Christopher1966

But I am empathetic as I can relate with my own upbringing and circumstances. It wasn't until I was in my late thirties that could accept love from some one else who supported me. But I still have difficulties with selfworth and confidence as a human being.

Thank you for writing this story as it is very intriguing. I believe I may see this story differently than others. Before Toph moved out his speech and thinking reflected his environment. His upper crust family and community come across to him as fake bit with a competitive edge. He had to be guarded against all of this as he saw him self as not fitting in. He wasn't worthy of their love and attention. He knew how to pretend to get by. He even thinks in the present perfect tense: Notice in the earlier chapters he calls him self and his actions in the third person. This is reflective of his upper class upbringing. His own siblings could care less if he existed and probably would have been perfectly content had he not been born. Even his parents aren't too happy with his very existence. If this story were real and true, I would be acting just as Toph Was doing. He isn't disabled in any sense of the word; he's lacking in self confidence. Without nurturing and familial support he will feel like no one will truly like him for who he truly was, is, and is to come. As he becomes more relaxed as he gets older, and realizes that other people in his life will accept him as he truly lives, his vernacular also relaxes. He no longer thinks in the third person. He is becoming him self. With the help of his roommates, his boyfriend, and his tutor, he just may survive this life with some self confidence. But he also is still self aware. This is not true of someone who is emotionally or psychologically disabled. He can recognize that his relationship with Steve is temporary because he knows where he lies upon his path to self actualization. He realizes he isn't in a mature state to accept an all encompassong love. He is still quite taken aback by his lingering feelings for Austin and is surprised by Niles attention. He is totally empathic with Gary's feelings and suspected intentions. Let the poor boy escape, grow, and become self worthful for him self and his future. Truly waiting for the next chapter. Thank you for allowing me to see these characters that are alive in your head!