Dodger

And that was some chandelier too. But having seen clips of this guy, I seriously doubt if he was ever truly in the closet.

He's a very scared idiot at the moment with very serious issues of which some. but certainly not all are his own fault. You can also blame a lack of adult guidance, some poor advice from friends, and the absence of a decent role model in his life.

I assume you mean the bit about the conversion therapy. This doesn't necessarily mean Robbie is going to be converted. As for Don, it would need to be a very big closet to conceal his portly frame, but who knows, he may squeeze in!

That's what it seems like, but passing out is a reason to be concerned. I don't think Robbie is prepared to trust anyone at the moment, even though he knows Mr Andrews and Walter are trying to help him.

@Ezz0564 Thank you for your comment and for your many likes on the chapters. It's always pleasing to see new readers. I hope you enjoy the rest of the story and it lives up to your expectations. Nothing wrong in being a hopeless romantic.

‘This all or nothing obsessive behaviour must run in the family’. I thought I was bad, but Don was even worse. In the year that I had known him, there was nothing about him that suggested he was even remotely religious. He didn’t go to church or talk about God. He didn’t say grace or a blessing before meals, and there were no religious paintings or artefacts dotted around the house. I doubt if he even owned a bible, yet suddenly, without warning, Don, the ruthless advertising executive w

Thank you so much for your comment. Sorry I didn't reply sooner. It's always nice to hear from members and encouraging to know that people are still enjoying the story. I hope it continues to live up to your expectations.

Thanks. It's good to be here.

Well, it's just sunny for me, because I've yet to venture outside. That'll change this afternoon.

Hello Albert, Gary and all. Hope you're all well.

A wonderfully crafted and unforgettable story. The author tackles a very difficult and heart-wrenching subject with remarkable skill. Yet no punches are pulled. It's impossible not to be moved by this tale and it's difficult to see how it could be improved. Highly recommended.

As much as I want to say that I could not have allowed it to happen, I think in Tommy's case, I probably could have. I say probably because until faced with such a situation, I don't think anyone can say for certain how they will react. This was Tommy's decision but for sure Tarek will spend the rest of his days questioning himself. He will probably never really come to terms with it, or be at peace with himself but it still doesn't mean he was wrong for helping. At fifteen-years-old, I was taken aside by a consultant doctor and informed that my mother was refusing the oxygen she needed to survive. She was in the latter stages of a terminal illness, and had previously made it clear to me, when the time came she did not want to be kept alive. The doctor told me they could force her against her will to keep her alive or basically allow her to die. As her next of kin and only child, it was left to me to decide and I chose to allow her to die. I was given no time; they had to act right away if they were to save her, but it was a tough decision for a kid to make. For years she was my only family. Everyone seemed to think it was the right thing to do and I consoled myself with the belief that it was her decision. She was going to die anyway, I just followed her instructions. None of this made any difference and all these years later I still wish they hadn't put me in that position, so it's definitely not easy. My story is not the same at Tarek's. My mom had a terminal illness and could not have survived for very long, but while reading, I couldn't help making comparisons. I think you handled this with a great deal of skill. Thank you for sharing this very moving, powerful and compelling story, Tim.

Evening! Yeah, I suppose it is for you Bucket. About 8pm or something isnt it? Here, it's only sunrise, a cold and beautiful one though. Red sky over frosted rooftops. Nice, if I didn't have to go out in it!

You make some good observations here @NimirRaj particularly about the dream. Yes this is more of a memory than a dream and the guy in it was almost certainly not his father as he was clearly new to Robbie and it wasn't Don either. Thanks for another interesting comment.

Don has his own agenda and i don't think his church is one of those who cater for and welcome LBGT groups. You're right about Don stepping up the pressure on Robbie since the adoption.

Not much I can add to this, except I agree with most of it. Thanks for your comment @tesao

Don's secret weapon is the church, broadly speaking, of course. It's not so much a secret weapon as a last throw of the dice from a desperate man. Maybe he would be better off simply backing down. It's a risky maneuver which could easily backfire and turn everyone against him. He obviously has his reasons but it's nothing to do with the dream. I know some readers have assumed the guy in the dream was Don, but surely if this was the case, Robbie would have recognised him? Thanks for your comment @Benji

Yeah, I can't imagine Nicola going along with this and maybe Sue is starting to get a little fed up of her husbands antics. Maybe Don has gone too far this time?

I'm pretty sure I know who your candidate is CG but we will have to wait and see. This is something I didn't really plan on as Robbie's dad was supposed to be dead, but there seems to be some speculation that maybe all is not what it seems. One thing I can say for certain is it's definitely not Don. He's a sick man, but not sick. Thanks @ColumbusGuy

It's a bit of a way for me to drive for a car wash but it might be worth it!

Thank you, Ray, for your comment and encouragement. I wish you well, my friend.

I really enjoyed this story, Carlos. As well as the many interesting comments. Topical and thought provoking with a 'sit up and listen' speech right at the end. I try to steer away from politics, especially American politics, which can be difficult for those of us living outside of the US. I think most would agree that freedom of speech, the press, and the right to petition government is absolutely vital. The second amendment is more divisive, although I can't condemn the US over gun ownership, coming from a country which has over 10 million firearms and a population of just 35 million. I admire the way you tackle controversial issues like this. Like I admire Rogelio for standing up to the likes of Ms Tidwell. Hats off to the Mayor too for taking up his case without any hesitation and to Ms Kempo for doing her homework and leaving Ms Tidwell no room to maneuver.

I refer you to my previous answer and I agree. That would be a little too disturbing for most people's tastes and would certainly be the end of Robbie. It would be difficult for him to live with that.

Wow That would be really sick, but possible, I suppose. I think if Robbie ever discovered this, it would be the end of him for sure. Maybe he would take Don down with him, but that would make a cruel and sad ending, which even I would never forgive myself for. I think Don is desperately searching for back-up and he probably sees the church as an important ally. Sue's co-operation looks as if it could be wavering, and Nicola's increasing vocal support for Robbie must be worrying for him. Thanks @Jeff1

Don may sound confident and can be very persuasive but this tenuous connection with the church is more of a last resort for him. It smacks of desperation. Robbie has always been in a stronger position than he believes. He has allowed Don and Sue an easy ride from the beginning and now looks to be on the verge of self-destructing just as Don runs out of ammunition. Thanks Tim.