Parker Owens

You’re right about the sea metaphor; it has possibilities that seem to stretch on and on. And in this case, the notion that one floats, held up by love, is really appealing. As for battlements and walls, I have grown so weary. It is possible to surrender honorably, and happily....

Thank you for a lovely, touching, and ultimately happy story. You tried very hard to knot together many loose ends, and successfully, too. Should I ever travel to Toronto again, I will look in the crowds for Noah and Jordan, and smile.

Good morning to everyone. Stopping by on my way to work - and leaving hugs to you all.

This story strikes close to home. It is a great illustration of how things may have changed in many places.

Feeling fugal today... A very nice performance of a favorite.

Well this is interesting. Corbin likes Paul. Paul likes Corbin. And there are sparks, smoke and fire, too. And this sends Corbin, the mystery man, off the deep end. If I were Paul, I’d need to know the truth. But will Corbin trust him?

Well, I’ve learned a couple of new words today. Thank you!

It couldn’t be uncomplicated, could it? Yet Nico needed to know what Diarmad had done to his own mind. All that said, thank you for an undeniably hot reconciliation.

This poem made me smile and want to celebrate, as you have done here. What a welcome counterweight to those who deny and denigrate and disparage.

Whatever happened with Liam must have been pretty bad. At least, it seems to have kept Corbin from kissing Paul back; and Paul was more than willing. Will we learn more about that? And will Corbin allow himself another chance with Paul?

Life does go on. Time doesn’t stand still. And while Louis may feel the tug of the Rock, he’s right to know that Don is his real home. Interesting that Rob and Rena are moving out. What kind of changes will that move cause? It’s good to see the slow, springlike change in Max. You are writing this wonderfully well.

You gave form and volition to the monster you face; you write courageously about putting it back where it belongs, where it cannot hurt you. Your poem gives me courage and will to face my own ravening creatures.

Happy Friday to everyone. My classroom is finally, finally empty.

Your strategy seems to have borne some fruit. For this, I rejoice. For the burden you continue to bear, I send my best hugs. Like @drpaladin, I cannot say that I respond to the routines and everyday experiences of life with conscious emotion. Yet your way of handling what you experience appears to have promise.

Great chapter. Lots to smile at, lots to enjoy, and some things to worry over. Great combination. I’m not sure I could handle visiting that whole extended family on a Sunday morning - I’d be too spellbound to say a word.

I like it! Good morning, everyone.

Never a good idea to piss off a commanding angel. But now they’re thinking along my lines. What a twist on the idea of being stalked by Death. Great chapter!

A very, very lovely chapter. I’d have been shocked if Noah said ‘no.’ This is the first time we learn where the boys come from. Noah is a long way from home to go to university. And this is the first time the French language truly makes an important appearance. Interesting. Since you asked: To my mind, Noah’s mom is going to need much more development and evolution before real acceptance. Of course, she could have some kind of epiphany, some kind of amazing road-to-Damascus experience, but I’m not very sanguine about that. Any change in her position I’d likely to be incremental at best. As for loose ends, every story has them. It’s okay to let us imagine our own resolutions to minor bits and pieces, if you like. Thank you for a wonderful story.

What impressses me is that life you so eloquently and beautifully describe is indeed a relationship, not a role. You describe a way of loving and it lifts my spirit today.

Still very interested in why Corbin is hiding, and who/what he might be hiding from. Paul seems like an awesome neighbor. What a pity Corbin doesn’t feel safe enough to be open, but then, it might be a little early to be hitting on one’s new neighbor in any event.

Good luck, Drew! (Sends helpful study hugs)

Okay, I want to know more. Lots more. I’m intrigued and interested. Great first chapter.

Wow. A case of mistakes compounding mistakes. What a way to end life, both fit Una and her onetime hudband.

A tale of courage and loss, well told.

Nice neighbors. And it’s clear people talk in town. Corbin is going to have to guard himself closely. First Bruce, now Paul have attracted him. But the mystery of Corbin’s need to hide remains.