raven1

Handsome, but I'll pass. He looks too much like my younger brother's youngest boy.

Going to say Good Night. Had fun reading the comments here today. Keep them up.

Hi Gary! I read your new poem today. ❤️ it!

Thanks @weinerdog. It definitely was for the love of this story! I've been enjoying your comments along with the others about this story. It's going to be a bit more fun without the push to catch up!

Casey is a normal teen male with one problem, insomnia. He fears his nightly dream and the voices he hears are signs of insanity. What is real and what is fantasy? Casey doesn't know who he is, and his questions have surprising answers. Another great story from CassieQ!

The battle was vividly written and engaged my attention as the various events happened. I did feel the conflict of each Casey and Tylien as they made the same decision to return to with Ra to Callendra and his queen. Roma awaking with no recall of what had happened makes me wonder if Tylien will remember his time as Casey. Great story!

Casey continues to be flooded with more memories that leave him confused and upset with Ra. However, Roma's party must go on. Casey is beginning to forgive Ra when Raphael tries to tempt him away to somewhere they can be alone. Raphael clumsy attempt, Kyle's sudden presence, and Ra's quick appearance brought memories that helped Casey understand the last pieces of knowledge needed to understand his relationship with both his wife and Ra. I summarized what happened to illustrate why I like this chapter. Key actions triggered additional pieces of memories. It flowed logically and smoothly to the final challenge.

I like how the two reconnecting transitioned the story from Casey's fear for his sanity to realize who he truly is. He now remembers some of his prior existence, but wants to know more about his wife. The only problem is that his enemies know where his is now. I think he will be in great danger during the party tonight.

The beginning of the chapter did feel like Casey was hallucinating. He is attacked and thrown on the bed. His adrenaline should be at peak levels and yet he fall asleep under the weight of the attackers body as the attacker kisses his neck. When Casey awakes he is told a very interesting story that sounds like a fantasy. Ra does have a way of keeping Casey from sleeping that is effective, but brings up troubling issues if Ra's story is true. The problem is to figure out if Casey is losing his sanity or is the truly happening.

The sensual dream with the whispered "my lord" eerily spoken caught my attention fast. A dream like that should have Raphael in it, not a complete stranger. No wonder Casey is having insomnia. Very mysterious start. Hooked me!

Hey Nick! Don't worry, I won't say a word. Sorry about the work situation.

It took me eleven days, but I finally caught up! The family is definitely working well. I am still a bit upset that the girls are not included in the fishing trips. Fishing for my mom was like Armand and Colin sitting on their roof top garden. It was how she relaxed and dealt with life. It was her only real recreation. I'm sure she is now giving GG an earful about how unfair it is to the girls. Time does go on, and I understand the need for Nonna to settle down and spoil her own grandchildren. Are Armand and Colin are just assuming that all their kids will be straight, or if that will be a bump in the road as the kids get old enough to start questioning their sexuality? I'm also curious about when the promised trip to Egypt will take place. Maybe a graduation trip for the family in the future? I am enjoying the many wonderful adventures in the story and look forward to many more.

GG just can keep a secret from those boys. I know she talks with Armand and influences Colin, but she'll spoil the little ones as much as she can.

Hey Nick! Page is right, we've been missing you. I hope you had a good holiday season.

Wow @CLJobe! You certainly did surprise me as you predicted. Six kids at one time makes a lot of new challenges for Colin and Armand. I'm glad they have the older boys, the grands and many friends to support the very big family. Wonderful chapter!

Hi @weinerdog! I thought about the same thing. I can't remember what the Paris street artist depicted for Tommy, but to me he is the boy most like Armand. He is the heart of the group. What ever he does it will be to help others. I hope he finds a mate like Colin.

Those are strong winds! I hope you don't have problems caused by them.

There have been some amazing accomplishments in the lives of Armand, Colin and their family since their return from Europe. The new members of the family with thrive in the environment these two have created. I felt the pain Arnaud felt over the painting. I was pleased with the resolution. We didn't get to see Cristian's reaction to his wedding gift, but I am sure he will treasure it as long as he lives. I do expect that there will be an invitation to spend time there issued to Armand and Colin.

Time for long pants and pullovers. Retire the sandals for the season! Hi Bucket, It sounds like you are becoming acclimated to global warming. 🤪

Bonjour Fille Adorable! Dreams that leave me feeling I have something to do are stressful to me. I hope you rest up the rest of the day. Living here, I don't have to worry about those arctic cold air masses. I hated them when I lived in the US. I hope the weather improves soon up north. Until then keep bundled up! Comfort food and warm drinks are also recommended.

Christmas was another enjoyable holiday, but the best gift was his parents moving close. The grands will be much happier as they get more time with the grandkids. I can also see both Armand's spending a lot of time at Uncle's House. Of course, both Armand and Colin's mothers will spend time together at the gallery. I expect those two will be planning or plotting a lot of things together as the have coffee or lunches there. John will be back to golf now he has had the surgery. I'm sure that he will convince Armand's father to partner with him at the golf course. I personally expect at least three new additions to the family. Toby, and the two girls are all favorites, and will give the grands even more ways to spoil the kids. I don't think Armand's parents will have much time to miss their old home. Arnaud's arrival will be exciting. I do hope he has a chance to chill before Roger picks him up at the airport. It's too bad the art students won't work out at Uncle's House. Teaching their skills to the kids could have been so nice to see.

Foreshadowing? Both boys seem a bit distant from the females that have pursued them. Adoptions are going to be soon. I do wonder if they will be before or after Christmas?

I had to laugh at this: Dad was caught hook, line and sinker. Armand is happy to be close to the parents, and the boys will get more time to spend fishing with Dad. Done deal! Colin and Armand will definitely feel the empty nest syndrome in two years when the boys go out on their own. These two should start to think about who is going to fill the empty rooms soon. Their home needs a lot of happy voices to bring joy to them. Nice ploy to get Colin to his surprise Welcome Home, Pop party.

The Busker is a sad and sensitive story. The latest in The Boot series of stories is a tribute to the hard lives lived by the homeless. Heed the warnings and have tissue at hand. This is a beautifully written, but tragic short story. It is a troubling story I highly recommend.

Rest assured that you have achieved your goal with this story. The fact that homeless people are as important as anyone else in our world has been very well established in all The Boot stories. It's one of the reasons I enjoy these stories so much. Thanks again for writing such a wonderful, sensitive series.