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!
Maybe one day, Andy can be proud of himself; maybe he can admit that he was brave and stood up to someone who was going to abuse him. For now, it’s enough to hold onto his sense of safety and self, and wonder what else he must guard against in this world. Thanks for your contrarian comment, which I really liked!
It’s unfortunate that so many kids have parents who react badly to their kids coming out. The difference between Andy/Stefan’s dad and Zander’s is like night and day. While there is plenty of room on the continuum between these, I hope for the day when more and more react like Zander’s folks. As for Andy, you’re right about the contrast. He dreams of a simple embrace, and of warmth. Thanks again for reading and sharing your thoughts.
He goes through names in order to hide. With no social media and no history, he can be who he likes. He just needs to find a safe way to become himself. In the meantime, his own personal purgatory awaits him. Thanks for your thoughts and for reading!
I have no doubt Eric will miss Eustace, at least as much as you and I do. He seems to have shed much of Stefan’s outward identity, doesn’t he? Yet much of that must remain with him too.
Eric has had his heart torn and his life shredded before. It’s happened again, and all because Ambrose couldn’t help but be himself. At least he was spared the agony of arrest, questioning and fear in being sent back to Carlsberg. I did wonder how much the State Police would be searching for Eric now. Thanks for continuing to read and comment.
I fear you may be impatient a little while longer. The redhead packed a mean punch and a nasty temper. Poor Eric got the worst of both. Thanks for reading!
Time will tell if freedom rings for Eric. The world of the farm is both familiar in terms of hard work, and completely new in terms of how he relates to everyone else in it. I like your connection to a theme song. Maybe you’ll choose others for different parts of the story.
Eric has much to learn, as well as much to unlearn. What Eustace is doing - probably without knowing it - is showing Eric that this unlearning and learning is possible, and that it doesn’t have to be painful. Thanks again for reading and for sharing your thoughts.
This chapter opens a new door for Eric/Stefan. For once he can rest, eat, and stay in one spot. More importantly, Eric is finally getting positive attention and a little affirmation from someone. Thanks for watching and waiting with him through his journey to this point.
He is surviving, but he’s realizing that doing so on his own terms might not be possible. Even though Eric/Stefan seems to have no fixed itinerary, he’s always on the move, never staying longer than the present moment. Thanks very much for your thoughts and for reading.