Ms. V

I hesitated to begin knowing there would be no end, and yet. This chapter alone is worth its weight. It is vivid and distinct in such a way that I can almost feel the music though I cannot hear it. Imagined it is all the more alluring. Your tale is so evoking that it is worth the suspense and cost of what might come, though left undone. Onward I read with delight. ~Ms. V

Quick, quick, play the Peanuts theme by Schroeder and dance around the room doing Snoopy's happy dance. It's the only way I've ever appeased the birthday gods. (Also, happy b-day to you, happy b-day to you, happy b-day dear Hunter, happyyy b-day 2oooo Uuuuoooo!)

I'm jealous, too. I was supposed to be vacationing in southern New Mexico this coming week, but things got canceled by my family on the other end. Now I'm stuck in town for Valentine's and no plans. ~Ugh As for Twitter, I would need like 4 or 5 accounts to keep all my feeds topical or by genre. LOL ~ Ms. V

So, this one that Tim shared is one I've intentionally been contemplating more than once as I've paced through my waking hours since I saw it. I might be too literal, but I like to test things in my own reality for viability. Silence is a precious commodity in a life filled with others, such as spouses, kids, parents, workmates, roommates, even interacting with the public on the metro, (whether you wanted to or not). ~chuckle~ The counselor I had leading up to the divorce was in constant awe of how little opportunity I had for silence or meditation, despite repeated attempts on my part. I need meditation, even more so because the responsibilities of my life leave me little time or quiet for it. I'm learning that I can't wait for silence. I have to find a stillness within myself that allows me to push out the distractions, the noise of others, or even the business of my own mind. I still feel like this is very true, @Mikiesboy. I'm just still learning to make my own silence through stillness in the moment. I also feel like when silence does stubble into my path occasionally; I'll see it for the precious gift that it is and take advantage of it. ~chuckle~ ~ Ms. V

These comments remind me of the first time I left school without permission in the 1st grade. Two days before that I had gone to an “old folk’s” home with a friend and her family and saw how close it was to the school. That day, it was after school, and my mom didn't show up for 20 min (I was told later during family retelling) — an eternity to a six-year-old. My intrepid young self decided I liked the stories they told me, those old people. I walked myself two and a half blocks and went room to room until I found someone awake and asked for a story. Once discovered, the staff called the school, who notified my parents. Once my punishment was over, I found ways to go back with permission. They told me stories and would listen to me gabble on about anything. It's a good memory of feeling seen and listened to, as well as soaking up their stories and memories. The therapy went both ways, I guess.

I love that in sharing your work from your lesson, you're teaching, too. I do love the premise and crave more, as well. ~chuckle~ Ms. V

Confirms my belief that the best cure for depression is to get off my ass and help someone else without thought of repayment. ~ Ms. V

I just found your work, and this was the first piece of yours I read. Thank you. Your is a reflection of the stories of many of my neighbors and friends coming from the refugee and asylee camps for Nepalese, Bhutanese, and former Burmese. Over the last couple of years, we hear more French in the neighborhood from our new North African refugee/asylee neighbors moving into our community. My marginalized community is very diverse with over 120 different first languages spoken. Stories and situations like these are a part of the fabric of our relationships. The more we step out of our front door and our comfort zones the more we can see the what is broken and what is of greater weight and value than the "stuff" we seek to own. It is the people and relationships in our lives that give life meaning and purpose, even if they're tough. Thank you for sharing such a story. Your bravery and craft shine through to let the tale flow into the reader's consciousness. May you know blessings. ~ Ms. V

Bravo, bravo! For a first full length story, you hit it out of the park! I hope I might do as well one day. ~ Ms. V

Wow, no wonder Dylan broke down so hard on his walk of shame at the beginning. Almost sleeping with a married guy again would trigger anyone. Isaac was such a shit about it that first time. Now is the time to redeem himself, as @Timothy M. said. Ah, the compassionate scheming of friends and family that want to help. I hope we're close enough to the end that it works out well. ~chuckle~ Ms. V

Power to the wise grandparents of the world! Families seem to be stronger when there is a strong leader that helps them band together and leave no man behind. Though I must say, it matters if they are people of character and compassion. I love when wisdom and experience can inform our children and youth in the things that give us our humanity. Excellent characterization! ~ Ms. V

Chuck a sub? Hell no, not after the Greg incident as his first pseudo-relationship. Wow, Bacon didn't get close to Raleigh before Isaac wrapped himself around his boyfriend. How cute is that? Your chapter lead-in with Bacon was the perfect place to foreshadow the nickname game. That was genius! The first fight was a bit concerning but only because little lacks in communication can grow into bigger misunderstandings at light speed and they still have a lot to learn about each other. There's already some stuff they're hiding from one another. I'm hoping they are learning from this that it's better if they talk things out. ~ Ms. V

