Disclaimer: I do not own Danger Mouse or any canon characters. They are the property of Brian Cosgrove and Mark Hall.

Notes: This isn't a standard chapter, but I felt it necessary to explain the lengthy hiatus.

Relationship is still platonic.

I hope this is satisfactory!

(Linebreaks still hate me, so I shall use DMEP.)

DMEP

Our heroes have returned to their Baker Street pillar-box, but they've been idle for quite some time. Is there a reason for this?

DMEP

Penfold looked to Danger Mouse. "Cor, DM, it's been months since our holiday and yet nothing has changed since then!"

"If anything, it feels almost as if it took us months just to get back."

"You don't happen to know why this is going on, do you?"

"Actually, I received a notice concerning this. It seems Ms. Writer wants to finish this during a time better suited to her."

"What do you mean?"

"Sit down and I'll explain."

Penfold sat on the sofa, mindful not to sit on the lift.

"Right then. Ms. Writer started this story as a means of personal venting channeled through us."

"Ah. I wondered why I was suddenly so depressed. What exactly started it?"

"Her year started out on a low note, and then there was more struggle of coping with her mother's 19th death anniversary."

"Oh, crumbs..."

"Her mood influences her writing, you see. That's why, even during the more enjoyable times regarding our mental states, we found ourselves returning to those more dismal emotions."

"That certainly explains why."

"On top of that, this story somehow serves as a reflection to her own journey. A lot of what she has you feel is what she has experienced on a personal level. Seems the chapter introducing Steve Spider was also drawn from a personal experience during her own holiday."

"So, how come things haven't progressed? Is it because her mood hasn't improved?"

"Exactly! With everything going on in the world, in her country and in her personal life, her mood has been very low. She wishes to complete our journey together when she feels her own in progressing. Her explanation is that she feels her mood influencing her writing would only serve to hinder everything. Her thoughts are of how can she possibly write you recovering from suicidal ideations when she finds herself still struggling? For her, this story has us serve as companions on her own journey. The further her progression, the easier to write yours."

"Would it be wrong for me to ask what has caused her such sorrow?"

"She explained in brief that certain minorities are dealing with discrimination worldwide but it hits her harder when it occurs in, what she refers to as, her own backyard. Then, there is the matter of a physical ailment she has been dealing with for almost two years. The agony of her pains and not knowing what is making her feel so ill has also put a strain on her already poorly mental health."

"Did she say if there is progress to come? For her and us?"

"She said that progress is being made in her search for answers, but depending on how it goes, it may still be a long time yet before our progress is made. She won't neglect us, she assures, but for now, this adventure is on hiatus until further notice. There are still more adventures to look forward to, of that she is certain."

"Oh, goody! At least we're not forgotten!"

"Never, Penfold. She considers us to be among very special characters in her life. At least now we know what is going on."

"The readers hoping for more will be happy too, I bet!"

"Indeed."

DMEP

So, that at least explains why this story has been stagnant for so long. Well, let's just hope that someday, there will be progress.

DMEP

After-notes: In better detail, there have been ongoing debates in Australia that concern the LGBT+ community, including our right to marriage equality, and the constant exposure to homophobic remarks have not helped. They may not address me personally, but they may as well be doing so as each 'all gays are pedos' comments digs deeply. I didn't know anybody harmed or killed in Orlando, but it was still a huge shock...and then when homophobes came out of the woodwork and proceeded to say such hurtful and horrible things it was almost too much!

As for the physical health issues, I only recently found out that I may have lupus, it is being put through further investigation, and that I am so anaemic I need to be referred to my local hospital for an iron infusion to raise my iron levels.

So, that explains the hiatus anyway. I want to be in a more positive mindset when I write the chapters that display Penfold's progress. Until then...this is what you get for an update.

Thanks for reading. As always, reviews aren't necessary, but if you choose to say something, please do not flame. Constructive criticism is more than welcome, of course.