ReaderPaul

Wow, much happened in this chapter. I think it could be either way on Peterson. He might be the only one at the home, or there might be others. I think a VERY complete investigation is warranted. Hopefully, the doctors will allow Danny to come in and talk to Jason/JJ.

I have read some of these non-fiction works, and they are quite good. While I am most familiar with @AC Benus, @W_L, @quokka, of the authors listed above, I have sometimes sampled other authors as well. Thanks, @Myr, for posting the Deep Dives.

Yes, it will be interesting to see how Jason/JJ's situation sorts out in the short term, the medium term and the long term. I'm sure Beccy and Danny and the rest will help as much as they are allowed to do so. Sometimes administrative bureaucracy is slow to fully understand the situation. I hope that is not the case in future chapters.

I had been hoping Jason was JJ. I was appalled at what Bill did, but it not surprise me. Looking forward to more.

Very good chapter. Unfortunately, bullies exist. I am interested in seeing how the school handles this situation.

This chapter -- and Bill showing up again -- reminds me of the late great writer Anne McCaffrey. One thing she said was this: “Some folk, too, believe what the loudest talker says. And some folk because it frightens them not to.” Some people react somewhat oppositely. They would go by -- "Some people believe what is clandestinely whispered -- because they are unwilling to believe something is as good as it is." ~ Paul Reader (pseudonym). Sure, all organizations have some type of problem or problems. But some only want to tear down, without building up. Good chapter, @Mancunian.

Good that Jason and Jim both have talent at fixing some things. Some persons quickly figure out what is challenging for the rest of us. Looking forward to seeing more about The Major and Danny.

Another really good chapter. I look forward in coming chapters to see how John/Christian is received at The Boot. I also hope the Major moved in with the boys. Also looking forward to learning more of Andy.

Much in this chapter to consider and ponder. John/Christian will have an adjustment in his relationships with the people at The Boot. Jim and Beccy will have major adjustments in pregnancy and parenthood. Looking forward to more chapters.

Good for Judy and Kevin! Love it.

It will be tricky for John to navigate the outing of his good fortune. Fortunately, he has Jim and Beccy and Kate and Jeff on his side. I'm not sure about Andy yet.

Excellent chapter, @Mancunian. You are one of about three authors who consistently write believable stories about homeless persons. I am sure there are more authors who do so, but I can only think of the three of you at this time. I like that you do not try to hide that it can be challenging to work with homeless persons. I look forward to the future chapters.

@wildone -- you didn't know the word "orrery"? I'm shocked! I have seen it in stories and articles on and off of GA more than once in the last year! And rampallion as well! Seriously -- thanks for doing these weekly wrap-ups.

A fascinating start to the story. I wish I could read more chapters tonight, but I have multiple chores to get done before bed. Regarding DQ's comments about hospital waiting rooms, I have been in some very nice waiting rooms in the Midwestern United States And the hospital cafeteria food at one hospital where my father ended up for several days was so good that townspeople often ate there on Saturday and Sunday because the hospital cafeteria food was better than at any of the restaurants in town. (That changed later when the ones running the cafeteria retired and were replaced by a corporation who bid for the job. Prices went up, and the tastiness of the food declined.) I look forward to reading the rest of this over the next few days.

The story of "The Major" is an interesting one and a sad one, yet still with a measure of hope for the future. Sometimes things spiral beyond what we think could happen. The story is well worth reading. I just do not want to give away any spoilers.

The rich descriptiveness of the last four paragraphs are the perfect ending for this story.

I MUST find more time to read. Some really good authors on that list with stories I have not yet read, such as @Laura S. Fox, @Bill W, @Headstall, @AC Benus, and @Wayne Gray, among others. @Myr, these Deep Dives are helping point out deficiencies in my reading. Thank you.

It is indeed a complex story. Some parts bothered me because I am sometimes a sensitive kid at heart. However, the vast majority of those parts were necessary and/or highly important to the story. Worth reading if you have a (mostly) tough stomach for some of the emotions generated as the story progresses. Overall it is an interesting and fascinating tale.

Good points, @kbois. A friend and I go to a particular breakfast buffet one morning a week. The bill is about $36. My friend and I take turns paying, but both of us tip every week; usually he tips $10 and I usually tip $11. (In that state, minimum wage is $12.30 an hour -- except for servers -- for servers it is $3.13 an hour.) We've gone to breakfast at this particular place for 8 years and this particular server takes EXCELLENT care of us whether they are busy or slow. Some excellent stories in this week's Wrap-Up.

Life has given you a potato. What are you going to do with it? Depends on my mood. Might use in potato salad or microwave it or make fried potatoes with it. Which Gay Authors story are you reading currently? Currently reading anything posted by @Geron Kees -- @astone2292 -- @Dabeagle -- @AC Benus -- @Backwoods Boy -- most stories by @quokka -- @JamesSavik -- @R. Eric -- @Mancunian -- @Myr and I know I am forgetting some. What singular superpower would you love to possess? The power to stretch time so I could read about 15 hours a day, while still getting all the other parts of life done in a timely fashion.

Wow, @Mancunian -- I had not known some of what you have been through. I hope you are doing better now, physically and mentally. Paul

This story can tug at your heartstrings. While pointing out some of the challenges of homelessness, it also has some positive aspects. The caring shown by John, The Major, and others is well worth reading about.

An excellent story, even though I regret that The Major sank into alcohol and homelessness. Life is not always forgiving.

Many of the government programs to help US veterans are woefully underfunded. I cannot speak to other governments in other countries. Good chapter, though sad.

A great beginning to the story. I look forward to reading more of the story of Major Ox.