pvtguy

Sandy confessed to her actions, but, in my view, that did not absolve her from the consequences. Bearing a child is not a punishment! I don't think justice was carried out in her case.

That spark ignited by the muse that inspired you was truly inspired with insight, wonder, hope. You have written a superb piece of inspirational literature! In my studies in counseling over the years, I long ago realized the longing for connection and belonging that is present in people, but held prisoner within by the forces of fear, loneliness, social expectations, and personal definitions of what one should be. It seems that the spiritual practices of various groups have long taught that to achieve peace without, one starts with peace within. The work of researchers who are trying to deal with PTSD with the use of psychedelics have been able to help many break out of the prisons of their thoughts/beliefs and start to feel the connections with others that empathy brings. The same can be said for various other practices from meditation, peyote rituals, etc. And yet, empathy seems to be seen as weakness to be condemned or punished by some. In my first comment in chapter 1, I wondered if someone who claimed to have a brain worm might have been a passing "inspiration" - glad it wasn't, as that worm certainly has not implanted empathy at all! Kudos to you on a superb work of art! Tony

Gavin is letting go of previous assumptions about himself and opening up to new possibilities - all without guilt or the "shoulds"....

The battle between the ones who have the shady contracts and the rest with the producers will be quite interesting! Hearst is smarter than Wencel imagines, and will, in my opinion, be the true savior of this mess.

Simply beautiful! The party is quite a success and the cherry on top is the news about the house! Now for Tony's brother and sister to arrive!

According to Don's statement, she did already do that with Mel. As for her pregnancy, she might not be able to carry a baby to full term due to her age and her body's ability. One can only hope for the baby's sake...

Gray has become quite the go-between with Peter and Vince! It's good that Vince seems appreciative. Venetia the Viper needs a good slap-down. A lawsuit might well do it - even the publicity of one should embarrass her sufficiently, though probably not. Another wonderful chapter!

Tony is not the same naive youth he was when he left and old man Thompson might well meet his match should he try anything. Of course, he believes his son (and his granddaughter, most likely) as permanently innocent and better than the rest. Hopefully, he will experience some resistance from those who want a better Thompsonville! First offer on the house was rejected, but Stefan will come through, I am sure! Negotiations will eventually find a common point.

I can imagine Taggart being a wild one when he lets loose! I am eagerly looking forward to the next chapter. As a faithful reader of all your stories, and you know how I have loved them, this one is really outstanding. Whatever creative juices hit, I, for one, am thankful! Tony

Powerful writing! I am looking forward to seeing how they find Lee's brother and parents and what might happen to the parental units!

Definitely a story from the Hugillverse with delightful vocabulary already making an appearance! Will Matthew find Uncle Jason's description true and discover a new experience? Rory is definitely interesting: it will be quite fascinating to learn more about him and his family. Great start!

The worm operates without a profit motive, which is what pharma and government seem to do. What was proposed as "protection" by the EDF has neglected true human need. When fear is the chief motivator, rationality combined with empathy takes a back seat. I hope John's plan works, but you know what they say about the best laid plans...

I certainly applaud all the parents here: they have not coddled their "precious angels" but rather have dealt quite responsibly. Now to see how they fare in court!

It's true. whether of new citizens or converts to religions, politics, etc: Those who freely choose to be a part of a group after studying the positions/beliefs of that group are the most ardent than those who simply grow up from childhood in those groups who have never critically studied the positions/beliefs of the group. @Philippe proposes what some might see as a radical idea: that automatic citizenship only applies to the age of majority or end of formal education, at which time one must pass tests and show service to the country. Of course, this applies to all able-bodied and able-minded people: those with physical or mental limitations would not be require to follow this rule. It certainly has merit to be discussed! I found myself getting choked up at several points in this chapter: Kurt's throwing out his prepared speech to recognize the growth in the town in attitude and acceptance and then the recitation of the pledge of citizenship. Beautiful chapter!!!

Hmmm...let's see where the idea of a worm invading a brain...I wonder where that germ of an idea could have germinated? And as for what it does as it grows within....we'll hopefully know soon. We have seen one example of the after effects of a brain worm has done... It is so good to have you back as the wonderful writer you are! I certainly am enjoying the resurgence.

Very powerful story...but The End (for now)?

There always seems to be a "Venetia" in every town! Her pomposity is truly annoying! Vince was remarkably controlled in his comments to her while Gray was seething but kept it to himself. This was a wonderful chapter which demonstrated the growing closeness of the family - Gray and Matt, Vince and Peter, Freddie (and Arvid when allowed). The mismatched dinnerware is certainly a metaphor of the family: all different, but making a comfortable grouping.

Bunny boy is going to be the key to dealing with LiveFeed and redeeming Jamie and hopefully the others. Anna is wonderful!

Great chapter, but it feels like "historia interruptus," lol! otherwise known as a cliffie! Who is going to be the local Australian of the Year? I think Tony has a motive in mind in inviting Carol to the party: to meet all the guys so that the story of building a place to serve homeless gay youth will have a greater social context. Tony is very suave in how he deals with everyone there!

The "criminal" trio will eventually have their comeuppance! I can't imagine that the won't be stupid enough to try something when adults are around or meet some law enforcement!

The plot thickens as it gets a little more complicated. The relationship between Stone and Jen is amazing - remaining best friends and truly happy for each other! Stone loves being a parent and his son is truly a center for him. It will be interesting to see how he finds Lee and what develops there. Another exciting chapter!

All went well with the interview, but the encounter at the end has certainly tugged at my heartstrings! I am now intrigued to see who Zack is and the part he is to play in this story! Well done!!!

This was a delightful chapter with a new character added to the new Philpott community. Freddie and Gray are developing even more a wonderful relationship! He can ask Gray questions without the "father/son" awkwardness, though it seems there is little of that with Freddie and Vince. Loved this installment!

This type of therapy is what I was taught was Rational Emotive Therapy. I know I used it lots during my career in counseling. The therapist challenges the thinking/beliefs that the client is holding on to and asks the rational questions to allow the client to articulate the thoughts and reconsider the events. It can allow the client to look at an event through a different thought process. In this case, Stephen was able to see what he did in a much broader view and, thus, deal with the guilt he was carrying. @Lee Wilson, you did a good job of presenting this approach.

Yes, hindsight is 20-20, but Leon, Sr, is correct: he was too young to recognize the warning signs about his brother. Stephen made great progress with being challenged to evaluate his thoughts. Hopefully, he will continue to use those questions to chase the dark clouds away. A more complete therapy session would also deal with the emotional/rational connection, but this is not a story about the therapy process as much as helping him to get past the guilt. His relationship with Michael is deepening. Jeff has made remarkable progress - hope it holds! It seems that all the loose ends are coming to an end....