pvtguy

I tend to hope that reevaluation of her life has changed Jackie who will still face the consequences of her actions. She may never be the warm/fuzzy person, but she does love Damian (even though she woefully neglected him!). I'm not sure she will ever understand the hurt and loss she has caused, but if she can establish a relationship with him that is based on the present and future, there may be hope for a positive future with him. I love the relationship between Ludo and Arthur: they can be totally open with one another and always are supportive of each other. I'm glad that they are proceeding with getting a therapist for Damian.. They will continue to provide support and a place where Damian can be open and get honesty as a basis in his life, but a therapist can help him look at issues without any emotional connection. That is much needed (perhaps by all!)....

Is Bunny's "help" a form of manipulation too? Jamie truly is either naive or simply aloof (perhaps a combination). Poor Bunny is being browbeat by his bully older brother, Wencel. Was Hearst his name or simply a referral to the famous publisher? Interesting chapter which solidifies my idea of "reality" shows.

So...Dad isn't so bad after all! I'm sorry he was abused but also glad that his love of his family is stronger than his guilt and feeling he might be at fault.

This was not unexpected. Now to see if Dexter can be found and Jeremy and the boys are safe.

It seems that Rocky's unconventional means of interrogation are gaining big results! Good for him! The scum that participated in the pedophile ring deserve what is happening! Peter is doing the right thing after his "education" in one afternoon. Would that he could and would force a divorce between John and Rebecca. She needs to live alone in the hell she has created. So much good happening for the boys, for the adults who are interacting with them. Each powerful chapter just keeps getting better and better! Thank you, @empath! I can only imagine the effect it has on you writing this!

I'll only reinforce @Philippe's summary/comment: Where is Dexter? Why haven't we heard from him?

Grayson doesn't seem to get a break from the bullies. I do hope the cops can determine the culprits. Raffa is taking chances that could end up hurting him as well as Grayson. The workplace is not the place for such behavior, though I will count it up to youth and hormones.

There is nothing I can add to the erudition of the comments already made! Superb chapter and superb comments!

Having lived through separation and divorce and being the single parent to my son, the relationship of Ludo and Damian resonates deeply with me. It is a journey fraught with doubt, uncertainty, yet much excitement at building a life free of the tension that created the situation. Ludo is amazing as a parent! He has wonderful friends who are assisting him with providing experiences for the boys and very fortunate in a really supportive partner in Arthur (something I did not have). @Summerabbacat correctly points out that the working out of what furniture to keep, what personal mementos to keep, and the promise of a future where Damian can still have a relationship with his mother as Ludo will maintain a friendly relationship with Jackie, but that the new family that includes Arthur and Adam, serves as the best therapy. The afternoon that Arthur and Ludo spend together has deepened enhanced their relationship. Well done, @Robert Hugill.

A wonderful way to end Saturday evening for me! Powerful emotions of joy for the Whites as well as the brothers, a hint at what Travis and Jennifer may do to help, satisfaction to see some "family" justice resolving a problem in Vegas, Juan and Daniel finding each other, and yet sad for John as he faces Rebecca... @empath, you are one powerful writer!

Such job perks! Still, I'm glad Gray is following through with testing. I still get anxious when I go for testing for my own peace of mind! Gray is finding a very supporting community in his work!

Ok...I'm totally confused as to how Laura shot Carter time and again and there was blood, yet then the film played back? I need to re-read a few times to see if I can understand these twists and turns. Glad Laura is now in custody and waiting for her lackey, Dexter, to get his comeuppance!

It would be interesting to know how Bunny knows this stuff. He does seem to truly be interested in protecting Jamie from the "wolves" and Jamie's naivete. Jamie is showing how naive he is by trusting what he's been told to get him to agree to do the show and placing his trust in the producer. The mystery continues...

I don't think Grayson has anything to worry about as far as work goes. I do agree with @chris191070- I believe Animal's company is goint to get a call and that Gray is going to get the full-time position. Glad he is going to get tested! And I do hope those results are negative!

So...How did Jeremy find Carter? Will Laura and Dexter be found out? Stay tuned...I'm sure we'll be treated to twists we haven't thought of yet.

A beautiful chapter highlighting the need for various means of communication in a relationship - not just talking (which is very important) but also writing down one's concerns and sharing lists, emails, etc. Also needed are times of playing hooky and just taking time to let go and let live! Gordy is turning out to be a good friend who has brought out the simple joy of play.

Oli is going to slip up, I fear, in a mos innocent way in front of Dad. Then the proverbial excrement will hit the fan! Gray has a lot of support and the knuckle-draggers will soon either shape up or be shipped out! Very good chapter, @Mark Ponyboy Peters.

I stumbled onto this story, as I noted in chapter 1, and have been binge reading since as long as my eyes hold out! (I'm having some vision difficulties at the moment, but I'm pushing through!) Since I read the first story you wrote on here, ou are definitely one of my favorite authors! I'm so glad to see you in print once again!!! As for the story: This is the first post-apocalyptice story I've ever read and I will say, it's due to your track record as an author that I even began it! It's not my usual genre. These characters are each amazing in their own way. It will be interesting to see how Jake does fit in and what he will contribute. As for sources of water, I don't know how or if they could dig another well, but with their collective ingenuity, I'm sure they will come up with something! Thank you, Wayne, once again for sharing your talent with us once again. Tony

Which version of Therese is the real one ? The one with Ralph or the one with the girls? Or are they both just different sides of the same coin? Does she act like she hates Ralph around the girls to fit in? Is she simply lonely and wanting "friends"? With Ralph, she seems to relax and actually try to be open and accepting? I'd like to believe that is more real...but, in the end, the girls seem to be supported by both her and Ralph. That is more important. As this story comes to an end, will we have another "Ralph and Nolan" story?

Just when I think that the peak of emotion has been reached, you provide another chapter that brings them to an even deeper level! @Summerabbacat has so eloquently described the growth of so many of the participants. I agree with @gmc - I do hope Travis and Jennifer become house parents. Oli and Jasper will be a formidable team in helping the boys reintegrate into life outside their captivity. Thank you, @empath for writing such an important and exceptionally well-written story!

It is never a good thing for one parent to denigrate the other parent to a child, but rather to simply state facts. Damian doesn't hate his mother. It is up to him as he ages to determine his feelings for her. That can be better served through the therapist. Remember, there was a time when good memories were formed for Damian. Those should not be destroyed by any negative comments from Ludo. Ludo's feelings for Jackie do not need to be shared with Damian at this age. Jackie can ruin the relationship all by herself.

As I am in a fog about what year this takes place, I do hope HR deals quite severely with Tom Goodwin and then does something to alert the entire workforce about what is expected of them and what will not be tolerated. You can't enforce "respect for others", but the company can set for the their code of ethics. Now to see what happens with Raffa and Gray...

Hansi strikes me as a very direct German woman! She is very practical - knows her husband's plans were foolish. Jackie still has an air of mystery about her: I still don't understand what she plans to do about Ludo. Will she try to still falsely accuse him as part of a conspiracy? Does she think it will be easy to win Damian back with her stories? Is Damian smart enough to see through his mother's ploy and stay true to his dad? We do have the trial to go through yet. You do keep us fascinated, @Robert Hugill!!

What? And have the story end so quickly? Not yet, please!

How did I miss the first posting of this story? Nonetheless, I've started and am full engaged in the story, the format and the fact it is from one of my favorite authors!