My dear John, that's so sweet...I've been writing the next chapter and dreading the separation myself. Your idea sparked a few thoughts for me... we'll see what happens.
You're right talking is always the solution, but words disappear when you're afraid of losing that one thing you care the most for. It's like a block, especially when you know the demands your own life forces on you, and you're not sure the person you love will understand those demands. I feel Alexi is having these kind of thoughts and feeling as though the life he lives might pull them apart. And Joshua, who believes he gave up on Shane, doesn't want to lose this opportunity to make up to him. He also knows that what they have together is unique and that he may never find that again. Their struggle to hold on despite their issues makes this story so beautiful to me.
You're right about travel, flight delays, luggage lost/misplaced, mean attendants, -funny when you care about the person you're going to see, it makes it all worth it.
Thank you so much for this thoughtful review. You're awesome.