Parker Owens

Thanks very much for your comments. I liked how you put it: he has shed a suffocating skin.... Rick has allowed the sun in and many of the shadows have fled. You noted that Rick didn't gloat. That's just not like him to gloat, though he did show what was (for him) anger at Rita. He has already exploded at Heinrich Senior, so I can only wonder what their next interaction will be like. You're right that Rick (and we) can only speculate about Gus' departure, though it seems reasonable to assume Zoltan orchestrated it. If the impresario is driving, it's doubtful he'd stop to let Gus out at Rick's shop. I'm very glad this chapter makes you want the next one. Again, many thanks for reading and for your thoughts.

Gus has helped Rick change since we first met him when the ice was just out of the lake. It would seem that the lodge is empty, and your suggestion that the Takacses and Gus have gone back to Chicago seems plausible. Zoltan must really believe his own line that Rick is a distraction. From Rick's point of view, his boyfriend has disappeared, and the opportunity to confront Zoltan over his unpleasant words and behavior is gone. The old Rick would have accepted this and retreated. But as you observed, this is a new Rick we're dealing with. Thanks again for reading, and for your thoughts.

I shall have to let you speculate on how Gus and Rick's story will conclude. Perhaps when it is all done, you can let me know what you predicted. You were very kind to think of this exchange as memorable. Rita did not explain her laughter, yet she found something hilarious - either ironical, bitter, or just plain funny. Thank you for continuing to read and for your thoughts.

But for now, darkness broods over the old lodge...

Zoltan may not be able to strictly forbid Gus to have any contact with Rick, but he can do his damnedest to make their connection difficult. Zoltan undoubtedly fears that Gus' attachment would slow his recovery, as well putting a dent in his frenetic performance pace. So many appearances must have had to be postponed or cancelled already. You're right that Zoltan probably has plans to keep Rick and Gus apart; the appearance of a savvy lawyer at Gus' side would be a disaster for the impresario. Heinrich's finances are in a state, aren't they? That in itself must be an enormous weight on the old man. How is Senior going to tell Trudy about this calamity? I think you used the perfect word for Willy: Karma. His last hopes for the recovery of his family fortune were dashed. I suspect the Kohlers will be forgotten within a generation. Thanks for your reflections and thoughts - and for hanging on this far into the story!

If you are awaiting the next chapter eagerly, then perhaps I've done well. There are lots of things resolving as we thought they might - Jerry remains firmly in Rick's corner, as is his mentor, Walter. Irene has done exactly as Rick thought she would - spread the news more swiftly than social media or anything else in town. I'm cheered that you feel Gus needs Rick, as much as Rick needs him. Thanks a ton for your comments and encouraging thoughts.

Rita is chasing something, yet she hasn't yet figured out that it might not be worth it. As you say, self-reflection is not her strong suit. It was fun writing this more confident, more assured Rick. He's still the same guy we love, yet now there's more substance to him. He feels more power to affect what happens around him, and that's something he's lacked for a long, long time. Gus knows something of how to find Rick, and the old Rick might have left matters at that - knowing both that Gus could, if he wanted, reappear. The old Rick would probably think it safer for his heart just to move on, because he wasn't made for love, anyway. But Rick's different now, isn't he? Thanks again for your very kind comments and for reading!

You're very kind. Watching (and writing) Rick beginning to shine on his own has been wonderful. Thank you!

Gus and Rick have been torn apart. If this were the old Rick, he would have accepted this situation as his justly deserved fate, and tried to rebuild his life, rebuilding the walls that surround his heart. Gus would have resumed his breakneck, grueling work and performance schedule. But since these two met, things haven't been quite the same, have they? Thank you very much for hanging on this far, and for your excellent comments.

