Philippe

My thoughts also. That last text may also have been an indication of Milo’s improving condition but the converse would be more personal time for Finn to start think of himself, his life, and where to go from there. Hopefully Finn was able to reclaim some scholarship opportunities based on the family hardship delays. But whether a graduate of college of choice or the college of life, Finn should be accepted as competitive and competent if he chose to improve himself with the same outgoing personally once embraced as himself. Alec, too stressed to stay, Finn too stressed if he doesn’t. Finn too hurt to yearn after being told there’s no chance; yet, one year gives him one last grasp at hope….only to be shunned, ignored, truly no hope as he’d been told before. But if he recollected himself enough to set his goals, perhaps that focus displaced his pain enough to allow himself to be drive by long term goals…maybe the timing is perfect for new goals with broader considerations and freedoms. Alec still living the fear of a child, yet wanting so badly to have his relationship with Finn, but not enough to risk loosing his will power to avoid the parental dominance; that call means pain of domination and then the pain of having to flee without his love once again. Whether reconnecting with Finn or not, Alec will still feel the loss. In his mind, Alec’s pain will be from either being shunned or from having to flee and leave his love once again…but will he find new confidence and determination as he says his final piece (peace…hmmm) with mom?

Well yeah…otherwise there wouldn’t be any drama ; no drama no story! 😊 😝

You stole my thoughts and words before the fingers could speak them…but agreed totally; Rusty is obsessed and jealous, and now distressed that he wedged Maddox in the wrong direction. More than the noses and cheeks got bruised on this dormitory drama morning.

Wow, this chapter brings George to a poignant realization of self, others, and their many relationships. Visiting present (Rosemary), past (Dr Spencer and Dad), and future ( himself, yet unwritten but yet considered more real and more strongly than ever considered). Yes, this has a certain ring of familiarity much as we might see the same type enlightenment and relationships found in ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ as we see in George’s journey of reflection. Nicely done @LittleCherryBlossom26, this is the most connected with George as we’ve been allowed to be. He’s actually compassionate and searching beyond his selfishness for true purpose and meaning; maybe service to community is rewarding after all!

and that is why we have…WEST Virginia! Hahaha It’s the a rich culture of… Hillbilly Dance Hillbilly Music Hillbilly Hoedowns Hillbilly Physics Hillbilly Pilot Training Hillbilly Climate Change Studies Hillbilly Search and Rescue Hillbilly Sex Education Hillbilly Hospitality Hillbilly Bath Day Hillbilly Small Claims Court, Yup, just west of…normal.

Wow, do those more substantial cards have pop-up displays for the 3-D effect of those large wands?

Oh the pains of youthful ignorance. It’s a huge and often difficult transition from being guided and controlled by parents and society to then become more independent. There’s no toggle switch of enlightenment into adulthood. Foresight and understanding of our bonds of friendship and/or partnership at such young ages are still mired by the lack of self determination from the formative years; therefore, giving proper weights and values to more adult relationships is somewhat foreign and much better understood…in hindsight. I speak from too much experience with respect to improved hindsight enlightenment. Finn has had a more supportive and balanced developmental environment bringing him towards adulthood, then acceptance of who he has become, while Alec hasn’t had good models nor a good environment and definitely lacks acceptance as himself. It’s easy to understand why Alec lacks understanding and value for something he has never experienced…until now; so sad, but all too common in our dynamics as diverse human animals. I too failed to properly value my own relationship when transitioning from college to the workforce. I let society and social norms steer me away from my relationship. That misstep resulted in being out of step with my own life from then until present day; as we can’t go back, yet life doesn’t always present unlimited opportunities. This was an extremely difficult chapter to reflect upon, but the close proximity to real life characters and challenges is a tribute to your ability to bring these characters to life @Demiurge. I look forward to seeing which direction these young men take. Like the clacking balls of Newton Cradles, they will return to an equilibrium, but will these boys remain at rest?

How heartwarming that the young Carlos of 8yo has grown to be a budding young man of 14yo and that he recognized and remembered Armand without any memory joggers at all; that is quite a testament to his memories of Armand. Oh how my emotions are mixed though. That drawing is already special in itself, and to paint that over almost seems destructive of that independent memory of Armand past. I personally hope Armand will draw a new portrait from that sitting to his present satisfaction and then paint that new portrait with the skill and brilliance of his present self; preserving Armand past perhaps with some repackaging (framework), while introducing Arrow to his dear friend(s). That old sketch drawing is probably already worth much if Armand were to sign it; even if personal vs the Arrow , history and knowledge will prevail in the value of his art.

Yes I gave a tear for this chapter, not that it was a totally sad chapter or a sad journey in general, but that it was an emotional journey that deserved a heartwarming tear-jerker thumbs up 👍🏻. This story talked on social issues and reflected deferent views while allowing a logical progression even if somewhat difficult for the characters. nicely done @Jacob Windigo, May your muse motivate you to write once again when that creative itch visits upon you. 😃

How German of them! 😂 Or the American (cult) version perhaps 🤔

Trick question….there is no right or wrong, win or loss…only how you play the game; or Prepare for the game! Ooh la la

Hot all the way through until the second bell for round two!

