pvtguy

Tim's personality was described before, so I am not surprised at his admission. Could we see a threesome with Bruce, Karen and Tim, or is that another story somewhere else, lol? All in all, this was a needed step more for Marc than anyone else and he has yet to learn about and confront it all!

Growing up in an Italian-Catholic family, funeral lasted for three days: two days of viewing either in the home or at a funeral home, with food being served in another room constantly. And there was another grand meal after the funeral. As I no longer live in the town I grew up in, I don't know how many follow this ritual anymore. I guess the cost would be prohibitive now. Now, as to the story itself, Aunt May's death has become the catalyst for Marc to be his own person. I'm sure there will be the usual gossip immediately, but that will disappear as they realize Mark is the same person they knew before - just that he loves someone they didn't expect (the same would have happened if he had fallen in love with a woman totally different from those in his small town!). Great writing still!

I'm almost caught up on the chapters. This one was, as has been pointed out, an exposition of the self-indulgence of Sawyer. He has some definite growing to do too. I figured Aunt May would pass before the end of this story. Now, I'm eager to see where it goes from here.

Siblng rivalry has, at its base, so many reasons: two siblings born within two years of each other tend to be opposites of each other. This sounds like Finn and Sawyer. My brother is 180 degrees different than I in so many ways and it has been a real struggle to be respectful and friendly throughout our lives, but we have stumbled on a system which works, though still not what I would hope would exists - but that 180 degrees of difference still remain. I am eager to understand the history of both of these characters.

As Sawyer was there for Marc, I think Marc can be a centering force for Sawyer when it comes to Finn. Can't wait for the next chapter!

So beautifully written! I do agree with all the comments about Aunt May and Reba and Tim. And now, on to the next chapter!

We get a little more insight into Marc and his parents....but there's got to be more to the story. I have the feeling that whatever Marc gives his Aunt will be returned to him at some point. Bruce will certainly be a great friend to both. His presence has already helped Marc to start "thawing"....

Coffee and lust in the morning....but only coffee gets resolved for the moment. The other comments have already said as much or more than I would have said. Great writing!!!

It took women like her to push and lead the way for equality. And it looks like there are those who would do an about face on what has been accomplished... too bad, many of those people are in the ruling class....

Any CJ story is always welcome! Thanks for the wonderful surprise this morning! As for "making" Liebe cry: Her crying was her reaction to being corrected. Neither Owen nor CJ "made" her cry. They would have been most remiss as parents for not correcting her behavior. Their method was not abusive, but instructive: Owen told her what was acceptable and why. I find Owen and CJ's parenting style very acceptable!

The comments have stated it accurately: Marc is the last to know that everyone already knows or suspects. Isn't that the way for most?

I am not so sure of this. Some parents don't report their kids when they kick them out for fear of being arrested themselves! It wouldn't be a bad idea for Blake to call them.... Nor would it be a bad idea for Aric to talk with his parents in advance of their coming home...

Marc is putting more pressure on himself than the small town will. Fear is his greatest enemy.

I do love your writing! And this story is very much worthwhile reading. The dropping of masks is not easy - especially to ourselves so that we can allow others to see us and/or allow ourselves to accurately see ourselves. I find it interesting that in every religion, there is a time spent periodically at taking an assessment of our lives for the purpose of living a more positive one. Part of that process may include making amends. Other times, it is simply recognizing how we can stay on the path of being true to ourselves and seeing and accepting others, responding to their needs. Dropping masks is a lifelong pursuit, I do believe.

A fitting ending...HEA!

I do relate to the small town atmosphere and experience. Lots of understanding and growing to do....

Another late to the party reader, but the chapter certainly grabbed me. Great writing and great start!

It is interesting to see the viewpoints of the parents and how they have what we now call sexist views based on gender...girls have specific occupations they should hold...

Niki's summary of the painting's meaning was so very well done. Would that more ears would hear it and that the painting was real and could be observed! Very well written, sir. Tony

Gianni was not prepared to parent Sami - which is not to say he is not prepared to parent any child/teen. We'll see how it goes with Marco, but I suspect that things will be much better. I can see that in time he even establishes a better relationship with Sami as they will see each other in their small town. Sami for many other reasons did not attach to Gianni either. He's in a much better place for himself. In contrast to @clairvin, I do not fear for Marco.: Gianni already has a relationship with him and Marco feels safe with him. That is not to say that there will not be normal growth/maturational issues, but there is a better fit all around for both Sami and Marco. This has been a wonderful addition to the Ravello series! Thanks @James Carnarvon for this gift. , ,

Again, there is not an emoji that adequately represents my true feelings: I am so sorry that Niki was the recipient of such cold hatred throughout his childhood, but had that not happened, he would not be who he is now nor would he have met Inno! He has experienced many valleys in his short life...now it is time to build the mountain!

Such a lovely story! I love Marky!!! I couldn't keep up with him but he is so innocent and simply delightful. Roy is a keeper as a friend!!

I do understand your intent, but to denigrate all professional teachers of writing is an inaccurate portrayal. As a retired educator, I will say that good teachers can teach and encourage excellent writing. And to that end, when a writer also studies other writers and their skills of observation and description, that writer can also learn and improve their skills.

Noooooooo...there's too much to cover for only two chapters unless there's going to be a sequel....

At their mid-twenties, Gianni and Angelo both realize they are ill-prepared to be parents of a child of Sami's age, but their desire to help him outweighs their uncertainty. Every parent makes mistakes great and small daily - that's just part of growing into the job. Their lack of knowledge about the Muslim faith, traditions, etc., really are showing up but I do have a question: are they absolutely positive that Sami is Muslim? There are Christians to be found in Arab countries too. Simple questioning of Sami, as was suggested, about what he ate could have resolved this problem. Sami's destruction of the camera is simply reinforcement of his belief that Gianni doesn't like him. While spoken in anger and frustration at not being equal to everyone, it still rings of truth - at least his truth. So far, Reza has not been any help in any significant way. As stated above, this chapter held so many emotions, drama, but all in a very loving atmosphere. Looking forward to further developments.