pvtguy

May the love that surrounds you from those you know and those who only know you through your writing be a source of comfort and solace as you face the challenges of your immediate future. None of us knows or is guaranteed any number of days. Our "job" is to leave the world around us in a better condition than we found it. You do so through your writing as one means, and I am sure you have affected and do affect many others daily knowingly or unknowingly. Be strong, be at peace, be thankful for all blessings daily, and trust in love to carry you through the journey - and may it be for years to come!

Good questioning and answering to this point. May the next chapter come soon so that we can see how it develops.

Positive thoughts go out to you and your son or a successful surgery. As a single parent of a son, I have had to go through that several times and I know the stress! Tony F

I like the mix of people and the camaraderie. Wonderful work, Carlos!

And now we might see just how dangerous Michael is...

Music verified Gus' identity but did much more: it brought about healing of pain for others if not a respite from it. Music allowed Gus to escape from the pain of his childhood but is the vehicle which has brought him to this point in his life: he's found Home! Now, it is time for music to release Rick's demons. Brilliantly written!

Of course, that is the normal response he would have had. She had no proof to set the stage - just her word. From his perspective, she is desperate to get Michael back and she knows this. You're slowly peeling the onion!

Will Cole believe Emma? The mystery grows!

The plot has definitely thickened!

What a great picture you have painted of the job of parenthood: allowing a child to grow through both successes and failures to be able to stand on their own. Yet, when the child leaves to become the responsible adult, the parent still worries while enjoying and appreciating the growth of the young adult. Greg has shown this with Mason and now Lee. His paternal skills and the depth of his love is truly admirable. It is so difficult as a parent to see one's child grow up, and yet they must! Otherwise, you are truly a failure as a parent. I love your writing. Your skills are sharpening with each story and I love them all. May the next one come soon - but after you've recharged! Tony F

Good interrogation so far...not sure just where she's going, though she's doing her best to show him to be less than truthful in his description of his state of inebriation. I'm eager to see how this unfolds.

As always, a great way to start a Friday!

As if the accident wasn't enough to upset the day (though it even served to bring them closer), we get a bit more drama! Please hurry with the next chapter! And "Con Moto" is a perfect chapter title! Tony F

This grabbed me from the first paragraph! Great writing!

Well done!

Lee realizes that he is weak and could easily fall back into addiction. He also knows that Camp was an escape for Avery in spite of the good that it provided for both Avery and him. Both need to grow in confidence and self-esteem. Perhaps at this moment, being together might hinder that growth, at least in his estimation. Greg didn't say "forever" even if he said "he can't come back". I like the uncertainty in moving forward - but know it's done with love first.

Lee has come a long way and his decision concerning Avery is really sacrificial for a greater purpose. He has seen he also needs to get stronger. I think he realizes that he, too, now has support, but not a family such as Bill and Anna can provide Avery. I believe in the inherent good in people if they will only allow it to surface and be the leading principle in their lives. When one is fed the script that they are worthless, it is very hard to for them to believe otherwise without a struggle. I hope Camp Refuge and its inhabitants can help rewrite Lee's script! Tony F

Another great chapter full of fun, adventure, anxiety and a good, deep breath of satisfaction at the end, knowing Ritch and Ed were safe. When I visited cave dwellings in Flagstaff, AZ, I was also amazed at imagining the lives of the former residents. I guess it was time for the end of Defiance: it is time for Ritch to step out on his own rather than with a "hand-me-down", lol. Thanks for sharing another great chapter in the larger CJ world! Tony F

Gus is going to be the reason Rick will finally have the courage to "out" himself and live a more satisfying life. Great chapter!

Your cliffie about Don has me most intrigued to see what happens! The chapter was a nice combination of the naive Robbie and the more maturing one. There are more smiles now, and that is wonderful.

And the mystery of "who" increases...I can't wait for a possible twist in the plot.

I do understand...I just feel so emotionally attached to the story and characters. Not to worry...you're stuck with me as a loyal reader! You've earned that! And as for the length of the story, size could matter, but satisfaction comes in all sizes, lol!

5000 words....so what? 10,000 would not have been too much here! You've left us thirsting for more - a sign of the great story teller you are!! And, only two more chapters? As has been suggested in the comments, another volume of Camp Refuge or further development of this story would be most welcome! I don't want to leave here just yet! All the comments made so far have covered everything I could have said, but I just want to say that the growth in confidence, faith and trust that both Avery and Lee show in this chapter has been made possible by the very supportive atmosphere of Camp Refuge in its people = all human, all flawed, but all sharing a basic value of love. I love your writing style, your story-telling ability, and your artistry. Keep the stories coming! Tony F

You have definitely brought me back to my academic days of research. Loved it! But you're correct, it is not the style which is the most engaging for most readers.

Excellent presentation of research of a competent lawyer putting together a case.