Vital Signs by John Orr

this was such a well observed story - the mental hospital ward is spot on - from my memories of when i was a student nurse, with the patients providing better therapy than the staff. I liked the way that you didn't overdo the stereotypes either the staff or patients - their individual characters shone through. Some of it was just so sad, "Brad gives Randall an apathetic thumbs-up as Randall’s gaze shifts to me next. “And Jacob, are there any goals you’d like to set for yourself today?” "Build a time machine. Outlaw drinking. Bring her back for a final kiss. Say one single word. Of all of these options, the fourth seems the most improbable to me, so I just shrug." bring her back for a final kiss - gave me goosebumps. I loved the end was hopeful too - a fantastic read thanx. Juliet

This is very real John and written with great understanding. I know, I've been in a similar position (for anxiety disorders).

I just got around to reading this - Excellent! Very natural and yes, very real. My favorite quote was the one juliet pointed out above, "Say one single word." This was so well written, I hope there will be much more to come. foster.

the only bit i think could be done better is the end conversation with Christina, it is a little moralisitic and possibly over-explained. Does it need to be pointed out that he tried to save her etc, maybe leave the reader to make the links in their conversation, so they both realise without having to explain it. This dialogue is the most staged, whereas the rest seems very natural and real. But i still think it is a cracking story, wish i had written it. Juliet Juliet