The First World War gave us a good idea of what hell could be like, more so than the wars which preceded it. And you remind us of this, so well here. You also recall for us those who lived in that hell, who did their best and gave themselves in it for what and who they loved. No, we dare not forget. Thank you.
Thanks for reading this snapshot, and for your comments. I fear I work slowly, and life has gotten in my way far too often. But there will be more, one day, I promise.
Of course I want to know what happened to crush Noah’s spirit. What destroyed him? Was it Jordan’s methods or his desperation, or just his appeal that helped keep his connection to Noah intact? I have tons of questions, but perhaps you’ll answer them in the next chapter. Which is coming very, very soon, right? Please?
This return to tears and hurt must have been hard to write, yet you wrote it beautifully. Each stanza is a snapshot, each conveys emotions as powerful as a journalist’s photograph. Thank you for sharing this part of yourself.
Sebastian shows his hand: he’s a manipulative prick, taking what he knows is another man’s heart. You write about Jordan’s struggle well. But he hardly knows what to make of himself. Doubt it will turn out to be a happy Birthday.
Jordan is persistent, isn’t he? How can he find a way inside Noah’s defenses before Noah’s anxieties destroy him from the inside, or Sebastian seduces him? And that final vision - of course I need to know who it is.
Noah is sailing in uncharted, if not somewhat dangerous, waters. His attraction to Jordan is waxing strong. It makes him feel great, as you show so well. You have done a great job letting us see the two men drifting into each other’s orbits. But now Sebastian seems intent becoming some kind of force in Noah’s mind. But what?
Your narrative reminds me of how important love is, and how crucial understanding and support are. More than that, I’m struck by how life can be both sprint and slog, and that you display more courage than I’ve ever had in doing either one.
Kinglets are one of my favorite little subtle birds. Listen for their high pitched tsee-tsee-tsee in the upper branches of a tree. You may not see them, but you’ll know they are there. I hope they visit you, and in so doing, bring me and my thanks to you.
This turned out to be a lovely chapter. No disasters, just what appears to be a growing friendship. Josh is trying not to get entangled in a relationship - maybe he’ll tell us why. I’m enjoying this voyage so far.
I’m afraid for Woody. The person he’s in contact with online could easily be a stalker or worse. And in the meantime, school looks like it’s going to go from lousy to hellish.
Like you, storms send a thrill up my spine. There is something majestic in their incredible crescendo and power. You write about this so very well. Thank you.