You’ve spent a great chapter assuring us of the last bit: it’s going to be all right. You did it in so many ways, from new morning sex to changes in the way the uncles approach the pair, to hints at possible accommodation, if not reconciliation. It was a chapter beautifully bathed in golden light. Well done.
Excellent installment, Carlos. Thank you, and thanks to all the authors who answered. @Krista‘s response about sequels resonated with me. I’m also very grateful to @AC Benus for his thoughts on sonnets, and on poetic form, generally.
The Simon you draw here could easily slide down a slick and steep slope of ever poorer choices and decisions. Max truly fucked Simon over, regardless of what may have transpired in his car. What a sad, grey reflection you paint here.
You show us that Wren has some closure and reassurance concerning his father. More importantly, you give him Caleb in a deeper and more lasting love. I would agree with other readers that Wade appears to be a character who is at best difficult to redeem. What happens next, both with Caleb and Wren’s relationship and to the rest of the family will prove very interesting. I’m looking forward to it.
This is such a delightful and yet powerful exchange. Both David and Maurice recognize what they have found in one another in no way diminishes what they had before. That one thing is enough to change their worlds entirely.
The gutless way Max cut Simon off is cowardly and cruel. Unfortunately, it seems to be increasingly acceptable. I feel bad for Simon, who essentially got used and tossed aside. On the other hand, was he also using Max in his own way?
Sometimes you need a doubting voice. But now you need one of unconditional reassurance and support. Your poem conveys this deep need so clearly. You’re not alone.
You have hit the phrase perfectly... the joy of release. Perhaps I’ll go back to studying mud puddles and leaves and snowflakes... Thank you for reading this, and for your thoughts.