Redemption is tough. Wally is at least walking - if not running - in that direction. He seems to be making some headway, and that introspection might be part of it. Thanks very much for giving him a chance and for commenting.
You and I have been thinking alike. Some days I feel as if I have been the victim of theft. Other days I feel gratitude for what I have experienced, combined with a tinge of melancholy that I may not repeat that experience. Thanks very much for this.
Thank you very much for all your encouraging comments and for reading the journal all the way through. I hope Andy and Zander remain with you and inhabit your mind as they do mine. Thanks again.
I am so glad you have made the journey with Andy, and with Zander, too. I hope you're right about this being a durable story that can withstand time and circumstances. That you can sit and smile and reflect on this story makes me happy. Thanks very much for your many comments as you went through the chapters.
I'm very glad you enjoyed the return visit to the farm. Wasn't it fun to engage Eustace again, and to see his reactions? I had such fun writing them. Monica does seem to be growing into this new chapter of her life. Thanks again and again for reading and for your comments!
Andy’s heartbeat must have stopped to see Ambrose again. To be so close to being complete, and then confronted with the policeman cannot have been anything other than heartbreaking. Thanks again for reading and commenting.
When those meant to help kids have better lives have their own agendas, the kids suffer. Lucky for Andy, he has people now who love and support him. And, he can run. Thanks so much for reading and posting comments.
This chapter is unfortunately at least as relevant today as it was when it was written. In so many places, a wholly unjustified anti-gay hysteria is taking hold. People like Phyllis Chandler are gaining unwarranted power and influence. In Andy and Zander’s lives, she represents a threat to all the good the boys are for each other. Thanks again for reading and for your encouragement.
It was beautiful to write. That Andy could give himself like that to Zander shows how far he has journeyed. Thanks again for reading and for your response.
Yes. In his way, Zander is as stubborn and good hearted as his boyfriend. Greg lashing out is both understandable and difficult. Outing ten other guys is so uncool. A whole different story might be what becomes of Greg’s swimming and college career.
@Dan South Zander and Andy have had to face a separation that was harder than either could have imagined just a few months earlier. It’s not just physical; they seem to recognize that they feel better as a pair than as individuals. Thanks so very much for your encouraging remarks and for reading.
That’s kind of you to say so. Andy is showing more and more of his innate goodness, a trait he was never allowed to show in Carlsberg. Thanks again for reading and for your thoughts.
It’s reasonable to be worried. Every time something good happens to Andy, every time it seems as if the clouds might break, then the lightning strikes and fortune frowns. Like you, he must be at least a little apprehensive. Thanks for reading, and for commenting.
@Dan South You haven’t said too much; I appreciate every comment you make. Yes, Andy is just a boy, but one who has seen too much of darkness. In this he has much in common with real people, other children who suffer similar encounters with evil. This story is at least in part for them. Thanks again for your comments and for reading!