pvtguy

An extremely well-written story that deal with a very difficult subject: extreme child abuse. However, the focus is not on the abuse but rather how a very compassionate man, who just happens to learn he is the uncle of these children, takes on the responsibility of caring for and truly parenting these young people. This story is not for those might be triggered about reading about abuse, but is definitely an education while holding the reader's attention. This is a very definite story worth reading.

Wonderful story, but too short - as most stories are for me, lol! You tied it together very well. Excellent writing.

This has been an amazing journey - sorry to see it have to end, but all good stories do have an ending. This chapter did show that people can change and take responsibility for their actions. I hope Steve doesn't stutter at the trial and show spermie that the horrible treatment he was given had repercussions.

Yes, Nick does have some stuff to deal with, but in actuality, she is "dead" to him. At his ae, he needs to deal with the anger he has, but not dwell on it. His young mind needs to focus on the positive. Jill and Steven have a lot of work to do, but therapy will help them process and move on. Isn't it amazing the we immediately go to our baser instincts in regards to the "karma" the Abel-no-nuts and the incubator received? We want justice done - but not painless justice. Allowing the guards to go free would not be in any sense justice nor "rehabilitation" that jails/prisons are supposed to exist for (but don't!). I do agree with @Anton_Cloche in regards to the mental state of Mr. Keys. Guess we'll see....

What a powerful and riveting chapter! We have more information about the abuse, including another adult who will be charged! Additionally, we have further knowledge about Steven's psychological state. Appalling as it is, unfortunately, these types of abuse do take place! Human remains? Now we'll have to see whose they might be... Powerful writing!!!

A final word from me about suppressed memories and abuse: it is not unusual that abused persons "black out" during abuse and may not easily remember exactly what happened - only that there was abuse and it stopped. Chapter 8 does say that the right questions were not asked - but I'm not sure at that point, Jill would have readily blurted out everything.

While still concerned about the ethical standards of Skylar, I'm glad they are moving so slowly. Andrew is a true gentleman and showing that his father has instilled strong values. As a counselor myself (retired now), I would say that hypnosis can be very helpful with a truly experienced hypnotist. Jill could remember the abuse with the suggestion that she is watching it without any emotion. Of course, that part will have to be dealt with later on, but all depends on the skill of the hypnotist and psychologist/therapist.

@Summerabbacat has so eloquently summarized all that I thought about this chapter! I could so picture and hear "Mother" questioning Vaughn and Dan! Supportive, yes, but also questioning in order to feel more comfortable.

The guy who asked about a good restaurant still sticks in my mind: is it possible he is actually stalking the guys? Could he also be an evil skinwalker? Hmmm.... As for Louella, I am the type that would give her a vase of flowers with a card that reads "here's to positive relationship as neighbors." She might soften, but more likely not. Still, I would try.

The intrigue has just begun - what will happen with Ralph, the girls, and the business? I love the posts by @Summerabbacat - so erudite and with such biting humor!

One other thing that brought me a chuckle - the name "Harper" - as in harpie, or from the song "Harper Valley PTA"....

Skylar is showing a poor understanding of his ethical obligations. However, as @RainbowPhoenixWI has pointed out, all it would take is for Skylar to speak to his supervisor and request a change of caseworker. Then, he would be free to pursue a relationship. Short of that, he is definitely in the wrong! I do believe that CPS should be notified about Lanny's mother's behavior. The family needs to be investigated and appropriate counseling and/or legal punishment needs to be followed through. Lanny is not in a good situation. A report and investigation could be the start of a more positive family situation - or it could bring about a change for Lanny. As for Jack's "discipline": I don't support a beating, but I will say that a slap across the mouth or to the cheek is a strong signal that certain language will not be tolerated. I'm not talking about knocking out a tooth, drawing blood, or causing a bruise. I may be in a minority, but having been a parent in this same situation when my son was growing up, he was out of control with language and behavior and this definitely caught his attention, followed by a long discussion after we both cooled down. He learned my intolerance of certain language and never again repeated it! Am I proud of this - NO! But did it bring into sharp focus what is acceptable - YES!

Hmm...just wondering what Lanny is really up to! The kids seem to be more comfortable by the day with UB! I do think there will be more of Skylar in the future. Great discussions with both Steve and Jack! Great chapter overall!

I do believe this was a more rational decision on Greg's part, as painful as it was for Brenden, and, I believe, for Greg! Let's not forget that they had an original discussion where Brenden indicated that there was little prospect of work for Greg in town and that his finances were being pushed to the limit. He would be unable to support Greg. Greg was acting in his own interest as far as financially and protecting his own career. While emotionally difficult, I do believe rationality won out. Not all life is feel-good! As for everything else, the comments above have captured my thoughts: they are really becoming a family. There's going to be a lot more anguish to experience with a trial, but UG's love will be a strong support for the kids as will their love for him be the support he needs.

I am concerned about Lanny, too, but I believe he needs a conversation with an adult about his attitude towards Steve. Steve needs to confide in Brendan if he is feeling uncomfortable. As for Greg...I do believe that both of them need to really assess their feelings but also temper them with logic. Brendan was honest about the financial strain it would put on him should Greg not have a job. Both were honest about the current employment opportunities, but those could change in the next few months. All said, another wonderful chapter.

I cannot add to the brilliant summary of @Summerabbacat. All I can say is that I totally understand and empathize with Ralph, down to the name of his ex! Great start to another wonderful story by a very talented writer!

First days back at school are always filled with the activities of getting ready for classes to begin. It was good for them to see Barry and Anna. Looks like things are starting off well...but is the encounter with Ralph a foreboding?

Shouldn't Brendon receive some State assistance as he is now a foster parent? Additionally, CPS usually pays for the medical via medicaid for the kids. Brendon is certainly accepting it all because he loves the kids. He has a very large capacity for caring! I do hope that Greg is of like mind in the long run!

Late to the game...I just read all the chapters and am very intrigued by the story. Things moved quickly for everything - placement of the children, jail for the so-called "parents", the buying of the house...but justice may not be as swift or without a lot of drama. I am eager to see what's coming.

This was a well-developed story showing both personal growth of each individual character but also the growth of them as a couple. I especially liked that they retained their individual apartments as they grew as a couple that allowed them time together as they grew together, but also allowed for their individual needs. Throughout the story, we met some very interesting people all centered around the restoration of an artistic sculpture. Great story, great writing, and more "hugilisms" to broaden our own language skills.

An outstanding story of an elderly man who has had a stroke and, while depressed because of what he sees as life working against him on all levels, he discovers, through working with a young counselor, physical therapy, and the solicitousness of a nurse, a reason to live because of what he can do for others. It definitely portrays negative aspects of his life, one especially hurtful - that of his lack of relationship with his son - that cannot be resolved. Yet, he moves through this to reestablish a life that is filled with positivity. This is a must read!

This story touched me more deeply than few others have as it dealt with the principal character was my age, had worked in the same profession as I did, and had a lot of the personality aspects that I also share (humor, frankness). And yet, it stands as one of the outstanding tales that you so capably weave, @Ronyx. It does have a HEA, but it was brought about via a lot of hard work on the parts of all the characters. Thank you for posting such a tremendous story!

Guess we'll find out Vaughn and Dante's deepest ethics as they make their decision whether to accept or not. Francis certainly retains power by keeping well-informed!

And at last, Mac is developing as an equal to Devin instead of the weaker of the two.

A bit of weekend fun and diversion for Dan and Vaughn! I chose the Wow emoji simply because of the nature of the visit - unplanned, perhaps influenced by Paola (?), surprise breakfast activities, and then, woosh! - gone! That's what I truly call a whirlwind visit!