I’m glad you thought the message carried in this chapter came through. So many unforgettable experiences are tumbling over Andy, it’s no wonder he’s a little breathless.
Chase has held his ground and made some progress. He’s trying to move forward, and he has been mindful of Hank in doing so. Hank has made a decision, and the man has every right to do so. He turned down an offer from Dawson, making a rational choice based on what he thinks will be healthy. All good. And all of this can be very difficult, too - for a long time to come.
Sex Zombies are new to me. I’m fascinated by the idea. Ben and Frank wrote the scene, but Gareth and Jason gave it life, far more so than sex zombies could. And then it got thoroughly marketed. SNET has a full team effort going to make this soap a smash hit.
Troy is allowing Grant to help him, and that’s huge. Troy has a friend and a chance in this world again. Awesome. Maybe Grant will feel more than pity, more than Troy’s pain. That would be the next great thing. But something tells me that journal is a ticking time bomb. Time to bury it for good, or toss it into the nearest granite quarry.
When the tilt of Earth’s axis
Works in our favor
And spring’s power begins
The renewal we savor
Here is the stanza that moved me most. I’m counting the days and ordering my garden seeds. Thank you for this.
This is going to be tricky navigation for both men. If Troy can get past feeling prickly long enough to finish the fence, maybe a friendship could grow. Grant could ask him for help getting to know the new city. I’m enjoying this story. I’m looking forward to the next chapter.
Chase appears to be having further self revelations, all of which might help him to move on intellectually. Emotionally, he continues to need scaffolding and support, either in the form of understanding or of mac and cheese. Just maybe, Chase might come to a point at which he can choose happiness, at least in some things. Am looking forward to the next chapter.
I can feel poor Troy's heart breaking, his spirit unraveling as his circumstances deteriorate. He's had to survive and bury his grief, but it refuses to stay buried. I really wonder if he and Grant will be able to establish a connection, or if that grief will bar the way. Will Grant turn over the journal to Troy? Let him know he's seen it? Or will he keep that fact to himself? I'm looking forward to the next chapter!
Thank you, my dear brother. You were kind to read and respond to these. Not the Apple talks about that fall, which only I may own. The Last of Them speaks of hope indeed, the last bright gift after someone pried open Pandora’s UPS package.
I’m glad you join me in choosing to ignore that ancient doctrine and just enjoy our apples. It makes me smile that The Last if Them helps you color life. I shall think of your stars. I’m very grateful you read these and responded to them.
I get very nice, warm vibes between Simon and Jeff. I sincerely hope they continue. Even so, Jeff is helping Simon learn the need to be observant, along with other lessons. Great chapter.
What a splendid parting line to end the chapter! Through Jimmy we get introduced to more fascinating characters. I’m anticipating the minefield that he and Tristian are about to navigate. Soon, I hope?