pvtguy

It is interesting to see how the situation of Niki's life is viewed by him and his father. There is mystery indeed which I hope he finds out. You've done an outstanding job in giving us a view into Niki's life through his eyes and experience.

I love the poem. The story has begun with planting intrigue!

I can see the bureaucrats' arguments. Whoever made the decision to move (if it was the entire department) now owns the mistake...so it will be good they do the work to make things better. Lesson hopefully learned.

Small-minded bigots exist in every town. Those with "power" don't like to share it with anyone and the "natural order" of the town has been disrupted, causing much discomfort to the existing power structure. Interesting chapter. How long till Miss Ellie is jilted once again?

I would be glad to share a piece with you!

I think I gained 10 pounds from those vicarious meals! That cake sounded scrumptious! While I couldn't dream of taking such a trip, I sure enjoy accompanying them on the charter! Thanks again for another wonderful chapter!

Ah, the politics of a small town with small minds. Methinks Ma Owen may have some inkling of truth...

I've re-read them 3 times, and each time, I was reminded of my feelings when fall settled when I lived in the northern U.S.: The first biddings of fall were of beauty - colorful leaves, crisp air, clear days - soon to be followed by grey days , bare trees, frigid temperatures and eventually snow! I am not one who relishes either cold weather or bare trees. Thus, I was left with a feeling of melancholy. It also reminds me of aging, where there are fewer days ahead than behind and yet so many ideas and projects that will be "pressed between the pages of thick, obscure volumes and forgotten." I am left with a strong sense of loneliness, perhaps not what you intended but what these poems evoked in me. Beautiful writing!

Entertaining and educational! Teaching by example with both a lightness in the first 2 stanzas and insight into the discomfort one might feel as present but not part of a group. That especially resonated with me!

Simply wow to both you and @AC Benus.

Owen is already cuckolded by Miss Elllie! How is he going to break off with her and share a life with Dr. Layne in this small town? Looking forward to the development of this story!

What more praise can I add to what has been stated so far? You've created a very engaging story with characters that are so amazing yet relatable. Loving this vacation!

I love these characters and their comradery. Good beginning !

Thank you. Believe me, I do see beauty around me daily. Seeing beauty "when the world darkens" is the very definition of hope!

Beautiful word painting! The word "sparkling" reminds me of how e e cummings would write it: "SpArKlInG". As I have lived in Florida for the past 35 years, I no longer experience this same type of Spring walk as I did when I lived up north, especially in Massachusetts. However, there is another type of beauty I have discovered in Florida's fall and spring, however short-lived!

Paulie's mother seems to have some disdain for Ellie! Hope she speaks up - but may not, considering the attitude towards women in that time. Ellie would have to promise to "love and obey" should she marry Paul, and there is little chance that would happen. Still, a small town does not offer the privacy or acceptance that would be needed in this situation. I am eager to see how the story progresses. Good job!

Such a nice warm ending!

Quite an enjoyable chapter! CJ's self-awareness - his political abilities combined with his values - is truly astounding! The relationship among all the family - but especially between CJ and Owen is remarkable!

This story is full of depth as well as the qualities that keep one reading. It is a very accurate picture of an individual with a severe anxiety disorder told very realistically but with a real love story, a journey to healing that is a process worked on daily but with progress supported by true love which has been avoided for a very long time. The characters are wonderfully written. This is a truly engaging story which will keep you looking forward to each chapter. Highly recommended!

What a great journey! Alec is still finding his emerging true self - i.e., he's changing the narrative he has been telling himself for years (yeah, thanks mom!). I love that you didn't just have him totally healed but far on the journey. Finn is absolutely wonderful! Great job!

Growing pains...but they are developing as a couple. Alec is acclimating well. I guess he must be still working remotely. Finn is delightful!

Alec has to learn how to accept compliments - but that will take time for sure! Both need to learn how to communicate more openly - another process! Lots of adaptations!

It's been a busy weekend for me and it's only Saturday evening. I just finished reading this chapter and all the comments. They are spot on. I understand CJ and Owen not following the "Dad-Papa" routine, though I have always had reservations about calling one's parents by their first name: after all, the kids are the only ones who can genuinely call them Dad or Papa and that denotes a special relationship. However, they are not the first parents I've known who preferred to be called by their first names. That said, they are very good disciplinarians and do try to keep their kids cognizant of the fact that while they have benefits other kids don't, they still need to be respectful of others as equals. I applaud that! Thanks for sharing your talent always Carlos! (BTW: I have that image of the Carlos sandwich etched in my brain now!)

Very good chapter. I hope Henry does call Don but it could be in that ethical grey area if he goes to dinner with Don and Noah.

Been there, done that! I rarely use coupons anymore.