Headstall

It is sad, and it comes back to the fact men were hard back then... even expected to be hard in some families. Gotta wonder what Albert's father was like. August comes across to me as being worn down, and maybe the big storm/flood contributed to that. Physical exhaustion can lead very easily to emotional exhaustion.

Nah, we encourage every bit of discourse. I love the interaction between readers, and I believe everyone does.

Who? Me? All we know about her really is she was a great and loving mother. Can we see Albert having a heart?

Exactly right. There are seven Crawley children, but we don't know yet who is the oldest.

Yeah, we might be wise not to ever trust Rob, always eager to do Albert's bidding. I don't believe anything could ruin that first kiss, though, but maybe that's the romantic in me. I agree, knowing your feelings are returned gives us wings. The Crawleys are nothing like August was told repeatedly by his father. In fact, they couldn't be any more different. "the lord's handiwork' says so much about how they love their family, accepting we are all god's children. We haven't met these Crawley folk, but how can we not like them? There has always been enlightened people to advance societies, and these are of that ilk. August has been naive. He knows his father and sees his cruelty, but believing he was capable of so much worse would likely be hard for any son. To this very day, I still stick up for my very imperfect stepfather. Fletcher didn't want to be the one to open his eyes... remember how calling Albert a bastard four days ago went, but he was cornered, and it was something August needed to know for his own safety. Seems to me, Fletcher is exceedingly level headed. He wants and needs August to be cautious of his father and brother. Very interesting point about Gran. I like that you are invested enough to see possibilities. It makes for a better reading experience in my humble opinion. Can Albert fall off his spur scarred horse and break his neck? I see the possibilities too... *writes furiously* Thanks, my lovely friend. You, as always, rock!

Love the alliteration! It's one of my weaknesses as a wordsmith. Three pointer at the buzzer... couldn't ask for more than that, my dear friend. I'm thinking the conversation came across to you as organic, and that's what I hoped for. Is there anything hotter than sharing air? Thank you! We are getting closer to the meat of the story now. Woot!

Thanks, Chris! I hope they are beginning to worm their way into readers' hearts. Appreciate the support, buddy.

Yay! That makes me so happy, Patrick. I feel in love with August and Fletcher as soon as I started writing them. Yes, they were brave, full of fear too, but they managed to see the path they needed to. Here's hoping their wishes will be granted... and that the cloud named Albert will stop darkening August's life. Appreciate the support, my friend. Cheers! G

Hello, friend. No, we do not know the cause of August's mother's death, but I can say it wasn't nefarious. Yes, they are in dangerous territory, and making a wrong move could have dire consequences. I liked how they eased each other along in this chapter. There was such a fine push and pull between them before honesty won the day. I see the love they have as one born at a glance, one that confused and exasperated, until destiny smiled upon them---destiny in the form of Willy James---paving the way for a coming together. Still, it is immediately tempered by the situation itself, the roadblock named Albert Cooley, a dangerous man indeed. August has learned more about his father in this chapter, and it has opened his eyes. He has to be careful... one mistake could rain down hellfire. Okay, maybe that's over the top, but then again, maybe not. Fletcher furthered opened August's eyes about how different the Crawleys really are. It must make him envious. Fletcher is a man of means, and has a loving, supportive family. All August has is a list of chores that never ends. Good point about August looking like his mother and how that might affect his father. Thanks for the thoughtful comment, centex. If you wouldn't mind, and if you think the story worth it, could you leave a Story Like and Story Recommendation on the front story page? Here is the link to the front page... Cheers! Gary

Your comments have become quite something, Albert. I don't quite know what to say. The slow-burn confessions from these to men slowly disipate the tension they've carried for years. Unrequited love is the worst, and these too have felt that love for maybe as long as a decade, and what began as some confusing attraction has become a love not to be denied. I don't know if there is such a thing as fate, but I do give credence to destiny. These two seem destined in this chapter, easing each other through all the constraints of the time. It's a dangerous thing they embrace, but it's almost impossible to stop love. And then there is Albert Cooley, a man not to be trifled with or ignored. The situation seems impossible. Is it, though? I do treat these characters with care as they come to grips with their realities. Glad you saw the romance through it all. I believe this is a very romantic chapter, and I thank you for the kind words about the writing. Cheers! G

Thank you so much! This makes me so happy, buddy.

They are a loving family, and I agree they are progressive in their views, having had a brother/best friend/brother-in-law who was gay and unhappy. Yes, there are seven Crawley children, and there is no one heir. That is not how the family works... they are the antithesis of the Cooleys. At the moment, it feels like the whole world is against these boys, but at least they finally talked. Hope you enjoyed the chapter, enough to leave a Story Like and Story Recommendation on the front story page. Here's the link to the story page... thank you, my friend!

Chapter 4 is posted...

Barnswallow “It’s fine, Augie, no need to answer me. Got no right to ask, and I truly didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” The intensity of Fletcher’s gaze was still there, but he had softened it somehow. As pretty as the man was, it was his kindness what shone brightest. Even those times they came to blows, Fletcher never once looked polecat-mean no matter how angry he be, and he had surely caused him plenty of anger over the years. August put his head down and a

Happy Father's Day! Happy Father's Day!

Hi!

Exactly what a lunatic would say.

Um... what?

Hey, all! Stay calm while Nurse Ratchet delivers the meds.

Who gave Drew keys to get out of his padded cell?

You go, gurl!

Is this the ministry of health that eats roadkill bears and raccoon penises?

I think there is something readers might have missed for the most part. The title is Endings with an S. It is as much about Christine's ending as it is about Hank's and Chase's. Christine lives throughout this story, though she is dead and buried. That is the beauty of the human experience, that we still get to live in the hearts of those we leave behind. Her thoughtfulness is on full display in this chapter... she knew her son well. And Charles, as her messenger, did all he could. I don't know about you, but this chapter (still) makes me sob like a baby. Is there hope for these two 'idiots'? It's not looking good, but both men have a ways to go in their individual journeys. Cheers, Patrick.

I really enjoyed writing the camaraderie Chase and Dawson have. Good friendships are worth their weight in gold. Yeah, back up plans are never a good idea. You can't play with people, and fortunately, Chase has his dad to make that point. The fact he has him to talk to again is a huge plus to someone who has struggled like Chase has. He's gone through the same thing, and understands like others might not. And yeah, it's fair to wonder why Hank was so subdued when he came out of his building. At this point, we are all wondering what happened with Kevin. Thanks, buddy. I love being back in this story again. G

Such a good question, Patrick. Will it hurt Hank further to see Chase as someone who doesn't need him or anyone else anymore? To see he can move on. I would bet it will eat at him. Even when we tell ourselves we don't want something, it doesn't mean it's true. Depression and guilt tend to do that, color our feelings so we just end up reactionary. I think we saw some of that in this chapter. It is hard to believe Hank is in a good place. Is it fair to think Hank would be that small? Maybe not... he didn't ask to be Chase's rock in tough times, but he did step up. Cheers and thanks, my friend.