role later in the story. There was enough substance to them that I was sure they hadn't been created for just a single scene.

Sometimes I was wrong. Comicality created minor characters that left me wanting more, yet some never appeared again after the very brief scene or arc of their introduction. A couple of those characters made a strong impression on me. I really wanted to find out more about them.

One such character is the protagonist of this story, "The Year of the Rat". Comicality introduced him for a scene in his "Gone From Daylight" series (GFD09: Pride & Prophesy, Chapters 8 and 9). And after this character recited his lines and disappeared from GFD, I spent a lot of time wondering about him, who he was, and how he came to be in that scene with Justin, the GFD protagonist.

This story is the result of my speculation. I had intended to write it and submit it to Comicality for possible inclusion among the fan fic that he had published for GFD.

Over the course of several years, I worked sporadically on this story. But I never completed it before Comicality's untimely passing last year.

That might have been the end of the story. But after some consideration, I approached the IOMfAtS Webmaster and asked if he would publish the completed story as a tribute to Comicality and his work. He kindly agreed.

So here it is: "The Year of the Rat", a brief sequel of sorts to Comicality's "Gone From Daylight". I hope his fans consider it an appropriate tribute to him and to his contributions to LGBT fiction. And I hope that you, the reader, find it an enjoyable reading experience.

One thing I must do is offer a disclaimer here. The central character in this story is a young boy. Most of his friends are also young. And, to be quite blunt about it, some very nasty things will happen to some of these characters.

If you're likely to be offended by a story in which children are sometimes treated badly, or even if you might just be uncomfortable reading about it, it's possible that this story isn't for you. I really can't say more than that without giving away too much of the plot, so please use your best judgment. If you're not sure, maybe you should start reading with one eye closed. . . possibly both eyes.

Finally, the Year of the Rat is the first year in the twelve-year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac. Those born in the Year of the Rat are thought to be highly intelligent, meticulous in thought, full of life, spiritual, and remarkably adaptable. The Rat is viewed as a sign of good fortune. Not that this has anything to do with the story, but it seemed like something that you might like to know.

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