Parker Owens

Great chapter, with lots of character insight. Travis is back, and it is clear he could be good friend. Even better, Clint gives his sister the business for dismissing Travis too readily. She could learn something, there.

You know how awesome this non-drama chapter was? Completely, totally, marvelously, awesome. Thanks for this New Year's party chapter: something to celebrate.

Oh, dear. Loz protecting himself will get Daniel thrown under the bus sooner or later. Loz can't possibly avoid putting his head up once in a while, but anything else is far too dangerous. Great and illuminating chapter.

Clarity. David needs more than moments of clarity, he needs a week full of it. At least. Perhaps Twoey, who has the goodness to be perceptive of his friend, can help David maintain some of that clarity. David's realization, and turning his anger on himself is still more dangerous, given his fragile state. Still, with guidance, he could be helped to use his clarity to take ownership of his situation, while channelling his anger to something positive. What chances of that? From the Disappearing Adults Data, I'd guess not much. Certainly the self interested Donny is unlikely to help. Twoey might, but he is about to be distracted by that silly party...to which David is still not invited. You certainly paint a bleak outlook for David, and describe his inner turmoil with chilling effectiveness. Perhaps the best possible outcome to this story is that there would be no further deaths. Not terribly prepossessing, is it?

Well. David gave Donny what he wanted; Donny is becoming less attuned and attentive, more self absorbed. Perhaps it was always that way. Donny gave David say serious headache and a hangover. His first of the latter, but not the former. Oh yes, and David screwed a boy and enjoyed it. What a Christmas Eve. Of course, none of this is anyone's fault, except for David's abusers, and Donny, who appears to be a David-user. You are certainly giving David plenty to get torn up about, even as he masks as much of his inner torment with the trappings of the holiday. I still don't understand the Case of the Disappearing Adults, but I am trusting you to make all things clear in the end.

Postcard from an eight lane highway packed nose to tail, baking in the summer sunset, waiting: no one sees the glowing taillights' river, but only mountainsides, oceans, good meals, and rest. Postcard: Eating gyros at an undiscovered restaurant, tzaziki smooth, crisp and tart; and your unguarded laughter, ringing out over a brilliant smile, is in itself a feast. Snapshot: sunshine breaking through grey striated cloud, promising an afternoon of blue skies; dark hills and distant fields

Could not agree more. And it surely is past time for both of them. Thanks so much for reading and responding to this, Tim.

So glad you enjoyed reading about this pair. They are fun to watch; easily as fun as birds or fugues. Thanks so much for responding to Tomas and Fletcher. There will be more, one day.

Each of these is a gem. Yours is a blessing to us who read it; to know there is such tenderness and love in the world makes all of it warmer and more deeply colorful. You both hurts and strengthens, for it is hard to experience another man's pain, and yet heartening to know the hope and enduring love that shines through. Thank you for sharing these.

A concert for one is about as special a performance as one could experience; about as, erm, intimate an experience as one could have in church. These two are fun to encounter, aren't they? Thanks so much for your comments!

This is part of the fun in such a forum thread as this; we get to discover one another through music. Like Ashi, my own taste is wide ranging. For today, let me share another piece that makes my heart sing...especially the third movement, which starts at 12.55. Also fascinating to me were these two videos. Techies perk up!

You point out a metaphor about the eagles that I didn't even realize until well after I had committed the scene to the page. The hilltop experience will probably last in their minds a very long time. Thank you for your generous and kind comments.

There was something satisfying about opening and closing with the same words. Still more fun is the slow, undeniable attraction pulling Tomas and Fletcher together. And it was such a very nice day for them, too.

Your comments made me blush. Thank you. The experience Fletcher gave Tomas is so unusual, so out of his ken, that he could only respond with wonder, and reach out to take a hand. And of course, there is the turmoil going through both men's minds. You are so kind to respond to this!

What you say about aging is so true. Age does not necessarily confer confidence or certainty, not in matters of the heart. How kind of you to comment on this chapter, and thank you so much for your patience.

This is a fun pair to watch, almost as if we have our own set of binoculars. Not sure how a field guide would classify them, but they are certainly wonderful. Tomas had to distract his mind somehow...Thank you so much for being patient as I finally get back to responding.

Fletcher could no more forget that kiss than Tomas; that phone call simply had to be made. Thanks so much for your comments. They are fun characters, aren't they?

I am so very glad you enjoyed this story. It was fun to write, and written in a five hour burst of energy. Normally, I write with painful slowness. Thanks for the generous thoughts.

"Where are you taking me?" Fletcher Jones wondered what his tall friend, Tomás, had in mind. In answer, Tomás just shook his head. "It's my turn. Something I want you to experience." He smiled as they walked along the street. To this moment, they had enjoyed a nearly perfect day together. Water birds at dawn, followed by a detour to a woodland sanctuary, and then a more sedate stroll through a community park in a town closer to home; either Tomás was humoring Fletcher like a saint, or he had

Congratulations, Puppi! I am absolutely delighted for you!

@Ashi: wow. Agree with Tim. Thanks for your comprehensive listing (not Liszting). Here is a favorite of mine, especially in this recording. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLDn2jWu8Cw

Circling, circling, closer they are coming together. How soon will it be before gravity takes its inevitable effect? Very nice chapter, as you describe the little details...hair ruffled by the breeze, an inch of skin...so very memorably. Peter and Nick might not understand or realize just how much the other occupies his thoughts, but it shows so plainly. Thanks got this chapter.

Your pardon is most generous. These were good to write, perhaps even hopeful to write. The wonderful thing about forms like these is the powerful dramatic turn one can put into so few lines. at least, that was the idea here. Thank you for your very kind thoughts and support.

Your Nightmare was scary and real. In fact, it was written so well, I shall have to search out something to comfort me tonight. By contrast, Sadness was so poignant, and the metaphors of drain pipes and rain so apt, that I feel a deep melancholy for you, and a wish to heal your hurt. You have written these beautifully, my friend, but I hope you are writing of pain that no longer present. - P.

This form has certainly grown on me, both for its numerical-rhythmic possibilities, and for its structural varieties, which can be almost geometric. Oh, and it's just plain interesting. But it is so very good that you liked them, too. That above all, makes me glad.