clairvin

That was worth a wait. Thank you for the chapter .

Worth the wait. ‘Sed omnia praeclara tam difficila, qualm rara sunt ‘

I love this story, thanks for the new chapter.

Wow, epic. Great story. thanks you Cia.

I see your point about the reality of foster care - which probably only heightens my worry . Throughout the story Gianni, has no difficulty relating to children who are like him, who share his gender, sexuality, culture and race. He doesn’t analysis why he ‘sees’ them and not Sami and he doesn’t see it is problematic. I say he is in a cage because he is unable to move past his assumptions to fully see someone who is outside his milieu. At the crisis of the story, when Sami and Danni fall, I understand why he grabs Danni and I’m horrified that he does. Maybe most people would have made Gianni’s choice, they make similar, if less life critical choices everyday in favour of insiders over outsiders but I don’t think they should be seen heroic and at least they should understand what they have done and why they did it . When Danni asks why he was saved, the answer Gianni gives is unfathomable , he can’t have seen Sami as his son and made the choice he did. He has to see Sami as someone who is less than Danni , less deserving of life , love … it was a truly tragic choice. A turning away from the defenceless to the familiar which he doesn’t acknowledge and confront. Gianni’s behaviour comes from the same impulses Sami has to confront from the other kids in the first day of school. lol sorry that was all a bit overly dramatic, I guess the story had the impact stories are supposed to have… it provoked me, made me think, outraged me … thank you

After the emotional incapacity and self - indulgence , Gianni, demonstrates in his inability to empathize with Sami and the enabling support Angelo gives him, his words , “ You don’t need to be afraid anymore.” … We’ve got you… “ are chilling. Throughout the story, Gianni, acts as if parenting Sami is a personal vanity project gone bad. He repeatedly fails to demonstrates the basics emotional capacity to see meaning beyond himself and his own feelings. His self-focus is a cage , that imprisons him and stops him from feeling the joy of being loved and giving love to a boy who is in desperate need. I fear for Marco.

Sami, already understands that he is being saved at least subconsciously. The lion and the wolf are the hero’s of his story, the swifts put out the fire. Gianni, just needs to figure out his role in Sami’s narrative.

‘If winter comes …’ A wonderful, moving chapter , Gianni, Marco and Sami despair in the coldness of autumn but they are surrounded by an irresistible spirit of community and love, which hopefully the are about to grasp. Although at this point it’s still looking pretty grim to them. Thank-you for the beautiful chapter. I have really missed these guys these last few months. Your stories never fail to amaze.

Heart attack or what. Cia, you’re killing us with all this tension.

Wow, that was literally, completely wonderful. Thank-you.

Not a lot to say, just that was great!

A teen summer vacation story which will recall memories for every reader. Long languid days, humid nights, friends, family, community, loss, first love … beautifully written .

Action packed, two individuals, both lost in their own way, find a way to complete themselves and each other. Complex characterizations, fast paced with lots of thrills, a great read.

An intimate story of friendship and sacrifice inside a detective story, inside a travel guide. The story has it all realistic characterizations, intricate plot, dramatic plot, and a vivid setting. Well worth the read. Exceptional.

Northie: Thank-you. I’ve enjoyed the series and am hoping for more. I think the juxtaposition of the three , maybe four , generations of gay social evolution, the contrast between rural and urban … I’ve friends who remind me of each of your characters and who have shared similar experiences. Great story telling, complicated and real. thank you again