Aaron Fletcher is hard to like; Malcolm grew on me as I read deeper into the story. But now these two characters are woven together, and I need to see how the fabric turns out.
I’m grateful
for you all, everyone;
for your wisdom and laughter and wit;
for song and for silence, for sonnets and skyscrapers,
and spellbinding stories to savor;
all a feast for the heart
and friendship.
Happy Thanksgiving.
I enjoyed my backstage-then-front-row seat for this chapter. Chipper made us dance with him, and pulled us into his music. You did that for us. Vote or no vote, he’s a star.
The narrator of this tale seems deeply in need of affirmation. He’s alive, which is better than being dead. Who were the boffins who thought it was safe to fly?
I’m happy Elias may have a way to help him experience some self affirmation, and the he will get sympathetic treatment from the authorities. More important, he has Orson, Greg and Clay who will love and support him. You write of the deepening bond between Greg and Clay, and that’s beautiful too.
I can only echo the previous comment; it’s heartbreaking that Simon’s dad can’t let Simon be who he is, and that his mum is still scared of the man and his threats. Niki, on the other hand, is still a ray of hope. Thank goodness for Freddie, too, who gave Simon enough backbone to insist on breaking things off with his father.
I’m grateful for your poem. It cuts through the numbness and clatter of the world. You take time to grieve, and this poem helps me to do the same. More importantly, I’ll remember.
I hit the ‘angry’ icon because what Danny did to Elias makes my blood boil. You give Elias courage and the love of people who care about him. May this chapter help more kids be as lucky as he is. Thank you.
Fantastic. Wonderful to see reconciliation in the family. I agree with Chipper, it seemed like a good omen. Loved the song choice - it’s one of my all-time favorites. I can imagine the scene you set perfectly. Thank you!
I fear for them at Camp Refuge. Whatever Ranger Harry says, his son isn’t going to stop because his dad tells him to. And the hurt and danger to Elias makes me both angry and sad.
Chipper is getting down to the finals. You have given us significant details about how wearing and exhausting the ordeal must be: people are noticing the toll it’s taking on his frame. Hope his voice can stand up to the punishment, too.
My heart goes out to you. I know how bleak it can seem when thoughts circle around on themselves, amplifying the sense of emptiness. You write this far too well.