Hmmm 🤔, WHOSE YOUR DADDY? Grand daddy, great granddaddy, etc… A House of Fire 🔥, protected by the God of Fire, with sworn secrecy under threat of fire, for the protection of all, and wards to prevent the other non-Fire Ekhos from teleporting in/out. So much mystery surrounding these divided lovers and their true hereditary significance.

Then you missed the old marketing gimmick of Kmart announcing “we have a Blue Light Special now in aisle…..” where a portable cart with a raised blue lighted pole would be sought out. These specials were often limited in quantity but often significant savings that would have people quickly shuffling towards that blue light. So….in the context of a European Blue Light pun for gay guys running to the limited offerings…. 😂

Learning to dance the dance of flight; whether a tango, samba, waltz, or folk dance, the ability to lead with anticipation of what the partnership can give and take is a special talent. As the excitement of this first flight motivates and accelerates Karl’s learning curve we can hope to see him amplify natural talents into dances through the clouds with spins and twirls, dips and dives; just to zoom up and roll into another set of maneuvers for as long as fuel allows. If the Luftwaffe happens to visit during Karl’s training how ironic if he should show his country boy sense of going for a bird shoot; it’s not just practice when you’re learning to feed the family, now he’s fighting to protect his family.

Tour de pants!

Geez, growing up I never knew the significance of the K-mart Blue Light Specials; no wonder people were rushing around.

Queen Cliffiniah Hangar? 🙇‍♀️

😀 they are finding themselves in mutual lust, support, and….hmmm…exclusivity? 😝 What? It’s not a proposal, just bare with me! 😬 On the home front, the bad news is that Nic and Joey are still there and at high risk tonight. I hope they can weather the night safely.

Ahhh, the roommates all know it, and have the boys fairly well figured out, yet these two still can’t fully recognize or appreciate this special dance they’re doing for exactly what it is. Maddox seems to have a better sense of where they’re at but doesn’t know how to discuss it with Jonathan without spooking him; after all, Jonathan is still in full denial. But little does he know that he is contributing to Jonathan denial. However, I believe Jonathan is finally starting to realize the hook is sunk, he just doesn’t believe The Mad Dawg could be more than his initial impression and/or his history allows. I believe Jonathan may be in for an introduction to a much larger and more lively family in the near future. That visit would surely burst the image bubble Jonathan has for Maddox; for the family will definitely see and sense the change and dare say speak freely in typical horde fashion. But the may be the breakout that Jonathan needs to feel as the family circles and supports the boys. @Laura S. Fox, thanks for bringing us these characters and their goofy, wacky, angsty story.

Post the rules for maintaining health standards, and penalties for breach of self-serve courtesies, and sanitation; then remove the contaminated dishes from the serving lines and place them at the girls’ table, then bill them accordingly, while banning them from club entry until bills are settled….done. An unsanitary, discourteous, and arrogant beauty is no beauty at all; it’s just plain wrong, rude, and unhealthy, let alone an unnecessary expense directly and from lost sales from any patrons revolted by their conduct.

Yay 😀, Karl can now see the benefits of his learning efforts! And what a great motivator in having the close family relationship to support and ground him more in what he knows and understands. A great growth period for Karl, where young Karl’s experience moves from being a refugee, and then an adopted son, and now a young defender in training. This is heartwarming as it can be amid a world crisis.

No! The wisp of white, and pink, there is still that little thread…a path! Who and How were they betrayed for that counter attack to be so massive? I don’t trust the Dukes of past sitting in trust, they are not to be trusted as they would sell their mothers for their own glory; while blindly selling themselves to their own destruction. Loren, a pain in the ass, but so loyal once embraced in friendship. Suman still has much to answer for; his forthcoming honesty is his savior…otherwise….

Oh my, this starts to wreak of fowl play with malicious intent possibly predating the death of the Dowager’s King and Mate. So how far back does this hatred go and when did the dominos start to be queued for manipulation and the power grab? Presently the question would beg for validation of Queen Amber’s illness, the possible causes that may mimic nature illness, and to alert the guards; with contingencies for the law’s evoked enforcements. It’s time for Aaron to bring Itumak back to his side as a trusted friend, advisor, and protector. An honest sounding board friend may prove more valued than all the royal plutocrats. I fear the plan may be far more sinister than any could imagine.

So sad is the stress of the young mind trying to understand the abstract; especially when it is so personal , as is love. Faire Tales are easily understood not to be real; after all, they are unseen and just stories, even concepts at times. But this emotion,… this yearning,… is so very real, it even brings persistent and almost obsessive control of thought and energy. It’s interesting to see the different personal interactions as we shift from first impressions to more comprehensive interactions. As her “Dane Lad” searches for sense and reason, I hope the letter from Mrs Hopkins conveys the knowledge, reassurance, and encouragement that a knowing mother can bring in a letter. From the more abstract, to the general, and then the more specific, I hope her understanding of Karl brings the comforts of family and home.