This story is so far from being "total shit" you'd need a passport to visit it! (No idea what that means but go with it!) This is such strong, cleanly written, and honest piece of work. And most importantly, you avoid the sticky sweet cliches that so often show up in these stories -- I literally (and yes, it was literally) gasped when you wrote that Nash lost his foot. You are an extraordinary storyteller and a fine craftsman. If you ever need to be reminded of that, please touch base and I will say it again.