Headstall

How can a person not accept a dog's love? I agree about Dawson. That moment did say something. As far as Hank, I don't think he can handle seeing and talking to Chase. He's holding himself together, and Chase is a danger to that. It's how I see it anyway. It's a big park, and he thought he could hide there. He underestimated that knack someone has to recognize the one they love, just by posture for example, or the tilt of a head, even covered up in a hoody. Chase is similar as far as accepting Dawson's invitation. He's not ready, even for socializing. The only reason he went to that work lunch was because Alan exerted some pressure. Of all the little positive steps Chase has taken, that email to his dad was the biggest. It was honest, and he was telling his father what he needs. That is huge for someone who tends to hold things in. Thanks, Patrick. This is fun for me. Cheers! G

Greetings.

I loved writing the mac and cheese scene between Chase and Cindy. It reveals so much, some of it about Christine herself. Cundy has been fighting this battle too, and Chase is finally seeing that. I believe that is important, to know someone else struggles with the same thing. His sister is a no bullshit type of person, but she is warm and loving too. I still miss my mother's cooking. I try to copy some of her dishes, but they are never quite the same. For the most part, this is a positive chapter, with Dr. Chorney making some points that made perfect sense to Chase. I love how open he's being, and yeah, I hope he keeps it up. Stacey tried. She's caught in a difficult situation, but she was a voice Chase needed to hear. We are learning Chase has some good people in his life, and when you are fighting depression there is nothing more important than people you can rely on. Thanks, Patrick! G

I like Dr. Chorney. I believe he has seen it all when it comes to individuals searching for answers without the tools to do so. Chase is beyond that point, as in he is not a newbie to this. He's learned the tools, and he knows they can work. So yeah, he is emerging from that black hole, but he and we know it is only one step. Success requires a continual acceptance he needs help. he can't take shortcuts, and he can't quit like last time. Professionals do have their place when it comes to fighting darkness. You/we are right to be hopeful. Chase is makinng some good, positive moves, and he didn't crumble when he moved it stuff. I see that photo as telling too. I'm sure Hank knows its importance to Chase, and I suspect he couldn't bring himself to remove it and pack it away. For sure he will notice the pillow was put back, and it will have an affect. Yes, Patrick, well done, Chase! I think the biggest eye opener was the talk of manipulation, and how Chase realized what he was doing... wanting to go on medication. If he is weak, will Hank come back? It was feeble and completely understandable. He saw the truth, and committed himself to doing this on his own. Huge step forward. Thanks, friend. I am enjoying rereading this along with you. Cheers! G

Lololol. Now that is venting! Message received, buddy. Bring it on.

It's cowgirl time!

Is it time for the Shire Faire already?

Damn, I just reread this chapter and it made me cry. This was truly a rollercoaster to write... and to read. Yeah, Cindy is a rockstar, and I like her honesty with her brother. From this chapter we get that they are all handling the loss separately, not as a family, and that is typical in many cases, but it's a shame too. If I put myself in Hank's shoes, and I have, I totally understand him. He's been a rock for Chase, but maybe it's time he looks after himself. Ending s are hard, especially when we love someone. I have no doubt they love each other, but as Hank says, sometimes it isn't enough. So true about the honesty needed for themselves. I've seen grief cause real destruction to families. Hope you continue to be engaged, Patrick. Vent to me whenever you want.

Hey, Patrick. I'm so pleased to see someone new reading "Endings". This was a bit of a life-changing experience for me... for a number of reasons. The main thing is, though, is that I am immensely proud of it. Depression is insidious, and it can lurk about for years before it rages. Chase is in a terrible place, but so is Hank. I expect, if you continue reading, you will run the gamut of opinions you'll have about these characters. The reaction to this story, too, was like nothing I'd seen before. I hate depression too, but better understand the warning signs now. Chase has some important steps to take, if he can get on the right track. There are no shortcuts. This made my morning, buddy. Hope you stick around. Cheers! Gary

Howdy!

@Onim Thanks so much for the Story Like!

