Take me,
willing prey for
predatory pleasure;
devour my desire, consume my
craving;
my feast
spread out in front of you awaits:
taste and touch, tooth and tongue,
and flesh to be
savored.
No, I thank you, dear Def. These characters abide in me and all who read about them. And through them we hear echoes of Skinny's voice. I hope I was faithful to it. The past is unwinding for David and Andy, even as their futures gather up joy. I am glad these few chapters were happy ones.
How hard it must have been for Liz to confront Caleb, despite needing to slog through her own guilt and despair. How hard for her to deliver the stinging lesson to get Caleb to look beyond the borders of a devastated self. You portray this intensely and well.
I check my activity streams to see, but I agree it's a bit odd.
Anyway, you again demonstrate your gift for portraying searing action in this chapter. How incredibly hard it must have been for Ethan, and now Caleb. Well written and gripping.
Will Trevor be so anxious as to get sick 10 miles out of town? Sounds like it could happen. This is a very interesting setup. There appears to be so much for Trevor to come to terms with, and not just his burgeoning feelings for Dustin.
Yes, life is often an alloy, not pure metal. Better if the mixture is heavier on hope than hurt, though. I think Andy and David have both found hope. Thanks.
Thank you very, very much for your comments. I am glad you can directly relate to the setting. I have spent many lovely fall days there, too. Alas, our friend Skinny passed away earlier this year. This story was meant to be a collaboration between the two of us; he asked me to finish it, using the notes we'd made.
Thank you so much for reading this story, and for your kind comments. These moments with our friends were hard to write, but very fulfilling. Skinny's voice must have been channeled, as I knew when it finally felt right. I hope he can rest easy, even as he inspires us all. Thanks again.
Thank you, my brother. You have it exactly right. Their healing will take a long time, but it seems as if the love of their other halves will help wholeness to develop. And the story is tribute both to Skinny, and to the characters we both created. Thanks so much for reading this, and for your kind and generous comments.
It is so very humbling, too. But this lovely news has not prevented me from breaking out into a smile my students don't quite understand. Thanks, Carlos - for your kindness and support, and for waking up early, too.