[Runt of the Litter on Hiatus]

Hello Readers,

I realize this will be unwelcome news to many of you but I have finally decided to take another break from Runt of the Litter. I'm not sure for how long, but at least a couple of months. As much as I enjoy this crazy story and this crazy family I want to move onto to different projects for a while. I'd like to focus on more traditionally linear and (hopefully) more marketable stories as I continue toward my goal of becoming a full time writer.

I was hoping to get this thread to some sort of conclusion before the break but it simply refuses to stop. With the move out of the city and everything else on the horizon this story thread is a LONG way off from finishing. I need to cut myself off cold turkey if I am truly going to focus on other stories.

Fear not though as this is not the end. The Bailey's always find a way of drawing me back eventually. I've taken breaks in the past and always found my way back again. I'm hooked on this nutty family and their raunchy hijinks. I KNOW I'll regret this decision by tomorrow but this is something I feel I have to do.

Thank you so much for reading my weird twisted story! Your likes and supportive comments never fails to brighten my day.

Grim

***

"So...that's it?" Chloe says sadly.

"For now." I answer as I hit the Publish Chapter button.

"Oh." Her head bows low.

"Are you scared?" I ask.

"Yes." She looks back up, pouting as only she can. "What if...you don't come back Grim?" Her slender shoulders tremble as she holds in a sob. "What happens to us?"

I stroke her thin arm. "Don't be scared my girl. You live on in the hundreds of chapters already written. You live on in me. And you all live on in the hearts and minds of every reader that has become invested in this story over the years." I grip her shoulder and assure her. "And I won't be gone forever. I'll miss everyone too much. I love you guys." I chuckle. "Even Fiona."

She wrings her hands nervously and peers up at me with her huge brown eyes. "B-but...I'm...coming with you though, yeah?"

I smile. "Of course. We have stories to write and worlds to create! I can't do that without my muse."

Chloe grins and blushes just a little.

I reach out and take her hand in mine. "Come on my dear. Let's go exploring."

Hand in hand Grim and Chloe exit the story.