Parker Owens
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The euphonium has history in marching bands, and was immortalized in The Music Man. Technically, in latin, I think the singular -um becomes the plural -a ending. One datum, two data. However, I doubt anyone ever applied that rule to the euphonium.
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These developing characters have been fun to write. Their world is no less complex in building than a sci-fi adventure universe. Senior and Rita are soon to meet, and as you say, that could be stormy. However, perhaps those storms will pass elsewhere, leaving Rick in relative peace. Many thanks for your kindness in your comments, and for reading.
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Let me take this chance to wish you a very, very Happy Easter. The fourth of July is a big deal in Eagle Lake, and in many small towns. It is the quintessential American summer festival. You are not alone in avoiding such festivities - sometimes holidays are difficult for men like Rick, and for many others. Thanks very much for reading!
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You are amazingly kind in your comments. I am grateful for your encouraging words. There are many threads in this tale, and I fear not all of them are susceptible to being tied up. I very much love the idea of Rita and Heinrich being forced to ride off into the sunset together - thought Heinrich's current wife might have something to say about that. Cedarcrest is in my mind a wonderful house owned by odious people. Gus is indeed the right kind of man to change the karma of that place. Gus' cast will come off one day, and we'll see how that goes. Once again, my deep thanks for your reading, and for your comments.
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One can only surmise that their kiss rocked the boat. It must have been quite a kiss. Thank you!
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It was a marvelous journey home. For Rick, that kiss quite possibly changed his life. For the other two, well, that's another story. Thank you for reading, and for your thoughts.
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No close friends, except perhaps Jerry. But Jerry has had his own worries for his wife and family. I'm glad the conversation with Isolde the chicken made you both laugh and weep. Sometimes it's just helpful to say things out loud. Thanks again for reading and for your response.
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Rita and Heinrich Senior: scylla and charybdis, between whom Rick must steer. I'm not sure his navigational skills are as good as Odysseus'. Thank you for your thoughts and for reading!
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@Will Hawkins I wish I could answer your question directly. Rita is in love with her own hard-driving, success-at-any-cost persona. There is zero chance she sees little Eagle Lake in in its current form as a desirable or interesting place. She is devoted to her projects. Rick appears to be a useful man to her, and for that reason, worth cultivating. Thanks again for your comments and for reading!
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You're completely right. In this case, Willy was both the predator and the bully. Heinrich Senior only saw the mess his boy was in, and not the possible causes. The consequences have been very hard on Rick. Thank you for reading and for commenting.
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Rick was definitely Willy's prey. It was difficult to put myself in Rick's shoes, to feel like the prey irresistibly drawn to the predator. Thank you for reading and for your comments.
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You are very, very kind. I hope that the conversation sets up interest that must be followed on into the next chapter. Isn't it funny how prominent citizens find themselves the arbiters of character and morals? Like everyone else, they're just as flawed as the next person. Many thanks for your comments and for reading!
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Cadet Second Class • IV
Parker Owens commented on Carlos Hazday's story chapter in Cadet Second Class • IV
Ritch is maturing in this chapter. He makes good as a public speaker, and he feels conflict over his multiple conquests and the woman he still feels attracted to. He enjoys being an uncle. This young man is changing as we read. Excellent chapter! -
Zoltan seems to have catapulted himself into the top spot of this story’s ‘most hated character’ list. His nasty words to Rick really hurt. At least the man won’t be at the School Board meeting. Thanks again for reading and for your comments.
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I hope I did not give you indigestion. Zoltan and Heinrich deserve to be locked together in a room just so everyone else can breathe easier. Alas, that hasn’t happened. Rick is marooned in his misery, and Gus is sequestered on his own, unable to call or contact him. And then the School Board meeting is next... oh dear. Thanks very much for reading and letting these characters grow on you.
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Elegant Zoltan, kicked in the rear? He can’t imagine it. That’s the problem, of course. He can’t imagine (or care) what his words and actions do to other people. Gus and Rick have been separated. And this horrible day isn’t over. The School Board meeting is next.
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I cannot comment on Rita’s overdue bills, or on Zoltan‘s business practices. In fairness, Zoltan wouldn’t need much skulduggery to profit mightily from representing Gus; he’s a highly talented musician in great demand. But he’s been badly overworked. Rick’s eruption at his father may have been the biggest surprise yet - to both parties. Thanks so much for your comments.
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Zoltan and Heinrich Senior should be locked up in a room together. At least everyone else could breathe easier for a while. Fortuitous is an excellent word for getting called to the Beck household, even if it was for a crappy reason. Thanks again for reading and for your comments!
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Zoltan went out of his way to hurt and humiliate Rick. You’re right to say that Rick’s inner music goes into a minor key, a dirge if you like. It’s very familiar to him, alas. I liked your point: “ he will remember that his Gus is not Zoltan’s Gustavo. ” Rick will be unable to reconcile those two images. At least he managed to channel some frustration back at his father, who must have gotten the worst surprise of his life, a son who is madder than hell, and unwilling to take it anymore. Thanks again for reading and for your comments!
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Rick has been intimidated by Zoltan, whose words were meant to hurt and humiliate. They succeeded. He turned his hurt on himself, as he do often does. You’re quite right that Rick’s pain flares when his father calls. He simply has run out of patience with the man; he has no more reserves. Unfortunately this horrible day isn’t over for Rick, as there is still the School Board meeting. Thanks for your great comments and thoughts.
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I’m delighted by your very kind response to this chapter. That you could catch the rhythm of this chapter, and hear both Rick’s inner music, and the piano music rolling over the water, is a wonderful thing. Many thank for reading and for your comments.
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Yeah: awwwwww. Scott suddenly finds a wellspring of affection. Actually, it has been building subtly for a while. But Graham seems to have brought out better things in Scott than he himself could have imagined. He’s definitely falling, perhaps to drown in a sea of Graham. Thanks again for reading!
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You have hit on Rick’s constant internal theme: not worthy. He hears that from his inner voice all the time, and it’s even louder now. The School Board meeting promises to be another agony, and it cannot be avoided. Poor Rick has had an awful day. Thanks again for your responses and thoughts.
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Your reservation at the head of the line has been confirmed. Please make sure to check all weapons and sharp objects at the door. Zoltan has been controlling Gus’ (very successful) career for so long, he’s forgotten that Gus is a human being, it seems. Thank a million for your thoughts.
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Yes, it does appear a certain quantity of fecal matter encountered swiftly rotating angled blades, doesn’t it? I love your three strike day description for Rick’s truly unhappy experience. The School Board meeting would be a delight if it were just the usual yawn. However, your intuition that it won’t be is probably correct. Thanks for your comments, and for reading!
