mayday

The way these two seem to have with words makes "everything" ominous. At least to me. Besides, admittedly, I am not a fan of cliffhangers -- but I appreciate not having to wait long for the next chapter. Your fast pace is appreciated very much.

That last sentence fills me with dread for the two of them. I hope it does not mean losing Hudson.

Wow! I keep repeating myself. Butthis really fit the bill.

Wow again! No way I will risk predicting how this will play out, but hopeful for the two I am.... Great writing - and again there are quotes and references which I'll have to figure out...

Thank you for your points. If I recall correctly, even world class singers and actresses have lost their fortunes.

I get what you are saying, but remember: she was there when he was a kid left alone with no one to look after him. Maybe that is why...

Wow! You have struck me dumb with to what that woman stoops. It illustrates the ruthlessness in the film industry Liam told Houston about. I am glad Houston divulged his past and the wounds still there. Liam's loving sensitivity incredible. Liam and Hudson will make it together somehow.

What a chapter! Beautiful is inediquate to describe it. And I think that jjeffalch has hit the nail on the head. Marina's plot will backfire. Liam's reaction does not bode well for her. I love the encounters with Mateo. Great and funny. A good friend.

Awesome! Thank you.

Enjoying this chapter. Very much. In awe of your vivid imagination and writing. Wow!

Crazy.

As hurt as Dalian is, I dare hope that once Creek's mother sees him hurt and understands why, she will find it easier to accept her son's relationship and find the love in her heart again that both young men now need... Before this chapter I was appalled by Aiko's attitude and Arthur's self-righteous bigotry. Now I know that egotism and self-centeredness can hurt even more than the effects of ignorance. While Dalian was in hospital I had no idea why he did not count on his mother to come and support him. I never expected her to be so cold and callous. Naive me. The author's hints were there for us to read.

Great story! I hope one or the other of your stories will shed some light later-on on Elisha's future. If not, we will have to rely on Marcus and Joshua and Small Fry Speed to make sure that Elisha is safe. Thanks for sharing this story with us!

What a chapter! This is even more thought provoking than the one before. I really did not reckon on such confrontations and insights. How you weave together raw emotions and scholarly debate is amazing. And - true to the story title - Speed Fry is constantly present, his reactions and his whines reminding the people of what he prevented. So, Julian T., for the first time in his life and as a preacher, has experienced a miracle. One which he took to be a sign from god to him. His very own wake-up call. He must be quite sure of being among the chosen few to be thinking that saving a boy's life is his own miracle, worked by god for him. That was my first thought, but then he used that miracle to guide a mistaken father to the light. That not knowing may be better than knowing everything. What a surprise. So, there is hope. Even for the willfully blind and deaf. I only just learned the other day, that there had been special bible editions for the slaves, which omitted all references to anything pointing towards the idea of freedom. Maybe the religious right should proudly present their own bible, omitting all references to adultery, giving to the poor and needy, sharing and loving instead of judging others. Marcus needed to be independent of his father in order to get through to him. Both Julian and Hosea seem to consider their children to be a possession rather than a human being with their own personality and their own rights. I hope that Elisha will not be alone in dealing with his father's new insecurities. I do hope that Ruth gets a say in what is going to happen in that house across the alley in future.

I have been wondering about your own past as you seem to be able to render different attitudes and views of the world so powerfully and realistically. I feel relieved that you have overcome the shackles of your past.

Wow! There is hope after all. Yet, but for Marcus' openness, Fry and love, this would have been tragic. Two fathers would not have had the chance to see their sons. They would have remeined steadfast in their beliefs, ignoring facts snd reality. Blaming others, anyone but themselves. Powerful indeed!

Beautiful and moving, dear friend. If not all scientists only believe in what they can verify in their own way there may be hope for nature in our densely populated world.

There is magic in your words, dear friend!

Well, in your sequel Mickey the problems were of a different kind. It was sepsis there. I have no idea what is more dangerous to the mother or the babies, So I leave it at that. I love the love between the guys in this chapter, the trust.

Who decides what we "should"? Whose standards have we internalized when we use that word? I remember the powerful scenes in your last novel and I am more than surprised you are unsure of your power in writing and creating scenes and emotions. They -- your writing -- has left me raw. And yet, I know that sometimes the world outside us does not count, does not mean anything. Only our own feelings and perceptions dominate. And that is the moment we need somebody to step in. That is what I think...

Peter is right. There is no need to change the narrative perspective or narrator or whatever you call it. I really like your story, the depth of feeling, the slowly growing closeness of Jim and Jon. Thank you for sharing!

I would like to see Pasha's story told, too. And Micah's and Arturo's view of what is happening to them, also...

I have hopes for Hank, but not for John R...

Combining all the threads into a happy ending is never easy, but this chapter shows us how it can be done. There are a lot of threads still to follow, but perhaps in a different story with a different perspective. We'll see. I am looking forward to the epilogue, though this chapter seemed to be one from the start....

Another great chapter. Again full of action. I love the gruesome contrast of the Daniel at work and the ghastly scene of the Kings' conversation. I wonder how Roger will find the carers he needs for that many boys. Whom can he trust?