K.C.

Thanks, that's one of my favorite lines from the story. Things might be good for the guys but there is still a long way to go :)KC

I'm glad you like it! There is so much more to come KC

Thanks Cannd, I really really couldn't leave the story on that mega-cliff of Asher getting shot. It would be to mean! LOL Asher is severely injured, but I have seen a wide range of injuries (head injuries with the patient fully conscious as well as minor injuries with patient unconscious for days) He is young, strong and in good previous health...and it is nearly 24 hours post trauma. I tried to bring in Asher's coughing, wheezing and gasping to show that he is still injured but not on death's door. Thanks for reading! KC

Thanks for reading, Yeah, I was trying something new with the story structure. I'm glad you like it

Thanks Richard, it is a painful story. Unfortunatly there are people who live only to cause others pain. I'm glad that I have found a family that loves me and the pain is now a memory. KC

Thanks for reading GJ. Sometimes when awful events happen, it's not until later, when you look back that you realize what you have survived. my family make the painful memories fade. Thanks! KC

It wasn't boring filler. It's another piece in the puzzle. I like the Mum, she puts her boys in their place and that she is keeping Jake back so Xavier can have some peace without a pesky little brother. I agree with Lisa about the speach patterns, it does seem a little too casual for the era. You might want to check it out, but still great job, I can't wait to see what happens

I wish I could click this like twice!! So funny Andy!

I don't see the difference, if a homeless person has a cat vs a dog for a pet, I will still feel the same toward the person and treat them with compassion and respect since they are still a human being. Them having a pet just shows that they havent lost their ability to be caring and love a pet. Animals love us unconditionally. I have given money to homeless people before but I would prefer to help in other ways now. We don't have a large homeless population where we live but in the summer months there are a few more than ususal. Often times when we go to the grocery store we will get some extra items (non-perishable food and some hygiene items) and stop and give it to them. It just a few dollars and I'm fortunate enough to have plenty to spare. (The last time I gave a homeless man money, I watched him... he walked straight to the store and bought a bottle of alcohol and sat on the street drinking it so i will help in other ways)

A very dark tale indeed. The pain is so fresh and raw almost poetic. I've lived through abuse but never at the hands of a lover. Very deep, very honest, it is hard to face but it is so many's reality. Thank you for sharing!

I really Love this story, Cassie!! I love D&D and what a great weaving of the game into the storyline. It is one I would like to see much more of these guys. Great job!!

Thank you Bill, it was a very traumatic event. I had gambled with my life more than once. I drank, took drugs and was promiscuous. It's a lesson that I'm thankful that I survived to learn the value of my life. My later years have been such a far cry from my mislead youth. I'm glad to have survived too. Thanks for reading, KC

Thank you so much for taking time to read my story. In my fiction I have written a wide range of stories but most of my personal writing are dark pieces of writing therapy to help get the inner demons out. I also hope that it helps anyone who has been in this same situation that it helps them find peace. Thanks, KC

Thanks for reading Cassie, It's okay to not "like" the story. You know that I don't write for things like that, I write to get the story out. Fiction is so much easier to write, where I can make up the characters and the outcome, but this memory kept haunting me and i needed to do some more writing therapy to get it out. Thanks for reading, KC

I haven't had a charmed life. The latter years have been filled with love and romance and the beauty of family and friends but there are parts of my life that honestly, I'm surprised that I survived. I was horribly abused as a kid and in turn spirled in alcohol, drugs, promiscuous behavior. Some of those memories feel like remembering an old movie that I watched years ago. It feels like it happened to someone else. Thanks for reading, KC

Thanks JoAnn, I don't write to get "likes" and I know what you mean. This piece was another bit of writing therapy for me. It is very uncomfortable and pushes readers to the limit, like like. Someof us havefaced awful situations. I hope that anyone who has been in this situation (or God forbid finds them self in this situation) they know that they can be strong, snd survive. Thanks for reading, KC

Thank you for taking time to read my story and let me know how you feel. Unfortunately, life doesn't always have a happy ending. It's hard to relive these memories from the past, but it makes me appreciate what I have even more. Thanks Dolores, KC

What a very intriguing tale! Very Sherlock Holmes feeling, Brilliant! This wrapped up neat but would be wonderful to be expandded

I would have been so upset if this story would not have continued! Great choice to have different outcomes to the story. It felt like an old scripture from Bible School. I really enjoyed the story, thanks so much for sharing.

Come home to find the Anthologies Live- I can't wait to read but might have to wait for the pain meds to wear off.... Very loopy!

Michael still has a long way to go but there is a while before we reach the end. Yes the gaps will slowly start to fill in (before I blow another big hole that needs filling) .....wait....that sounds soooo wrong, LOL. Glad you're still reading KC

So many questions and I'm really sorry for my late reply. Well the good thing is the next chapter is up and fills in the missing pieces. I'm not going to say those are not important, because they really are but the focus was first and formost Asher being safe (and alive) Yes he was injured very badly but he will live and this brings him and Michael together...then I will fill in the blanks on the back story. I'm glad you liked the "Mom" bit, I like twisting a little bit of my dark humor in there. Thanks, KC

Yes, I promise there will be back story. There was a hard time finding the right spot to end and trying to not have a cliffhanger, but there will be much more on what happened. The kiss...these guys make each one steamy (I don't know how to top it, LOL) thanks so much for reading

Hehe- If you quote it make sure to reference me (like I'm a famous author) ...LOL It is one of my favorite lines in the entire story. I'm glad you like it Thanks for reading!!