mayday

Beautiful ending to a great story. A lot of beautiful details, I do not know why the soap stands out for me or the holes in the walls years ago, the sandy beach ... The only reason for regret at a final chapter is that your story has come to its end. Thank you for sharing it with us.

of course you are!

I am not happy with you for stopping right in the middle of this conversation...

He has not learned to read and write??? And his brother was at uni?

I have enjoyed nearly all the chapters so far. What a journey for Karl! From a small farm into a city. From a sheltered existence into the unknown. When will he think about writing home to his parents or his siblings? He has been lucky to land in such a nice, humane and helpful family....

Great chapter, lovely read, and I love the name of the filly! Like a present for us...

It is not easy to read about Felicity's terror. Especially when I think about the hints and all that is not told.

I'm glad for them that they can now be so open with each other. It is not easy to trust, even if you want to, after misunderstandings and such a hurtful history between the two. Beautiful scene at the beginning, too. Thanks my friend!

I love how you have given us this revelation. I will admit that I actually suspected this diagnosis or something like it, but it is not easy to relate such conversations and the effect they have on the patients. Expecting the worst distorts our perceptions and reasoning but Mitch is lucky in his doctor, having found one he felt more and more confidence in, one he can and does trust. And he is strong enough to take such a punch and see it for what it is - an assurance that he has a future and the chance of a long one. Now of course we want to know what he is going to do with his new chance. Coy might have an idea or two for him... Thank you for this new chapter!

I don't think I have ever been so happy and relieved to read that somebody orders pizza... Incredible, how Eric has been evolving - not sure that's the right word... and he has something like a network now to help him. And although I am pleased that so many people care about others and help, I would expect the state itself to look after its people, especially the vulnerable ones. Hopelessly idealistic - I know. And the same goes for that boy, who definitely needs help as much as Eric has done, perhaps more so. Though in totally different ways.

Lots of different story lines now. More than one disaster to untangle. I also wonder about Tyler's sisters. Will they have a chance to get out of this hell of poverty, violence and hopelessness? How can kids like Tyler be saved from such a self-feeding cycle of neglect and abuse before they start themselves - like he has done - on taking out their powerlessness on things first and people later. A bully he is already. I am struck by how vivid you paint these scenes of vain hope for support from his father, the only anchor he seems to have and the one that is bound to disappoint him bitterly. And the terrible situation at home. Somehow Eric will be in the middle of the crisis of a completely different family - what role will he play? How will the destruction waged on his garden and house affect him? I am relieved that he has trustworthy neighbours now. Interestingly the supercurious lady with the lapdog has disappeared. Not that she would be much help anyway, I guess...

What a surprise!

this is your first attempt at writing? I can hardly believe it...

Great start. But now I have to read the first novel, too...

What's not to love about this wonderful story!

Camp Refuge is living up to its name. Great to read and such a tender story, with people only who love unconditionally for a change. What a welcome comeback. Thank you Wayne.

I posted it more than a year ago... sometimes the internet here is a bit iffy, though.

You have whisked me out of my bout of self-pity with your colourful images of life - I marvel at your way with words ...

I'll still be with you

I know embraces cannot heal pain and anguish. Virtual ones drift by in the wind.

Great chapter! I could not help laughing at the scene of Z. recoiling from the plunger. What a funny scene! Brilliant. I had always wondered how these two will ever manage to get together. You have worked your magic as ever. Great story!

Great ending! Thanks for a wonderful new story.

They found him. Lee told Eddie to keep away. He has got rid of him. Finally. Now just let our guys not be too late! Forgiving authors for cliffhangers would be easy if the next chapter was posted the next day!!! Harlan. He knew. Of course. Who else...

Isn't it sad to feel how special just having a room of his own and a clean, inviting bed are to Lee? Yes, there was so much to enjoy in this chapter, I agree with all of you before me on this, but somehow the omelette-making and the scene in the cabin have shown me more of Lee's past than even that horrible first chapter could. Has anybody ever shown real interest in Lee, in his abilities and his personality? These scenes, how Greg draws him out, how Lee starts developing ambition and a sliver of self-confidence, which was never there before, culminate in Harlan's assessment. But they also show the emotional abuse this boy suffered for the last years. And the squalor and dirt in Eddies apartment will now be a contrast to the cabin Lee can call his own. Avery will help him, if need be, to keep it as Lee likes it. I remember that Lee knows nothing about making life worth living. And I remember what you wrote about Eddie, Wayne: Why teach somebody to fish if you can buy him a can of tuna? This chapter is highlighting your comment brilliantly, by contrasting Eddie with Greg. Greg, who teaches him how to live. Who pays attention to him. Who tries to understand him instead of bending him to his will. I have always wondered how people can overcome the consequences of having been abused...

You have moved me to tears. Beautiful. I love the way past and present are joined here to make a promising future. How evil is buried and forgiven. How mother's love is remembered with love and new lives. And our two men right in the middle. You couldn't have given this story a better ending.