skinnydragon

Great chapter, tim -- and a well needed spark of hope. Of course, with so many diverse people suddenly added to the mix, things can get complicated, as history has certainly shown. So, I expect some drama -- but really don't look forward to the coming conflict and it's inevitable casualties. I worry for Jessy.

Thanks for this chapter, Parker. Some may see it as you trying to 'humanize' the 'hero' of the story, but not me. Like Michael Corleone, as he considered it 'only business' to order the murder of his brother Fredo, the backstory does not exonerate the hero. There is always a reason for people to act the way they do, but they do always have choices. Nice try friend, but I think I know you better than that!

“I promise to be Luke,” Probably the most important line in the chapter, krista. It's only his parents preventing this from really being true. So, instead of Luke leading Jackson to himself -- as we all originally assumed -- will it really be the other way around? Seems so. Nicely done.

I’m not quite sure what it is about August, but it’s often been my time of year to take stock – to see where I’ve been and, in a way, where I am. This year, my stock of memories has been rich and tasty. It all started nearly twelve months ago with my decision to break away from my comfortable but frustrating life. I had to laugh, remembering all the fits and starts and drama which colored my autumn. Then, of course, came the black winter of my dissolution. But with Gary’s gentle encouragement,

I agree with Graeme, especially about the father-son dynamics, but the story does need some serious 'cleaning up.'

Thanks for a wonderful story, cia! It was so enjoyable experiencing Halloween on a more cerebral plane.

This chapter makes in very clear why Dustin has behaved the way he has when it comes to Brett. Besides the obvious money, etc., Brett poses the greatest threat to Dustin in that he seems to be removing Billy from Dustin'e life. And now we see that Billy is really all Dustin has in his life. I hope Billy gets the message.

Ouch! But your outrage comes through loud and clear. Excellent Tanka!

You enter and leave the house with these three. And inside the house? Here we find all the trappings of grief, but it's the introspection near the end that counts. Nicely expressed and, as always, beautifully written, Parker

Well, I'm obviously late to the reviews, so I'll just say it'll be interesting to see if this changes Kenny in any way -- or is he irredeemable?

A very believable thought-pattern from our boy as he tries to make sense of what he has become. Nicely done. He flees. But where to? What's his next step? Can't wait to find out!

Thanks for this, AC. If I heard it on the radio, I'd have picked up on the fact Lenny was the conductor pretty quickly. He has an exuberant, over the top style that is uniquely his own. The acoustics of the recording have me a little confused. The miking sound engineers use in the Musikverein normally avoid the extreme reverb this one has. It almost sounds like one made by an audience member, except it isn't because of the camera work. But the sound is definitely not as rich as recordings of the VPO usually have. From his age and the orchestra members' haircuts, I assume this is from quite a while ago. btw it's a much better performance than the farewell four he made with the VPO prior to his death. However, all that being said, it has all the brightness and immediacy only a live performance can bring. So, thanks again for this. My mind is being cleansed as I type.

Thanks for the kind words, Okie! It makes me so happy that you're getting such enjoyment out of Toph. I've enjoyed writing him. (Does it show?)

Well, the good news is they'll have enough allies to make a fight and take a stand. Of course, the bad news is there'll be a fight. And that means casualties. As Parker said, a nail biter! Good story, tim!

Thanks, Def! I think the news only came out that very day. Maybe it's why she wasn't told by Twoey yet. Yes, I was wondering about Matha too. You're right. These are smart kids and they know what the 3000 miles and 4 or 5 years will probably do to any relationship. I think it's pretty mature of them. Not easy, but mature. Like Chuck said, if it's meant to be, it'll be.

“How in the hell did you and Kenny become such good friends?” Simply the greatest line yet in this story! Nice chapter, Ron! Wonder what kind of person Mrs. Jarvis will turn out to be.

Very, Very Nice Parker! But am I the only one who read these as slightly naughty? Do dragons simply have filthy minds? Hmmm ...Maybe owens' do too.

I remember some postings here, a while ago, re: the incomparable Florence Foster Jenkins. Well, today I ran across some rare (silent) film footage of the lady in concert -- there's a lot of introductory shit -- however, the poster has added an old recording of her singing. In no way is she singing what the silent filmage shows, but it does give us a peek into her amazing range and perfect pitch. ENJOY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsvmieZmL_8

Everyone is jumping to conclusions that the grandmother is homophobic. In reality, she doesn't like Peter because he gives their grandsons potato chips. btw as someone who has never been to Australia, what are potato chips called there? I think they're called crisps in the UK. Maybe someone can come to the aid a flailing dragon?

A wrenching first chapter, graeme! That said, it was pretty authentic sounding. Alan's agreement to being responsible for the kids without really thinking it would ever happen -- the kids refusing to believe that was their mother -- such details we never think about, but which are all too real. And then, of course, add the homophobic Grandmother, the lengthy incapacitation for the Mother and we have all the makings of a complex journey ahead. Well done -- I can't wait!

Thanks, Lisa! I'm not sure Chuck meant they weren't still best friends. I guess we'll have to see if that is revisited or if it has any impact on this story. I think David always knew how much Tommy had been there for him -- he just needed Chuck to bring it back into focus. When he had initially refused to go, I'm certain he was only thinking of himself and his estranged family. Sorry I left you with so many questions. You know I normally never do stuff like that.

Thanks, jess! Well, we haven't been informed of the cause of death. Maybe it was just a heart attack. As I mentioned to Parker, all the flashbacks have been for the benefit of those readers who hadn't read Twoey. OK, maybe a little for those who had, too. The story should move forward pretty soon.

Thanks, Parker! Yeah, sorry. There's been quite a bit rear-view mirror so far. But for those who haven't choked on the 122 chapters of Twoey, I wanted to give them enough back-story to understand what was going on. The good news is we're nearly done with that. The 'interview' will begin to shine some light on Chuck and Don.

Thanks, Lux! Twoey, warped?! Hopefully, we'll get some flashbacks as to the boys' reasoning, re: their schools. I hope the web doesn't become too intricate!

Thanks, CG! Oh, yes. Chuck and Don will become more rounded-out as we proceed. As far as their school selections, it seems the boys have discussed all the possibilities and potential land-mines at length. Hopefully, they'll let us in a little on their rationale.