This story would rate lower if I hadn't read "Loren's Lashes" first.

Loren, as you come to know him from that story is a lot more complicated character than appears in this short. Taken as a stand alone, he seems incongrous, making this story a bit lop-sided, but if read as an epilogue of "Loren's Lashes" then this story takes on a whole new meaning.

Loren is one of those unique characters you rarely come across in fiction, but so satisfying when you do. As it's a free read, I thoroughly recommend reading that one first. Then "First Lesson" will make more sense. ( )