mayday

B. Brecht: "Unhappy the land in need of heroes." I am afraid we will feel the meaning of those words again soon, almost everywhere on the planet... Why I did not take in the last line of Descent on reading it the first time I cannot fathom. Now I do understand the first two poems better as there have been multiple readings between my first comment and this one. Beautifully rendered indeed! Thank you - once more. Your feelings are shared even across the Atlantic.

Very moving chapter again. There is hope for some of the children and a lot of need for heroes ready to jump in and help. Qian's past must have been heartbreaking, just as Roger's, Micah's and Thomas'... so many lives and souls on the brink of being destroyed just for the lust of some people, who I am sure would all subscribe to "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." But they would certainly not believe that all human beings are created equal and would set themselves far above others... Thank you for posting such a powerful story in these uncertain times.

I admire them all. But the one that spoke to me like a very good friend is Defiance. I'm impressed again. Thank you.

Wow! It is great how you focus on what is important in the lives of Robby and Manny and leave out what is not. I wish at least Robby's siblings would have contacted him... wishful thinking. I feel we are close to an ending. But I have enjoyed reading this story. Thank you for sharing it with us.

A hard chapter to stomach... but impressive and convincing nonetheless

More than 30 years ago my parents took in a young pregnant woman who had nowhere to go, because her abusive husband and her parents, former friends of my parents', refused to give her shelter and help. The woman has become another sister to us and she and her son have given back the love, support and acceptance they have received a thousandfold. The son has always been considered one of grandchildren and we love his children no less than the others of my parents' offspring. But what is considered as a matter of course by some was met with disbelief and suspicion by most of the people around us. The most ludicrous stories were exchanged in the village about who in our family could have fathered the child (which was of course the only explanation for taking a pregnant woman in). A famous writer once said: "That country is unhappy that has no heroes? No. That country is unhappy that is in need of heroes" Not sure my translation is correct. I'm afraid the US - and a lot of other countries, too - will see the truth in that in the near future. If Roger (+Mike Chris, Melissa and Juan) had not stepped in and done the right thing the system would have destroyed Thomas as much as it failed him before. And in some states he would have faced the death penalty. Samantha has written a moving and a necessary article.

I hope the boys will get the chance to see a counselor, they may need help to overcome their abuse and its consequences. I don't think that they need the recording in order to convict CM. They have enough and I guess that it is him "in action during the film sessions with the boys" on those tapes, and a few others.

My thoughts exactly. He is far too full of himself to even notice he needs help. The way he thinks of other people makes my skin crawl. Powerful chapter again, which makes it hard to wait for your next... Thank you for sharing this story.

This story is getting better and better! Thank you, empath, for sharing it with us. I can't wait for the next chapter.

I really love your story telling! Thomas must be really smart and bright to transfer what he watched under extreme emotional stress to a new situation. Bren's mother is learning at the moment, on her own. Not easy, when you have been led all your life... Still, seeing your son suffer for months will take its toll on a loving mother. I am really hooked on Roger's past. Please put it into a story! And thank you for sharing this story with us!

I am sure you know what you are doing...

I struggle to write letters with others in the room, so writing a story is out of the question with others around me. I am glad to read you are feeling better!

A really good chapter! I find this story so gripping and so moving! Thanks for sharing it with us!

Great chapter! Can't wait for the next. I love how the reactions of the characters are rendered.

Wow! I can't wait for your next chapter!