Things just had to go wrong didn't they? There's definitely a hairball in the pipe, and it appears to be in the form of a Hungarian impresario. Rick must now decide what to do - and how to go about it. Will he even have a job or a way to make a living in a few days? But if he spends time trying to sort out the mess at home, what would become of Gus? Yes, there are lots of things to resolve. Thanks for reading, and for your many helpful comments.

Irene must have been burning up the phone lines the moment Rick departed. Rita's name is ruined in Eagle Lake, unless she wants to put in a ton of work restoring people's confidence and rebuilding the trust her investors placed in her. She's determined and gifted at sales, but that may not be enough to get her what she wants. There doesn't appear to be anyone home at Cedarcrest, not unless they're all very sound sleepers. Rick is alone at the lodge, yet again. Rick will have to figure out what to do on his own. Thanks very much for reading, and for your comments.

Dawn is often misunderstood. Some paint the softly growing light in the east as tranquil. Quiet. Peaceful, even. Rick thought differently. He knew that in history, these same moments saw armies form for battle, drums and horns blaring. At dawn, negotiators, weary with all-night arguments, shook hands to cement momentous decisions. At sunrise, men were marched or dragged out of jail cells and stood up against bleak walls before a squad of disinterested riflemen. Sure, he could admit

So much to savor in this set, like the strawberries you write about in Day 14. I was drawn to Day 11, and the story it succinctly told. Day 12 resonated with me, for new worlds are irresistible. Day 13 swept me up in its impetuous declarations. Thanks for all of these.

I’m very happy you saw April 10th as perhaps series of portals with which to remember, even to conjure. As to April 11th, I can hardly wait to get my main vegetable garden started. That you found things to enjoy in all of these makes me smile. Thanks very much for reading!

You’re very magnanimous in your words. April 11 seemed to fall together quite naturally, as easily as the garden growing. April 10 is a collection of observations, written while the rain fell. I’m glad these stirred good thoughts and evoked bright, clear images. Thanks again for reading these, and for your comments.

I very much enjoyed A la Carte. Course after course, you lifted me into spring so it could soak into my bones. Time is indeed warped these days, and you illustrate that most effectively. I’m glad you’re writing poetry!

Thank you very much for taking the time to read these. I enjoy writing sonnets; their patterns and rhythms seem natural to me. I’m also happy you felt and saw the woods and sky and its creatures here. It’s nice to share what’s outside my window.

Culling the bookshelves is such a hard task. I rarely fill up a full box, but come home from the book sales with more than one. Dawn comes earlier and earlier these days; the stars flee so quickly now. It’s getting so warm this spring, I hardly need Dad’s sweater. It will keep until next fall. Thanks a million for reading!

I’m very glad you liked April 7th. It feels good to breathe more confidently.

Older age will indeed come for us. Your Eric is much on my mind today, let alone my joints. I'm glad you enjoyed the songlike nature of April 7 and 11. It must be spring that draws me to this music. Now to use my red pen for something other than poetry. Thank you so much for reading these!

Not in this time zone, alas.

Talk about a Pandora's Box! Put those three in, and I would never want to open it again. All sorts of vices and no hope whatever inside: it would be pretty dark indeed. Of course, for Rick, Gus and the rest of us, the outlook would be pretty sunny. Hmmm. Does Rick know a good locksmith.... ? Thanks very much for this!

April 7th We wait in line too tense to whine or to repine the first shot. The second dose, we’re more verbose for it’s so close to freedom. Yet two weeks more with arms so sore seems such a chore, but worth it; Though we must mask, content I bask in every task that’s normal, And one day we might blessedly

I’m very glad you found the story engaging so far. The next chapter is due to post Thursday. Eagle Lake in this story is just a figment of my imagination, alas. However, it describes many small towns across the country. Rick is just one more unlucky man in one more small town, whose life has been turned upside down - maybe for the better - by an encounter with a man like Gus. Thanks again for reading and for your thoughts.

Poor Irene missed all the excitement at the School Board meeting. She’ll be out of the loop. Thanks for reading, and for commenting.