I'm so glad you didn't leave this story untold. I know a couple of chapters back Lynora's intentions were good in asking Raleigh why he came to the cities. I know Isaac was supportive and loving in telling Raleigh he was among friends and it was safe to share. Isaac was right and wrong. It was Raleigh's choice, and I thank god for people in real life like Kelli that help distract and move the curiosity and focus (that can feel like force) away from victims like Raleigh. Kelli did it in such a low key and organic way, too. I know everyone was supportive at the dinner party, but when we're pushing, even in caring, we make it about our wishes and desires to know, to encourage, to control. Whether it's coming out or just sharing something traumatic, it can't be about what we want; it's their story, it has to be their timing. So many well-intentioned people sometimes unintentionally create pressure that can cause more trauma. It is better to create a safe, loving space to encourage each time someone is getting close and then gently let it go when they can't yet, knowing their time will come, it's not just about our curiosity that isn't getting satisfied. Sorry for the rant, but that's how deep a passionate cord you touched in me with your skill as a writer. A lot of great even if subtle writing brought us to this moment. Wow, I'm so glad I will have more of your writing to enjoy. Keep up the excellent work! ~ Ms. V

What an enjoyable dinner party! The food was quite drool-worthy. I really appreciated the touch on older romance. I sometimes get the impression that because the old don't want to imagine it, they think we don't enjoy sex. LOL Yet, any couple wants to believe the romance will last as they grow old with each other. Thanks for the nod. So, there seems to be a lot of revelations headed our way on several characters. I'm reading on with bated breath. ~ Ms. V

Um, there is some confusion on Kelly verses Kelli. Chapters 12 and 18 are where I noted it the most. Here in chapter 19, Chuck's sister is now Kelli rather than Kelly from chapter 18. I'll leave these notes to you to act on should you choose. The years have been kind to your hug therapy. There are more than a few papers out now about touch derivation and depression. The new data generated in the autistic spectrum field on appropriate touch for those that fear or feel overwhelmed by it is generating a lot of these discussions in other fields, as well. The Hikikomori in Japan is the latest that is struggling with the data on why a "sister" relationship is the only thing helping these depressed young men to begin interacting with society once more. In my field, there is headway similarly way with addicts leaving the lifestyle and those with other mental health issues in strong, healthy relationships and caring physical interaction causing less recidivism. You and your Nanna should be proud. ~ Ms. V

Okay, now I can see where I made an erroneous assumption. I assumed chapter 12 needed edits to Kelly verses Kelli because I think of Kelli as a girls spelling and Kelly as masculine. You have consistently written the brother as Kelli and the sister as Kelly, so I retract my earlier comment to edit. ~chuckle. I should know better than to assume. I'm excited to see what happens when they meet, too. Well, it sounds like it's time for the next challenge that may push them apart or draw them together, maybe both in that order, (I hope). ~ Ms. V

Just the perfect balance of rug burn and sappiness. You rock as a writer! Our two loud mouths, ate a little crow, came clean, and who knows how long they'll last. No worries, everyone deserves a chance at a life changing love at some point. Nicely done! ~ Ms. V

So, Raleigh's over the top sexist remarks were due to him thinking that's how straight guys talk and make friends? Well, I guess he's not a 100% off. ~chuckle~ So, the consequences of lying and treating people badly suck, huh Isaac & Raleigh? Tough! You'll just have to face the painful results and humble yourselves a bit with some truth and communication with the one you want. Serves you right! Both of you better be thankful for good friends that see past your shit and are willing to help you fight for the good stuff. Great plot twist, Cole, I gotta hand it to you. ~ Ms. V

Ah, yep, there needs to be some repair to the Kelli verses Kelly spelling. Other than that, this chapter was spot on with good interactions once clarity of feelings was expressed. If I were Kelli, I'd be protective of my brother, too. Yet, Dylan's interactions with Brandon would be reassuring and build confidence in the kind of man Dylan is with young children. ~ Ms. V

Okay, what the heck?! Chuck called his sister Kelli on the phone in front of Dylan, and Dylan said nothing about his brother is named Kelly? That is definitely a speed bump for me. ~chuckle~ Missed opportunity there, or intentional blank? Very interesting! Okay, loved the surprise turn in Raleigh's arc. His begging reminds me strongly of my socially inept brother and so was kinda endearing. He's gonna put his foot in his mouth, but that doesn't mean he might not save the day at some point. LOL

Yes, you and Nanna get the big picture. Our relationships are more important than the stuff we own and the jobs we work. They have more barring on our quality of life than anything else, in my opinion. Love drives out fear and Nanna loved those kids. Fabulous chapter and writing. ~ Ms. V

Awesome repartee between the contentious! The dialog stayed on point and easy to follow, as well as reflecting more personality of each character, even the loathsome Isaac. It's not an easy thing to write insults with crisp responses between multiple characters and not lose the reader or the sting in a quip. Your skill and practice with your craft are showing. ~ Ms. V

Wow, suspense then explanation, but then deeper suspense that snatches satisfaction away almost before I get a chance to savor it. You've got a gift of building our emotional investment and then deepening the stakes. Just one confusing moment on the timeline for me, however. In the beginning of this chapter, Dylan says it's been almost two years, then twice through the telling you write "a year." It could use some clarification, anyway. Now, I must follow my compulsion to know more. ~ Ms. V

Your characters are layered, and the dialog is tight and natural. I appreciate your pacing and work. I wish Isaac's immaturity and insecurities were the exceptions to the rule, but alas, no such luck. I'm just glad Kenny stepped up, and the truth came to light so quickly. It's fun when quick communication spikes the guns of malicious intent. ~chuckle~ The histories you've alluded too, though we've yet to hear about, are going to require a lot of good communication and understanding, I have a feeling. Nice to know I caught your subtle innuendo to Ron's passing. The credit lies in your writing skills. ~ Ms. V