Parker Owens

I thank you for adding your voice to the others who commented in a similar vein. Andy is in the process of becoming the person he was meant to be. It was so much fun to write it. Thanks again.

When I finished writing this chapter long ago, I stopped to reflect on his far Andy had traveled - not just in the world, but in his spirit, too. It not just his feeling hot and randy on the phone with Zander, it’s also his feeling comfortable enough with Garrett to engage him in conversation as he drives for the first time. He’s definitely comfortable being touched by Zander, and perhaps being hugged by Monica. Those tall, thick walls are now just fences. Thanks very much for reading and for commenting.

Andy definitely feels a connection and a debt to Eustace. He originally said that he’d learned more from Eustace in two days than in all his years with his father. Thank you for your insight, and for reading Andy’s ongoing story.

Andy has finally found Zander and his family who embrace him in love - and he can embrace them in trust, also. Zander may indeed have read more of that journal than he let on. I really appreciate your comments about a follow up to Dr. Wagner's initial examination. A colonoscopy may indeed be indicated - but it may take some weeks to arrange. For the moment, that's a date far off Andy's radar. In any case, Andy can hardly speak of past events to himself, let alone Dr. Wagner. You're quite right that Andy could benefit from a good therapist. Thank you very, very much for your thoughts and comments, and especially for reading!

Andy's choice to return and move toward instead of away is a significant alteration from his previous reactions to adversity. He is consciously choosing, not having his path chosen for him - perhaps for the first time. Thanks for your comments, and for continuing to read Andy's story.

Marge Dowell has apparently formed many young lives in Blackburn. Andy is simply the latest in a long string. Perhaps he is beginning to realize what her trust may mean, and how different she is from most other adults he has encountered. Yes, the walls are not as tall or thick as they once were. Thanks again for your thoughts!

Thanks again for your comments, both here and in the previous chapter. Such comments are invaluable to me. Andy surely wants to believe in something or someone good in that moment, even if he doesn't understand or know how to connect.

Thank you very, very much for these comments. I really appreciate them. I'll cheerfully admit that there are thin spots in this chapter, and you identified them well. There may be plausible reasons why each of the things you mentioned didn't immediately give Andy away, but you make it clear that the ice on which he skates in this text is thin indeed - cracking, even. The cell call to Andy's late unlamented father may indeed have gone to someone else's voicemail, or to the helpful no longer in service message. In either event, there was no one on the other end of the line, and Andy's ruse worked for moment. A different reason for Andy's report card not causing as much of a stir as it might have exists, but I will not mention it here, so as not to color future reading. In the same vein, there may be a reason why the Carlsberg police aren't on the listening/tracking end of Andy's call. By ending up in Zander's family barn, Andy caught a huge break. He was welcomed and cared for, something which must feel quite alien to him. Awaking to warmth must have had him wondering if he were dreaming. Once again, thank you for reading, and for your very perceptive thoughts.

For Andy, this was a moment that light could flood his whole being. The darkness in which he has lived for so long is fading, at least for the time being. Thanks so very much for your comment and for reading so faithfully.

Certainly Zander's heart must have stopped, or close to it. But who knows what happened? Perhaps that makes me evil, but that remains to be seen in the ensuing chapters, I suppose. Thanks again for reading and for your comments!

It certainly looks as if another shoe dropped, if not a hobnailed boot. It landed squarely on poor Andy, however. He has bolted to his hidey hole, but he remains much shaken. Thank you for adding your thoughts.

Thank you very, very much for your comments. I suspect any kind of poetry would be lost on the man in question. More and more signals of approaching spring have emerged for those who take a moment to stand still and observe. Again, thank you for reading and for adding your thoughts.

Andy’s definitely wary of parties and getting too close. He’s been hurt too many times. Yet, Zander exerts a magnetic pull on him. You’ve identified this - thanks for your observations!

It’s a sure sign of friendship that Zander and Kaz and Terry cornered Andy into running. But friendship is so unusual to him that he may not fully recognize it. I do like your characterization of friendship as poetry! Thanks so much for reading and for your comments.

It makes me smile to know these characters engaged you so deeply. Even though I wrote this story a while ago, they live with me and inhabit my mind every day. Zander’s father reacted in a way I could only wish for everyone who comes out. Thanks a million for reading, and especially for your comments.

Thank you very very much for your comment. This chapter amounts to an earthquake in Andy’s life. You’re quite right about Andy’s cautious approach to any event; doubly so in response to the one boy he can’t ignore. Thanks again!

Thank you, for reading these and for sharing the spring with me. Perhaps there’s hope for us in the re-blooming of the world.

The spring is beautiful, no matter how ugly some people might be. If I take time for the spring signs, perhaps I will remember to hope.

I’m glad we can share the anticipation of spring. Thank you!

Yes. You got it right. I think my five accomplishments beat any of his. Thanks for your comments.

I think our shared weeks are as productive as anything Elon’s boss may have done. Thanks very much for reading!

A Memo To Elon This past week I stood still and listened to the hopeful song of the cardinal calling over the sapsuckers drumming in the woods and the river’s riotous laughter as it chased broken ice to the sea. This past week I sniffed the morning air for signs of waking and warming earth astir and restless in its late winter slumber with dreams of vivid autumn colors that promise to blossom into green.

Welcome, Afri. I’m glad you chose to join!

I liked this very much. You made me experience the fall, feel the panic, and grasp at hope.

I am frustrated by being allowed only one emoji/reaction icon. This is a masterful piece of writing, a fantastic work that left my imagination and heart working overtime.