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Parker Owens

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  1. Parker Owens
    Andy let Zander see his scars, something he guards very, very closely. He is definitely trusting Zander, and becoming more open. He also revealed something of his insecurities to Zander during their date. It will take Zander a long time to get Andy to fully believe, perhaps.
  2. Parker Owens
    Everyone except maybe Dr. O'Shea is flying a bit blind; the situation of being in a kind, supportive family is wholly alien to Andy. Monica suddenly has a new stepson, one whose needs are not always clear to her because Andy seems to be so self-sufficient and contained. Zander simply loves Andy, and that seems to be exactly what Andy needs.
  3. Parker Owens
    I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. It was a lot of fun to write. Dr. O'Shea is sure to be a long-lasting and positive influence on Andy.
  4. Parker Owens
    @chris191070 The doctor was an unexpected trial for Andy. Now that he feels safe, he may not suppress his awful memories so much in an effort just to hold his facade together. What matters most at this moment is that Zander is there with him.
  5. Parker Owens
    Andy is going to find the transition from isolation to immersion in family to be like living in a whole new world. But it's a much, much better world than the one he knows. This one has Zander in it.
  6. Parker Owens
    "Oh, sweet Jesus." You're right: that line said so much. It transformed Monica's suspicion to an impulse to heal. It turned Andy from an unwelcome guest into family. Monica is really a good person, but she sometimes jumps to conclusions. But now that Andy is Zander's, you're quite right - Monica will square off with anyone in defense of Andy.
  7. Parker Owens
    This was the chapter that would not let me go. It's image burned bright in my head even as the early chapters took form. I'm glad you stayed with Andy's journal long enough to see it.
  8. Parker Owens
    I liked the way you put it: almost like a date. Andy has never had anyone genuinely interested in him before. The experience must be both exhilarating and confusing. In the meantime, he has to watch Zander get cornered and pursued by Mary Ellen. That must eat away at him, too.
  9. Parker Owens
    Zander and Andy are slowly circling each other, drawn to one another, yet unable to talk about their mutual attraction. For Andy, it's not just opening up about what he wants, but also being honest about his life. These are huge twin risks.
  10. Parker Owens
    Andy is used to being on his own. Succeeding at snowblower repair was a big deal for him; so was getting to see Zander in the parking lot. Thanks very much for your thoughts!
  11. Parker Owens
    Andy has re-established his friendships with Zander and Kaz and Terry. Andy is used to finding a warm spot to hide out; doing so is much easier for him that opening himself to questions about a past he'd rather forget.
  12. Parker Owens
    The warmth of this chapter contrasts with the cold isolation in which Andy has been living. He seems to thaw out physically and figuratively too. Zander is just so happy to have Andy back again - and in his own house! - that it must seem like Christmas came early. Leave it to the parents to start thinking things through.
  13. Parker Owens
    When this was originally posted, some readers were annoyed at the cliffhanger. It was originally written as one huge chapter along with the two that follow; that seemed much too long.
  14. Parker Owens
    Andy is safe at least, and he avoided being raped. However, the experience has left him very badly shaken. That his friends witnessed his abduction - thinking it some kind of weird family interaction - that only adds to the humiliation and hurt. His trust that they will want to remain his friends may be broken in pieces. He may have trouble pulling himself together again.
  15. Parker Owens

    Chapter 41

    Parker Owens commented on Mann Ramblings's story chapter in Chapter 41

    Well, now. Maddie's secret is out. What does that mean for Sawyer's lineage and well-being? What does that mean for Jada? And why is Maddie alone, and how can she be well without a pack? How did she manage to miss Fergus' original intrusion? The spilled perfume? Or was that a defense so that Fergus couldn't sniff her out? I also wonder how they're going to manage the herculean cleanup task ahead of them, as they are all exhausted. Okay, that's enough questions for now. The answers are due in a week's time. No extensions allowed.
  16. Parker Owens
    Andy running with Kaz is a great step ahead, even if Andy complains about the early hour and the cold. But movies? He doesn’t really know about that experience. Thanks for your thoughts.
  17. Parker Owens
    I apologize profusely for having missed this comment. I am so sorry. Poor Andy has so little idea of how to interact with the world as everyone else knows it, which becomes evident at the end of this chapter. What's nice is how his friends seem to allow for that.
  18. Parker Owens
    Andy was sorely tempted to run away, but stayed. He has dealt with pain and harshness for a long time. Perhaps he feels strong enough to deal with this disappointment too. As you say, he has a group of friends, and Kaz as an enthusiastic running partner. Perhaps he'll be in shape to run the next time.
  19. Parker Owens
    You will have a chance later to judge whether Andy made a mistake or not. I'm glad there was something you wondered about when you finished the chapter.
  20. Parker Owens
    Andy no longer feels quite so much like a target. Zander has found a non-threatening way to be near the boy who bewitches him. The world around Andy has indeed shifted. Thanks for your many comments!
  21. Parker Owens
    Snowflakes swirl out of the predawn dark, landing on my unmasked, upturned face; do they laugh at the fast approaching equinox, jostling for position while they fall, or is it just the wind I’m hearing? Three black crows sail against the north wind, darker than the clouds framing their flight, voiceless in the roaring chorus of the fir trees whose tops wave with religious fervor when chill Pentecost comes before snow.
  22. Parker Owens

    Epilogue

    Parker Owens commented on Laura S. Fox's story chapter in Epilogue

    A lovely, happy ending. I’m delighted you made six friends from the original three. Wonderfully done.
  23. Parker Owens
    You are most kind. What makes me happy is that you read Andy’s journal through to its end. Andy and the many kids who suffer abuse deserve the joy he finally found. You can find some short pieces in which Andy and Zander appear on GA; they include the word “observation” in their titles. Again, thank you for your comments and encouraging words.
  24. Parker Owens
    Andy is beginning to trust, just a little bit. Yes, now we know why Zander has been shy, and may remain so. Andy is unlikely to initiate any conversation, as it would be far too dangerous. And yet, he must yearn for it, too. Thanks for continuing to read, and for your comments.
  25. Parker Owens
    Andy has banished quite a few ghosts since walking away from Carlsberg - though he remembers his father and the pain the man inflicted, he also has learned to attempt to do things on his own that he might never have chanced under the tyrannical rule of his dad. Eustace has something to do with that, perhaps. That math class is just one more step away from Carlsberg and closer to who he might be. And Terry is truly persistent. She is a force of nature.
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