Parker Owens
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Everything posted by Parker Owens
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That Zander could be patient with Andy, and let him be in control says volumes about his character and love. In doing so, he helped silence some of the demons still lurking in Andy's memory. I'm glad you thought the scene came at a good moment in the story. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts.
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That's an interesting speculation on what might have happened if Greg had been with a girl in the locker rooms, instead of a boy. I suspect the outcry would have been somewhat more muted, though there would undoubtedly have been repercussions. Nonna was such a fun character to write - everyone should have a grandmother like her. I really appreciate your continuing comments. Thank you!
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@raven1 It was interesting to write this chapter for Andy without Zander present. I found it harder to do than I expected. In the same way, it must have been at least a little difficult for Andy to do without Zander, too. At least, that's how I imagined it. Getting dragged to a party - even a pretty tame one for track recruits - must have given Andy butterflies in his stomach. Running uphill sprints with Kaz was easier. I'm glad you noticed Andy making a new friend at the party, too. That in itself is a first. I appreciate your reading Andy's journal, and your comments are most welcome.
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Chapter 50 Departures
Parker Owens commented on Parker Owens's story chapter in Chapter 50 Departures
Thank you for saying this felt like a relaxed chapter. Andy seems as if he is finally weaving some of his threads into the tapestry of the Stevenson family - and they are doing the same into his. It cannot be lost on Andy that Garrett is doing the same kind of thing for him that he did for Zander - he saw it back in December, as Garrett helped Zander prepare for the big road test. The biggest test coming up is the three days of separation for the two boys. Once again, thanks for adding your comments! -
Those names are definitely apt for Andy. I think it’s ironic that if you’d been there to tell him the meanings of his chosen names, he’d shrug and suggest you might be mistaken. We know better. His baggage is slowly getting lighter as he finally unpacks it, slowly but surely. Thanks again for reading and commenting!
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The impetus for this story came from just this kind of news item. I wanted to write about someone who lived with it from their point of view. I’m glad you found this chapter to be a little more upbeat. Andy’s life is going through more change in ways he’s not used to. Thanks again for reading and especially for your thoughts.
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Dr. O'Shea can help Andy heal inside, even as Zander and his family help him do the same outside. Uncle Ray was as much responsible for Andy's scarring and pain as his ogre of a father - you're quite right about that. And now Andy gets to face another hurdle: swimming. Thanks again for continuing to read Andy's journal, and for sharing comments here.
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Chapter 46 Valentines
Parker Owens commented on Parker Owens's story chapter in Chapter 46 Valentines
I confess that this was a favorite chapter of my own. Dr. O'Shea is gentle, but persistent. Andy is slowly learning to trust her. He is also trusting his family enough to prepare his little Valentine's surprises, knowing that they will react with a smile. Or, in Zander's case, actual kisses. Thanks a million for reading thus far, and for your ongoing comments. -
Chapter 43 Good Dreams
Parker Owens commented on Parker Owens's story chapter in Chapter 43 Good Dreams
I tried hard to put myself into Garrett and Monica's shoes (or slippers, if you like). How would I have reacted in that situation? How quickly would indignation turn into empathy? I enjoyed writing the character of the mercurial Monica. You're quite right: she is very protective of her family, and it looks as if Andy just got adopted. Having Garrett on his side can't hurt, either. Thank you very much for continuing to read Andy's journal and for your thoughts. -
Given your background, I am doubly grateful that you have worked your way through Andy's story. It can indeed be a hard story, and there are aspects of it that are unhappily resonant with actual events. There are many kids in this country who face rejection and abuse for who they are or know themselves to be. This chapter marks a turning in Andy's tale, and break with the bleakness of his past. I am humbled and grateful for your comments. Thanks so much for reading.
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Chapter 47 Is This Normal?
Parker Owens commented on Parker Owens's story chapter in Chapter 47 Is This Normal?
There are alternating moments of shadow and light in Andy's life. That can be hard and tense, but it's a high contrast with the omnipresent darkness he endured with his father, and the clouded dusk he lived in while on the road. For him, Zander and his family are light to overcome his past darkness. This is a slow process, but a promising one. Thank you very much for your comments, and for enduring through the hard parts of Andy's journal to come this far. -
As Andy has begun to discover, it’s possible to become woven into the fabric of love. And perhaps Monica and Garrett are learning this too. Thanks so much for reading.
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Chapter 27: Hard to Believe
Parker Owens commented on Parker Owens's story chapter in Chapter 27: Hard to Believe
Andy, as we must now call him, is changed by his journey, certainly. He is willing to risk this new school, if only for a little while, and that’s change enough to surprise himself. Thanks again for reading and for sharing your thoughts. -
Lots of questions - which I will let you answer after reading what comes after. I’m very glad you have read thus far into Andy’s journal. It’s good we followed along with him as he made his way west. Thanks for your thoughts and for continuing to read.
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Now, as September fades to October, all I see are the white tails of the deer waving in the darkness as they bound away. But earlier, they would appear as silent as ghosts in the dusky mist, grazing on the grass in the field. The garden fence is much too tall for them to attempt. Now the constellations are more defined and brilliant. Not only can I see Orion, but also his dog and his quarry. Thanks so much for reading and adding a comment.
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As you say, the second narrator is a reminder that there is more to Eric’s story than his present unhappiness. While Eric might possibly survive questioning by the police, he has absolutely no intention of putting that theory to the test. For now, though, he’s on the road again. Thanks for reading and for your thoughts.
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Mistakes and Surprises
Parker Owens commented on Parker Owens's story chapter in Mistakes and Surprises
I don’t blame you for feeling the weight on Eric’s shoulders. Clouds as dark as his don’t disperse easily or quickly. Finding Eustace was the first sustained bit of luck he’s had in a very long time. Thanks for your comments. I’m very grateful to you for sticking with Eric/Stefan through his journey. -
I’ve painted Stefan/Eric’s world in dark colors; it is how he sees the world. What is tragic is that so many kids like him feel their own worlds are like his. Thanks for your comments and for reading.
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Eric trusts no one, not even Eustace -at least not enough to tell him the whole truth. For now, hiding suits him fine. Come winter, that may be a different story. Thanks for reading and for commenting.
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Chapter 16 Peace, Grieve and Growth
Parker Owens commented on SilvryArdor's story chapter in Chapter 16 Peace, Grieve and Growth
I can feel the pain of confronting regret in this. -
Eric has reason to be anxious. Any kind of social gathering is going to be alien to him and his experience. He doesnt understand all the various cues and interactions in groups, even friendly ones. But the threat of discovery is something he understands very well, and he’s certainly going to be cautious about Ambrose. Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
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At least cows won’t respond with insults or physical abuse in conversations like these. Eric won’t get much feedback, but at least there’s a bit of an outlet in this scene. Thank you very much for your comments and for reading.
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It’s impossible to say anything about Ozzie, except that the man clearly cares, which appears to rankle some people. I agree that Colin seems wholly self interested, and isn’t trustworthy. But as a stranger, Eric can’t know these things. He can only remember those few radiant moments when he read stories to Maggie. Thanks very much for reading, and for your thoughts.
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Eric probably wouldn't do very well at foraging in an early garden, you're right. He might figure out leaf lettuce, but that's about the extent of his knowledge. I wonder how many people gave him a second thought if they watched him walk by on the road. So often, even out beyond the suburbs, we're so absorbed in our lives and routines and to-do lists that we scarcely register someone like Eric. But they're out there, just the same. Part of the reason I wrote this was to prompt some thought about homeless kids on the move. Thanks a million for reading, and for your comments.
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Thank you! I'm glad these brought a smile to you.
