pvtguy

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.

There's a reason I look forward to Friday mornings: another chapter! Would that every day started this way...however, that would require you writing like a madman - and speed would reduce quality, I'm sure! Excellent job! Ritch is growing up! As a parent, it is so satisfying to see the lessons you drill into your children become part of who they are as adults. It is then worth all the work and sweat and worry that it took to instill those values. Tony F

Tyler will finally get to be "alive" again, it seems.

In words, you have created the feeling I get when listening to the Barcarolle from Tales of Hoffman...from the rustling of the waves, to the light, the sounds of nature - all highlighted by the growing love between Gus and Rick. Story wise, I guess this might well be the calm before the storm! Absolutely lovely.

You are absolutely correct: Greg's personal self-talk at the moment won't allow him to break; however, he might lash out in anger (based in fear, feelings of failure and disrespect, distrust, and possibly hubris. Hopefully, either Joseph or Clay can help him see things more rationally before any explosion. You are most correct: therapy comes in many forms - looking at the river, pounding a hammer, splitting wood, fishing, music...

And the action ramps up! Can't wait for the next chapter!

You have the perfect setting for redemption, but it will take a lot of work to get there: Avery now has the opportunity to reflect on his actions and his relationship fears; Lee is an addict and has relapsed (though, hopefully, not full-fledged); Joseph is there to work with both; Greg and Clay both can be models of love and discipline for both Lee and Avery - with their backgrounds in law enforcement and their passion in creating the camp; Harlan's ability to do what law enforcement has not been able to do yet with Eddie and now the high school sources of drugs. I love the layers of complexity you create so succinctly and efficiently with the minimum of words. As a retired counselor, I would love to see Lee and Avery assisted in their reflection on their actions and beliefs - also helping Greg to work through his disappointment and anger, though perhaps, he has the ability to do this on his own.

You never fail to amaze me with the power of your words. So much here to reflect upon: Bill and Anna's desire to connect with Avery; Avery's reluctance to relate with Bill and Anna for fear if they "knew" him, they would abandon him as have all the parental figures in his life; Lee's two steps forward and one step backwards; Greg's genuine act of caring for Lee and getting kicked in the teeth (in his view at the moment). Can't we have a chapter a bit sooner, please? Tony