Here on the east coast of the U.S., it was just after two a.m. and I was getting ready for bed when this notification beeped through. I was so floored that it took me a solid half hour to respond. I just didn't know what to say. I still don't. But at least I'm semi-coherent now.

Thank you so much, @v4vapid, for hosting this. I rarely enter contests these days, but when I saw yours this round, I knew I had to jump in. You have been such a faithful supporter of the Writers' Block and of our efforts, and I've spoken to you enough to know you're a wonderful human being and a real asset to this platform.

I, too, want to give @Blocktrades a shout-out. I don't know if he sees tags, so if anyone who communicates with him sees this, please make sure he knows that the Writers' Block is deeply grateful for his efforts to support and encourage fiction on Steemit. Those Blocktrade upvotes have quite literally been the only thing that kept some of us from giving up. @Blocktrades, we plan to make you proud!

Congrats to all the other winners in this contest! There were some great stories here!!!!

Again, @v4vapid--you are a rock star. Thank you so much!