38 Comments
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Bob Graham's avatar

Will, I related to this character waaaaaay too much. Far too close to home, great work!

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Will Boucher's avatar

me too Bob..me too!

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Clancy Steadwell's avatar

yep same

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Carson Costa's avatar

I'm feeling a little called out.... Very well done! I like how clearly you get the point across without belaboring it. It's sweet and clever and all the little details bring it to life.

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Will Boucher's avatar

Thanks Carson! I was caling mysellf out with this one haha

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Simpulacra's avatar

That’s the same dual carb setup I have on my flatty.

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Will Boucher's avatar

hell yeah 💪

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Ken Flyingheart's avatar

Phenomenal. You’re the real deal, Will.

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Will Boucher's avatar

nah you’re the real deal Ken

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Ken Flyingheart's avatar

This is too funny. Please put that in the hardcover WB I'll be queuing for one day!

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Keith Long's avatar

So so good.

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Will Boucher's avatar

thanks Keith :)

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Keith Long's avatar

You have such a specific voice/feel — it makes me wonder if if I have that yet or if I dabble in too many areas lol

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Will Boucher's avatar

i just think I have no idea what I’m doing and I try my best to keep it that way

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Keith Long's avatar

Hmm. Noted. Expert advice.

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Takim Williams's avatar

Ugh too real

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B. Eldon Calder's avatar

So many good lines to quote. You demand re-reading, Will. This is such a moving piece. Congrats! I hope you get a ton of praise for it!

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Will Boucher's avatar

Thanks so much! :)

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Clancy Steadwell's avatar

you could turn this into another series: watching dad fix things

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Will Boucher's avatar

lmao, don’t tempt me. Maybe it’s the same dude from the roommate and when he goes back inside he has to deal with his roommate ranting

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Nic Wrote This's avatar

I have a Dad like that. I’m struck dumb whenever he asks me a question. Even if 3 seconds after the flash of impatience and disappointment leaves his face, I know the answer. It’s too late ….

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Zachary Dillon's avatar

I feel seen here.

I can't remember which comedian it was (maybe Maria Bamford?) who said, "I want to start reading the news, but I'm already so far behind." This sentiment resonates.

If I take this story (and the comments) to be true, you worked in a pet store? Like, a pet store, or a pet food store? Because I worked in a pet food store! That's the best shape I've ever been in, carrying giant bags of food and litter around. And working the register was one of those "I'll never learn this" moments that was terrifying until it became second nature, and then I actually enjoyed it.

Also, "nippeloid on/off switch" and "popcorn sound" are perfect descriptions. I know exactly the type of flashlight.

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Will Boucher's avatar

I really resonate with that quote too...damn. Yes! I briefly worked in a pet shop, not just pet food but toys, crates, accessories, etc. It was fun work and I did it until something more in line with my interests came along but yeah I had to learn in-depth stuff about all the different types of dog diets and types of proteins and I felt that "I'll never learn this" as well

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Zachary Dillon's avatar

Sounds akin to the shop I worked in. We sold everything but the animals—except the live crickets, but those were categorized as food, of course.

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Will Boucher's avatar

We didn’t even have live crickets! It was more of a high-end organic type of place

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E.L. Zeitgeist's avatar

Another pet store breadcrumb!! I reeeeeaally like where this is going and I think I finally understand some of the guys I dated!

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Will Boucher's avatar

haha! I think my time working in a pet store has been on the brain lately and has been weaseling its way into things…perhaps I got it out of my system :)

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E.L. Zeitgeist's avatar

Or maaaaybe this character needs to live and breathe!!

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Will Boucher's avatar

that’s true! Could be a new series…who knows!

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Michael Edward's avatar

This was great Will. You are so damn good at capturing those hard to articulate experiences. And this one was fantastic. :)

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Will Boucher's avatar

Michael! Thanks so much my friend! Always appreciate your feedback

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Michael Edward's avatar

My pleasure Will :)

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Mari's avatar

Why are you yelling at me!

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Will Boucher's avatar

This story is an exercise in yelling at myself! You just got caught in the crossfire lol

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Parker McCoy's avatar

I definitely can relate. I've had a bad habit for a long time where I think I'm too late and the party is over with and it's all gone by and left me. I don't know why, because it's not true at all, but I've definitely been in his shoes before. Excellent tale, Will.

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nadav's avatar

the PFWBU (pet food will boucher universe) is expanding

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Will Boucher's avatar

it will keep expanding and expanding

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User's avatar
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Jun 3
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Will Boucher's avatar

thanks for sharing and for resonating :)

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