Days Later is a moratorium drama written by Walter Neil that bridges the gap between normality and reality. Provided a fair chance at romance, Gio Hamption is a successful Sports Journalist that battles not only with career choices, but a social complex that leaves it difficult to find simplicity in sexual comradery.

Opening up in a Gentleman’s Club located in Atlanta, Georgia Days Later conveys Gio challenged with a struggle that compiles restraints on a relationship he’s held for nearly 10 years. While contemplating the circumstances leading up to the brawl between himself and long time boyfriend Roland Chartman, he was approached by an individual whose façade nearly knocked his socks off. As things grew complicated, he found the man of his dreams to dismay an utter nightmare after what was suppose to be a birthday celebration for Gio’s cousin Lula turned fatal. Roland and Gio continued to work on finding a comfortable place for the issues suppressing their journey, but as time moved forward their growth seemed to remain stagnant. 

Taking on a promotion that landed him the title of Chief Editor for Sports Illustrated pinged a drastic change that required Gio to relocate from Atlanta to New York City. Along came Lula, who went from coffee shop clerk to one on the hottest Exotic Dancers in the Entertainment Industry. As both of their careers continued to flourish so did their love lives. While being introduced to Lula’s new beau, NFL star Kyle Stanford and his teammate Cahlil Thane, Gio found himself in another love triangle.

Things grew complicated for Roland, while Gio and Cahlil broke barriers as Hollywood’s trendiest new couple. This title didn’t come easy though as scrutiny felt awaken by the general public, some family and even friends forcing both gentlemen to step out of their comfort zone. Gio wasn’t the only one with complicated relationship ties, as Lula quickly found out about a secret Kyle formidably hid from her and Gio’s brother, NBA rookie Qwin Hampton, learned the lady he had been fighting for his family to accept had a few concealed pretensions of her own.

Days Later is written with a unique sense of compassion that cast sight into the reality surrounding our everyday lives. Every character carries individual characteristics that not only captivate the mind, but also reach down into the depths of the soul. I wrote this book with the intent to capture readers from various age groups, specifically Young Adults, but feel as if a variety of people can connect with the lessons these characters learn. This story represents a work that contributes to our human experience, helping individuals to better understand our society. Here is the opening scene for Days Later;

May 11th, 2010

Gio’s heart trembled as he watched the red and blue-flashing lights reflect through the windows at Club Assets. He looked at the mess surrounding him before glancing down at the blood splattered across his shirt. Attempting to wipe the embarrassment off his face, he heard one of the dancers whisper “Are you ok?”

“I’m fine!” He responded stepping over the broken glass used to fight off his belligerent ex-boyfriend. 

Gio looked up as the Police Officer motioned for him to come his way. 

“Here we go again!” He thought to himself while walking slowly. 

“Why are you still dealing with this guy?” He asked looking at an unconscious Roland.

“He’s a friend of mine.” Gio responded.

“Friend? I doubt he should be anything to you if you remember like I do. Judging off of this situation.” Officer Piut started before being interrupted by Gio.

“Yes, I know officer. But what do you need from me?” He asked glaring impatiently.

“Just a statement young man. From what everyone here has said he attacked you so you are free to go. We are going to clean him up and take him down to the station though.” The Officer snapped back in a challenging tone.

Gio looked back at Roland, but couldn’t do anything except shake my head. He really didn’t want to have to go through all this with him, but this time Roland left him with no choice.

“Are you going to be ok?” The Officer asked as Gio walked towards the exit.

“I’ll be fine.” He replied, before making his way through the crowd of people still gazing in silence.