pvtguy

I like the change of style with this offering - more mystery and intrigue! A wonderful beginning which has quickly captured my interest!

I believe that the YMCA should have been held blameless too! As for all the litigations in the U.S., there's a lot of blame to be shared by lawyers, legislatures and insane settlements made by juries.

So, what more do we know about Marvin from this summary: We know he is deeper in feelings (love?) with Creek but is being very realistic in asking for things to slow down so that each can be sure this is what each wants; We know Emma is onboard and encouraging Marvin; but beyond that, not too much more. Still, it is good to solidify Marvin's POV and have done so quite well.

I can imagine a separate story line with Russ as the main character...a continuation of this fine story!

@Cane23's analysis was a 'wow' moment for me in its thoroughness! Lyn used Alexander not to please Alexander, but rather to be punished for his wasted time wanting Brad. Question is, will it work? Sadly, Alexander is the one who, in my opinion, is left unfulfilled as he does care for Lyn.

The United States was founded by Puritans mostly. Those attitudes have only become very ingrained and reinforced by their tie to religious teachings. Thankfully, there are many who are rejecting the constraints placed by that Puritanical tradition, but it persists nonetheless. Creek has followed a "traditional" upbringing and hasn't allowed his full feelings to emerge. It's being complicated by his feelings for Marvin and the feelings raised by Marvin and now Dailan. He's got a lot of reflection to do. I also agree with @CincyKris and the description of the hospital room and treatment.

As adults, isn't it fascinating to reminisce with close relatives about memories of grandparents, etc? I have a cousin with whom I have spoken extensively of our paternal grandparents and the differences of the experiences I had than she had and also my aunts and uncles had of the same people! Russ and Con are truly growing closer and developing a much more mature relationship. What a wonderfully crafted read, @Robert Hugill.

Religion is used too often to promote specific points of view as though those specific views are absolute truth, finite understanding versus infinite being. This short, but intense, story of a young man's struggle with self-knowledge versus a religious view presented as absolute and opposite of what he is experiencing. He comes to the conclusion that his only way to satisfy the deity he has been taught to believe in is to end his life. Through the intervention of two neighbors, but more importantly, a stray dog, he and his family are faced with a wider point of view. This journey in seven relatively short chapters takes the reader through a process of questioning and deepening of understanding of the human condition and religious conviction.

And the truth is, @empath, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!! May you continue to find those who love you as you are! Most of all, love others unconditionally as they deserve - even when they don't seem to want it. The more you give love, it finds its way back to you.

Yet, she was being monitored by a doctor too...if the doctor didn't take it seriously, then their trust in the doctor wouldn't have caused them to sound an alarm. If Creek had known more, he would have acted accordingly. I don't see any blame there that he needs to heap upon himself.

Russ is definitely developing warmer relationships which are bringing out his own warm side. It seems he has been used to being the cold businessman for so long that this is rather enriching for him. This aspect of Russ is very different from when we first met him!

Everyone has a story - and we're just starting to unwind Dailan's. Creek is truly a very considerate friend, but his statement to Dailan as to the reason for his concern caught my attention: "After losing Skye… someone I loved… because I didn’t pay close enough attention, I promised myself I wouldn’t let that happen again.” Skye died after childbirth. What does he mean by "not paying close enough attention? "

It took me a lot of time in my personal life to come to the conclusions stated by Marcus! And then re-reading the Gospels and truly believing the words and actions of Jesus vs what others tried to say he said, I felt much lighter and more positive too. A sign in the church I attend reads "God loves all people. So do we!"

No...you didn't get it wrong...I confused the conversation with Dawn as a letter to Bas...not your mistake but mine!

In the Judaeo/Christian tradition, God told the humans he created to be stewards of all creation. And yet, in the course of human history, humans have made all these rules about what they say that God wanted - not relying on God's directive in the beginning, but their own interpretation of the "rules" made by humans based on cherry-picking certain scriptural passages and ignoring so many others! There have been so many atrocities committed in the name of "religion" throughout history and many suicides among those atrocities. This chapter really brings to focus the arguments used by the "righteous" and their effects. I certainly thank @empath for the power of his gift of prose and admire the talent to do so!

I was a bit confused in the last half of this chapter: In the last chapter, Gray wrote to Bas and described the proposal of Peter and Vince and Freddie's response. Here, it is as though this was the first time it was mentioned. Nonetheless, the story is coalescing to a very satisfactory closure. As always, @Robert Hugill, you have done a wonderful job of story telling and wordsmithing!

"I now believe that it is the dissonance between morality and legality which forces us to evolve as a civilization." I love this statement for it is the challenge that should be at the heart of all education! We must face the fact that there has been a movement over the past 30 years to deprive students of this ability because people of the same ilk as Hosea and Mr. Tomlinson have joined forces to censor what is allowed to be read and taught. There is less challenge for the average student to learn how to question and feel the dissonance which is necessary for evolution of thought unless they are in places where thought is allowed! What excited me and motivated me for the 47 years I was involved in education is sorely lacking in our formulaic approach to education found in many school districts! As much as I loved and love working with adolescents in the educational field, I sadly must say that I could not do it today with all the micromanagement and restrictions placed by State Education Departments and legislatures!

Sadly, I have had students in my career who lived in households that resembled that of Hosea!

I am not surprised with Brad and Luke...I suspected it from the first encounter of them! And Alexander knew all along what Brad thought of Lyn. Lyn was so intense on giving the impression of being totally wrapped up in his studies that he failed to know what was really going on in the human relations department. Now, I'm concerned about how he's approaching Alexander: yes, he wants to have full-blown sex with Alexander, but is his motivation the feelings he actually has for Alexander or self-punishment?

Russ and Con are developing a much more adult closeness as they interact. Lisa is a hoot! She brings both levity and order to the household. Russ' interaction with his nephews is establishing a much better relationship. Still, he really is eager to get back to his home 'family' with Brian, Gordon and Toby. Lovely chapter!

Brad is a user - that we know. But have we truly seen the "real" Brad yet? There has been a lot of speculation, but @Laura S. Fox has yet to reveal the rest of his story! Though he does present the pomposity that Brad notes, Alexander truly cares for Lyn.

Wow! What a way to be confused!!! Creek is just coming through a period of grief. Marvin and Dailin are giving him attention that he needs desperately. Marvin does have the hots for him. Dailin seems confused as to his real feelings. And Creek is totally confused. Let's see how this conversation turns out!

Vince has "thawed" immensely from the uptight and cold person we first met thanks to Peter and to Gray! His enthusiasm demonstrated to Dawn is proof of that! Gray and Matt are developing their own way at their own comfortable pace. Very nice chapter!!!

Might there be a possible dalliance with a threesome here too? Russ is really showing his warmer side.

And the self-reflection is happening on Creek's part... Another step closer to seeing if Marvin and he will eventually be together....