I have been looking forward to every new chapter of your story for weeks now and cannot seem to get enough. Reading how Andy has been recovering and discovering himself has not always been easy - some of his experiences are so harrowing and terrible. But there have been so many moments when I felt relieved happy and for him. I was wondering whether he would see a psychologist and how he he would react. And again I cannot help but admire how consistent and realistic your descriptions and your moving story are in every chapter. I am so glad that he now has a doctor to help him who knows what impact treatment and checking out, touching can have on a young person who has suffered such terrible abuse. Dr. Wagner seems to have been unaware of his patient's reactions. And the Stevensons, too, have no idea what some of their everyday situations mean for Andy like his confusion over how to eat as a family, like his responses to Mrs. Stevenson in the car home from the mall, like the list of chores. By the way, in one aspect I do not quite agree with Oxala on this being the second time that he asserted himself. There was also the episode with the snow blower, where he in a way stood his ground, persisting in his shy way to be allowed to repair it, then his initiative in helping the priest, where he, too, acted, not just reacted, even asking for the machine he had just succeeded in repairing. Where his self emerged as helpful and considerate, grateful and kind. But I see that this was the second time where he actually asked for something for himself. The way he develops his self-worth is so moving. Thanks for another great chapter!
