Well-known artist Ellis Williams is in a slump and feeling all his fifty-three years. He's lost the joy which used to permeate his painting and despairs of ever regaining it. It doesn't help when he runs into a young man who comes on to him to win a bet, thus destroying more of Ellis's confidence.<br><br>Then, at a party, Ellis meets Martin Lovell, a man his age whose partner died soon after they adopted their son. Will these two middle-aged men learn they should never let go of hope? Or is it too late for men their age to open themselves to the possibility of love and being loved?

Never Let Go of Hope

When he finished, he looked between the most recent painting and the moonlit woods one, and wondered if they were really how he saw the world now.


Has my getting older dimmed my amazement at how beautiful life can be?


He shivered at the idea, and yet he knew it was possible. Then he thought of Martin, who seemed so upbeat despite the tragedy he’d been through and what he’d lost. “Can he help me regain the joy I once had?” Ellis murmured. “That is of course, if there is more to his invitation than just having someone to keep him company at the theater.”


He rather hoped there was. He liked Martin. Or at least as much as he’d seen of him. He was kind, compassionate…And when he’s not in public he beats his son and tortures small animals. With my luck it could be the case. Somehow he doubted it though.


Chapter 12