pvtguy

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!

But then again, does time of day make it better or just being rested?

It takes both parties to make the resolution. Roger apparently doesn't want one. It can't be forced. Maybe Allen can say something to his dad to get him to reconsider, but I wouldn't hold my breath on this either. Sometimes we just have to accept that things will not change.

These characters are so real! I am going to miss them. True mark of a gifted writer and story teller, and you, @Ronyx, are that in spades! I would love to see a story (or stories) about Jason-Colin, Susan-Stanley, Allen-Derek...

Keith has found a way to externalize his thoughts, anxieties, and disappointments in letters. Thomas has been quite the salvation for him as he has for Thomas. They have a very comfortable relationship that allows them each to grow. What wonderful characters you have created here once again!

I'm getting more and more convinced that Devin's self-esteem (or lack thereof due to his over concern about his size) may well be the demise of their relationship. That he wanted to make love to the image of Ben is concerning. Mac seems more mature in that respect. “I’m ok if you want to do it that way, as long as you don’t forget to transition back after we finish making love, but don’t expect me to transition into Ben again. That was a one time gift for you.”

I am in agreement with @CincyKris: Mitchell is a narcissist for sure - use someone and toss them aside. It will be interesting if Vaughn finds other models and sees if this is in fact the pattern of behavior. His "therapy" with Greg is definitely a starting point. I do enjoy seeing the various relationships you have in this story, but they all center around Vaughn and Dante at the moment. Great writing!

Possibly...but didn't she plant the resentment in Roger? He might see a mother with regret at the mistake she made!

The window scenes are getting more positive and peace-giving to Phil. I really don't want this story to end - it's too close to my life!

Such a powerful chapter in m view: it brought back similar memories for me when I last visited the city where I grew up. We moved frequently around the town and no one place was truly "home," save for my grandparents' home. Now, even where it was has been wiped out by the City as was the entire neighborhood where the majority of my early years were spent. While this was a return for Keith, thankfully supported by Thomas, it did bring to the fore that he never felt as though he belonged there. I really get it! Thanks for such a wonderful literary contribution @Robert Hugill.

Unfortunately, the P=House was demolished a couple of years ago...But there are other venues...

Ultimately, Keith, Thomas and Nate can try to revisit the past so that they can perhaps better understand their fathers, but the fact is that revisiting will not change what happened, only their response to it. They will have to come to the conclusion that they cannot resolve the past, but that they can put it to rest and determine to move on and not repeat the actions of their fathers. It is too bad that their fathers couldn't love unconditionally - the fathers lost out most!

It's one thing to say how much Robbie's worth - but it would be quite another to see a statement. Sue should accompany Robbie to the bank with Don. I wonder how much of a fee he is taking for supervising the trust? Funny word for something that evades Don - trust! Why did Rory get so sullen after his mother caught them fooling around? Does she also think he's gay? Hmmm...