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What does not kill... Thanks for sticking with this, Dave.

Sometimes, the best thing is not what it seems. Thanks for reading.

Thanks for the comments. I'm glad I'm holding your interest.

Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad folks are thinking and wondering after they read the chapter.

Up In Flames When evening came around, and his dad still hadn’t shown up, Casey started worrying for real. He gathered up all his change and headed for the laundry, where there was an actual pay phone outside. “9-1-1. What is your emergency?” “Ma’am, this isn’t an emergency, but I don’t know who to call. My dad’s been missing for a couple of days.” “Let me connect you.” “Precinct. Sargent Rhodes speaking. How may I help you?” “Hello, Sargent? My dad hasn’t shown up for over two days, and I

Sorry it's rough. Not many pics survived. I'd been growing the beard for about 6 weeks when this was shot.

All right, kids. I grew my first beard when I was 18. It was full and thick and auburn, and the sidewalks sizzled under my feet. For several years, I'd shave it off in the spring and grow it back in the fall. I met Dave, Dave likes a full beard. I no longer shave, but I maintain other areas, and I keep the beard shorter than homeless length. Recent studies suggest that people are attracted to the more exotic-looking man, the unique man. When most are clean-shaven, the beard is more attractive, and vice versa. These guys are looking to be different, just like everybody else, and they lack individuality or imagination. As for the rabbi look, the Amish beard with the bare upper lip, or Duck Dynasty latter-day hippie, if it looks good, wear it. Don't use a beard to ugly yourself up. As for why, that is usually the most useless question there is.

I hope you always remember him clearly. As long as we remember, they're never really gone.

Thanks, Mark. I had to post this chapter quick, to chase some of the aftertaste of the last one.

This chapter wasn't much fun, but it had to be written. It's part of what makes Casey who he is. Scars tell the story of our life. Some of 'em just don't show.

I see a little myself in James, too. His love of nature is profound, and he's got a thirst for knowledge. Thanks for posting, Mark.

Glad you dropped by to talk about it. Part of writing this has been discovering the characters. I still don't know them fully.

How It’s Supposed to Be Second period was chemistry class, and Casey was late for the first day of class. As he rounded the corner in the hall, the bell rang. The classroom door was just ahead of him as he scurried along to get inside ASAP. If he weren’t too late, it would take a hard-hearted teacher to make a big deal of it. Just as he reached the door, a teacher stepped into the hall to close it. Wide-eyed, Casey barely stopped before plowing right into him. Casey stood five foot ten, and tow

What's up with Casey's father? That's what Casey wants to know. Maybe he'll find out in time, but for now, all he can do is wonder. James is the friend we all wish we had. At least, he seems to be. Thanks, Lisa.

I'm enjoying those two characters a lot. I feel like they're teaching me some things, too. Thanks for hanging in there with me.

Glad you're liking it, Dave.

Thanks, James. He's got some layers to him.

Thanks, James. He's got some layers to him.

Thanks, Val. I hope you'll be surprised at every chapter.

Sighting In the Target The next day, James was out of bed and had breakfast early. He had a quick shower, slung the towel over his shoulder, and pulled out the brightest pair of trunk briefs in his drawer and put them on. His hair hung in his eyes as he reached for the phone. He pulled a card out of his wallet and began dialing the number on it. “Hi, Mrs. Johnston. This is James Batisse…. How are you doing?... I never did thank you for all your help on my history paper last year…. I got an A o

"Originally run in April 2012" and still valid today.

"He" is Casey's father, though I deliberately didn't go down that road, and go into much detail. But where there's life, there's hope. Buy some more tissues before next weekend. Thanks for the comments.

Casey's very resilient, but he's caught between the hammer and the anvil, and it ain't over 'til it's over. Thanks for reading, and commenting.

Thanks for reading, Dave. It sounds like I have your attention. We know it's darkest and coldest before the dawn, but sometimes, we wonder how far off the sunrise is.