raven1

Hi Bucket! It was like that yesterday here, but today was slightly less hot. The tomato sandwich sounds right for the weather, although I would have added bacon to mine.

Hi Albert! Monday is over, but it was a day like this! How are you and Steve?

I was disappointed in the meeting with Marco's parents. Something is off about Lorenzo. His remarks sounds as if he has experienced those "childish ideas" about sexual identity. He comes across as a heartless man with little love for either his wife or son. I fear for Marco remaining with these two. Gianni was struck by Patrizia because he questions how much he loves Sami. This is unsettling also. Sami is still a conundrum for Gianni and he feels guilty he doesn't love Sami more. One bright spot was Dani admitting to kissing Giaco. A very romantic New Years celebration of their love was a wonderful moment. Gianni and Angelo recapturing the moments of their budding love for each other was special. I liked that Angelo decided it was better to create their own fireworks, than watch the fireworks.

I love this story. Trevor is not just learning a lot, but now has a job prospect. He has gain the respect of the pack and is boss Sid by finding the 4 million hidden in the books. I respect him for waiting to find his mate. He's got a lot of time ahead and can take care of his needs with people like Cassy. Nice plug for @Carlos Hazday! I am sure he'll be pleased he is such a great influence on Wade. As always, I love the humor. The chainsaw dildo conversation between Cassy and her brother left me rolling on the floor.

I was feeling great with Dion and James finally realizing they were falling in love with each other. Then you had to write: Next: Final chapter. I still love the chapter. Jackie, Roy, Dion and James joking at lunch shows how much these four care for each other. They will probably be life long friends. I am happy that Donovan has changed and is not helping Roy protect James. Marky is such an adorable kid with all his energy and affection. Nurse Dorothy is in a great place now that Dion has become his old self. Great chapter Ronyx!

Hi Gary! You are most welcome. I have put the ones I haven't read on my to read list. I've also decided I need to go back and review your catalogue for stories I haven't read yet.

An impressive start to their vacation in Greece. I was impressed by the policies of the hotel they are staying in for their first night. I do love Greek food. Dolmades are one of my favorites. I would have done exactly like Roger did when he stole one off Tommy's plate.

Howdy All!

Hi Dugh! The food sounds good. Hope the achy head is gone soon.

Hi Page! Hope things are going well for you all.

What a beautiful group of short stories. I do hope there are many more you will share with us.

There few writers who would tell a story like this with the power and sensitivity you have shown. I was very surprised and pleased. An amazing beginning to what will become an epic love. Just Wow!

What fun! Not only do these parent know their sons very well, they also no how to take advantage of the situation! Great work! It sounds like Gus' parents need to move to Eureka soon. The dads are a riot.

A couple of day at Camp Refuge and Joe's a believer. Pete is an interesting character, but Molly also for very different reasons. Short and sweet. Another fun entry into the Camp Refuge stories.

A sweet short story with all the markings of Camp Refuge. I love this place and hope there will be many more stories here.

Another very good Camp Refuge story. This is more a novella, but has all the characteristics of Wayne's longer stories. Lee's life is dark with no promise of a future. Officer Wells is aware of his situation and watches him closely. Wells uses a drug and alcohol induced hit to Wells' head as a reason to intervene and takes Lee to Camp Refuge. There are good times and bad in store for Lee as he detoxes there and starts to find a new life. There are many challenges and failures as this tale unfolds. This story is very realistic and a bit darker than the other tales in the series, but just as good. Since it is short, it might be a good sample to the rest of the series. It is an excellent read.

Nice twist to the plot at the end. You did make my day by having Joseph and Orson's wedding before the end of the story. Cute nickname for Lee. He certainly was Truckerbait by the end of the story. Good thing the trucker was Avery. Great story and great ending. Thanks Wayne.

Somethings are better, especially for Lee and Greg. We all know where the money for Lee's hospitalization came from. I don't like self sacrifice, so I have difficulty with Lee's decision to keep Avery away from Camp Refuge. IMO it would be better to limit his visits to when his friends from Raven Project are there. A big part of his life will be taken from him as well as contact with his friends.

This chapter was not very hopeful. I do want Lee to recover for many reasons. Can you imagine the lasting guilt Avery and Greg will feel if Lee doesn't completely recover?

This is a sad, but not surprising event. Lee is improving, but drug addiction is something needed to be handled by professionals. That was something that Lee did not get. Avery like most ADHD people is impetuous and made a bad decision. Hopefully the adults will cool down and start to ask the right questions. Both boys need to be aware of the dangers of drug abuse. I do hope it leads to the suppliers being shut down quickly. What in hell is Harlan up to?

Ya got me laughing when Joseph told his partner Anderson about marrying Orson. Anderson had a great time embarrassing his friend. Greg is warming up to Lee and understand him enough to make the right approach to stay at Camp Refuge. Greg is also subtly teaching Lee a trade, so Lee will never need to go back to the streets. Harlan has decided it's time for Lee, but what is it time for? I did have another laugh about Avery's choice of movies. Whether it's Vincent Price, Aliens or Netflix zombies movies like this are an adrenaline rush savored by kids with ADHD.

PS. It's about time for all four of the adults to exchange rings! I did love the scene between Jeremy and Dr. Wade. I didn't know their relationship was that close.

Because they are Lee! They are your nightmare, but you have much better to look forward to now. Avery is not the only one in the camp who can help you escape the nightmare. @Summerabbacat did a great job explaining two of the meanings/connotations of the word keeper. I would add one more. Greg and Joseph are keepers of the faith. They are both skeptical of Lee's chances for change, but believe his best chance is to stay with Camp Refuge which was built on the goal of helping kids just like Lee. Avery in this case is also a keeper of the faith. He knows personally that Camp Refuge can work miracles and wants to see that happen for Lee. I have a personal empathy for Avery. I too am ADHD, and as a teacher was assigned to help many students with problems like this or worse. My classroom was filled over the years with many ADD or ADHD students in addition to autistic, sexual abuse victims, and foster kids. These kids were precious to me and I learned a lot about how hard life can be from very early ages for these kids. Wayne, I appreciate what you are doing to make people aware with your writing. I would also like to comment that Bill seems to be doing the right thing about Avery. There is no mention of him taking medicine for ADHD. I don't disapprove of the use of medicine to begin helping these kids. I know from experience that teaching young people with ADHD about what is different about themselves, and strategies works best. It also keeps helps prevent dangerous addictions as they grow up.

Greg has his doubts about Lee, and rightfully so. Avery seems to be more grown up and mature. He's definitely part of Camp Refuge even if he still lives in a foster home. It won't be much longer, and I hope he finds a place to fit in Camp Refuge. I love that Orson and Joseph are now engaged. Hope the wedding is before the end of this story. Great chapter and love the comments.

It didn't surprise me that Lee took the money in the hope of getting back to a place and situation he knows. The withdrawals he is suffering has kept him for learning more about Camp Refuge and the people here. The surprise is Avery. Avery has focused his attention on Lee. For a guy whose attention span usually lasts all of 15 seconds, the focus was not expected. Avery seems hopeful he can help Lee, but was disappointed he stole the Camp's money. That he protected Lee by putting the money back was a nice gesture, but he still is angry with Lee and lets Lee know. One more thing surprised me. Lee is feeling some regret about it, especially that he has disappointed Avery. That gives me some hope there is some way to help Lee. Great writing Wayne!