Yeah, I don't think Albert or Rob give August enough credit for the work he does on the ranch. They think moving cattle is the important work, but the maintenance August does is what keeps the ranch operating. Sure another hand could do it, but it sounds like August has always been a responsible worker. You may digress, but it is impossible to ignore the state of our current world. Will there be a demise? I would definitely like to see Albert knocked down a peg... and maybe the rug pulled out from under Rob. Sounds like he needs an intervention. Thanks for this, my friend. I truly appreciate it. Cheers. G

I did some weed trimming and only lasted about twenty minutes. I was soaked when I came back in.

@FanLit Thanks so much for the Story Like!

As a reader, I was never a big fan of short stories. I wanted to escape when I read, and that meant my voracious appetite craved long, complicated stories, ones to make me laugh and weep, and get my heartrate going. Writing changed that. At first I was reluctant to write short stories, but then how could I support these popular things called anthologies? So, I dove in and wrote something I originally intended to be a poem. It opened my eyes to the power of short stories, and I haven't stopped writing them since. Once I even wrote three entries for one anthology. To anyone on the fence about participating, anthologies are where I learned discipline and economy, and that has served me well in all my writing, whether short or long. Prompts, once avoided, do the same thing, and have gotten me to write something I normally wouldn't have. Yup, I finally figured out size doesn't matter.

Hello, folks. Still hot AF here.

Lol. How many boys have gotten confused while rassling? How many finally found some answers? Seems to me August and Fletcher rassling brought up some questions... and some confusion, but no answers... at least not yet. There are none so blind as those who will not see. August is freaked out that his secret is known, and all he wants to do is run away. Thanks for this, buddy. I appreciate the support and the belly laugh you provided. Cheers! Gary

Hello, dear friend! Yep, Gar is back. My mom used to call me that (I remember my bio-dad did too... I'm pretty sure). I really needed to see some enthusiasm, and you always make me feel better about what I'm posting, so thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm doing well, and I'll try my best to entertain. I woke about one morning thinking of feuding families in the Old West. I don't know where it came from, but the saga of Fletch and Augie was born soon after, and once again my almost written contemporary story got pushed aside. I missed you too... I missed the interaction with readers, and am trying not to worry that it has been slower than usual. Here's to Roping the Moon Mondays and hopefully a satisfying journey... Cheers! Gary

Screw (worm) you.

I think that might have been your younger tastebuds. My uncle grew a lot of them on his farm across the road from us on the east coast, and my mother always cooked BSs, but it took me a while to like them. Fortunately, she'd only make me eat two or three. Now I love them, especially roasted ones.

I couldn't agree more about parents who abuse their children. Even the threat of it terrorizes them.. once they see or experience the violence, it never leaves them. I have first hand knowledge of abuse and abusive relationships, so writing Mark the way I did was a difficult choice, but the only one that felt right. He is not to be excused by any means, but i thought it important he be understood. He committed one final decent act to save Chester. Usually, the victim is the one to die. Uncomplicated love? Never seen it. That doesn't mean Chester won't be able to overcome his trauma and thrive in a loving relationship. Maybe Jordy will be exactly what he needs... someone who will understand and have the patience to give him space when he needs it. It means so much to me for this story to get some attention. I like to think the authenticity of it gives it power for readers. I know writing it did for me. Thank you, Patrick. Cheers! G

Greetings.

Hey, Patrick! I can see you are paying attention. I won't say too much, other than your instincts might be good ones. Albert Cooley strikes me as not liking to be told no to, or to lose at any instance. I think most of us have met those people who always need to be right, always need to come out on top, always need to win. We do get some hints that things changed after August's mother died... but we don't know exactly why. Love that you are engaged, my friend. Please keep sharing your thoughts for all of us. Cheers! G

While it's true Cards is not tied up in a bow, the story is pretty much told, my friend. Will I write a few more chapters for it one day? I sure hope so. My muse somehow got screwed up, but it did take me to new and satisfying places. Ah, yes, "Treading Water" and Carly. That still remains a special story to me, and there was definitely some redemption on it... to a point. I believe my writing quality took a jump with that story. Thanks for what you say about "Endings". I know it is difficult at times, but it is a story I am ridiculously proud of. ... simply perfect... that means so much to me. Thank you, kind sir.

I prefer Tiny Baggins.