zakynthos

The "raving" females once wotked up into a drunken orgiastic frenzy would proceed to physically rip apart the body parts of a male sacrifice. These were definitely the ancient definition of the "Mean Girls" Hopefully Charlie will be packing a glock or at least be able to channel Michael's "never got caught" running skills

Obviously he is going to write a philosophical epic best seller - that and do a few nude photo shoots to solve the immediate short term cash flow problems.

Pretty sure both Taine and Charlie are going to sign a timeshare agreement and cohabitate within Charlie's body Suspecting there will be a few massive internal conflicts along the way

I think Tyler was suggesting he was also impressive down below the waist Perhaps Tyler "The Hose " Cole would be a more inappropeiately appropriate handle

Yah - I just spent 30 minutes trying to understand the difference between aphorisms - adages - and proverbs. (to be honest - I had no clue of about aphorisms at all) Guess this explains why I had to drop my Philosophy classes at school 😁 Great story though - As night follows day - Topher delivers

Wouldn't it be a Romeo and Julius terrible outcome ?? I agree it's got that tragic doomed love kind of vibe going on. What could possibly go wrong ?

This time travel stuff is amazing. How did you find this early Queen video featuring a young Freddie Mercury???

Seems like Alex is on his own but he's lucky to have a loving brother and non-judging parents. Poor Matty is the big loser here. Exiled again and having parents who appear to be stuck in a 1950's time warp. Too bad they can't see that their state of denial is really hurting their son. I think this story was pretty a pretty honest reflection of how things work although I have to revise my prior opinions a little - well a lot actually. As things progressed - I was sure this whole adventure was a big misstake for the boys. It turns out it was a good thing they ran and were able to enjoy some stolen moments together. Just too bad they had to be stolen and not freely given to them

Good question - all indications are obviously ominous. The good news is that whatever comes down on Matty - he at least has support outside his home (and Alex) To be fair - any caring parent would be super upset when their child just disappears. So at least - a temporary freakout is understandable. Although - my feeling about Matty's parents is that if this was taking place in the US - his parents might be wanting to ship him off to a conversion camp (not sure if that particular torture is a thing in the UK) On the flip side - I am kind of concerned about Alex's parents. Their reaction seems awfully low key - oh you're back are you. That's nice. Next time - don't make me have to drive so far to get you. I don't know - it feels off someway. I guess the fog will lift and we will see what the true fallout is soon enough

Thanks for a great story - a story of Lost boys, Love , and Labeling. I feel very fortunate to have accidentally stumbled into this world (innocently entering Granny's doorway a while back) It has been a wonderful source of creative chaos and joy. And I must admit I came close to tearing up when you introduced the the rarest isopod of all - a caring school admissions bureaucrat. The power of the simple kindness of strangers really hit me hard. Must be some sort of weird pollen apocalpse happening 😂

I have no real sensd of Mattys parents - other than they seemed to have no problem sending him away. jus t seems weird to me. Alex's mother's call was even more disturbing. She seemed more interested in venting ander at Alex rather than wanting to understand why he left. That was a pretty extreme action for Alex to take. Considering the fact that Alex's mom actually has no idea about how her son is bing sheltered or if he even has shelter and who might be involved - her line of going on the attack didn't seem like she was too interested in how he was surviving without any means of support. Didn't feel like there is a strong incentive to go back home

My perpective: Simply put - you are creating a massive painting using words instead of colors. Inserting a "centerfold" in your work would seriously detract from it's beauty and power. So your "lack of skill" actually works in your favor here 😀

I love your great humor responses I wasn't actually advocating for a graphic blow by blow Just observing that the powers of the Force to "just say no" are amazingly strong here. Maybe it's the water

My initial reaction was similar to yours. Having been a recipient of parental neglect due to (mental illness) I do feel strongly for the all 3 of the young men who have effectively become orphans. This is the quiet reality that looms in the background of this redemption tale. As far as judging the broken and failed parental units - we don't really know much about the dad other than he is not present in any meaningful way. Aiden's mother - all I can say is to try not to judge her too harshly. I will add to Topher's response that she has moved beyond grief into serious mental illness. She seems to be in a quasi-catotonic state. She is in dire need of help herself and in no way capabable of providing care to anyone at this point. It is futile to try to apply normal logic to people with severe psycho emotional damage. It's a bad situation for everybody - just trying to offer some insight as I advocate for compassion

In any locale other than Merrickville - I 'm pretty sure hormones would have taken over when Axl and Ollie's goodbye kisses intensified. Actually - they missd out on the perfect opportunity to break in the newly acquired truck bed 😩

Really appreciate you sharing that this story isn't totally fictional. I think that makes story more believable and relatable when the writer taps into actual people and events. Maybe a necessary ingredient to creating a powerful tale of the human condition

Well The plot thickens as they say. This type of revelation (about Gareth) has opened a window of seeing him more clearly. He's so self contained - it;s hard to get too close even when sharing space. Obvious he is isolated and lonely. The added insight of Gareth's grandfather being a "strict disciplinarian" (putting a nice face to it) says a lot. Now it seems he is trapped into a cycle of abuse he is conflicted and confused about. Not sure how this will impact Matty and Alex - they are kind hearted and well meaning but pretty clueless (thru no fault of their own) but into something way over their heads.

having a hard time believing he would save Casso (specially since he had to put hi,self at risk to pull him back up) Stockholm Syndrome ???

maybe not but i'm guessing the label maker will creatively be put to use

I love the compassion here for the plight of the single parent (specially the undereresourced not fully adult yet single parents. It's one of the toughest gigs there is (for both the dependents and the protector) You're totally right - Ollie is the perfect counterpart especially since he is well versed in Orel care Ollie really sees Axl and it is not thru eyes of pity but rather thru admiration. Very moving to witness

Too bad for Axl then - no luck with the Merrick boys

The suspense is killing me - ok maybe not to a fatal level (but I do have the paramedics on speed dial) Matty and Alex are just so innocently naive - you just know they are going to fall (or get lured ) into something nasty. Definitely getting an Oliver Twist twist to the story. So I get the feeling the vacation will be ending soon

merrily merrily merrily -li fe is but a dream - right now they are moving through a fog of calm - just treading water But - I get your sense of foreboding - to me this feels like the beginning of a roller coaster ride when you are being pulled up the first big steep hill. There is the feeling of an uneasy calm because even though its all good at the moment - you know the bottom is going to drop (soon) and it might get scary

The STORM ? If they are lucky. Let's hope they aren't too unlucky.

Just enjoying your crazy ability to make your characters so solidly real - both the loveable and the detestable ones. I think the Merrickville tales story like this one is when your writing is the most powerfu (well - to me anyway)l. Written with love and humor - a potent cocktail. Your work is littered with little poetic phrases that I cant help but stop for a moment to appreciate (like taking a moment to stop and smell the roses). This little side tale actually encompasses some pretty heavy life conditions - but is kept pretty light hearted with liberal doses of humor and insight that seem to transmute pain into pleasure. Not an easy thing to do really.