Anton_Cloche

Kids greeting new kids moving into the neighbourhood was a big thing. These boys, Carlo and the new arrival Karl, both 6 years old are surely going to enjoy the new adventure.

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3 hours ago, received Notification that you published a new story "Murder in Alphabet City", but clicking on 'Chapter 1' results in "Sorry! We could not locate the item you are trying to view." What's up with that?

The plot thickens, perhaps. Jarrad's sister gets admonished by her mother for what she said that prompted another anxiety attack by Oscar. Thankfully it was mild and deftly handled by Jarrad. In the end Oscar decided he needed to go back to Gramps and Gran's home, and Jarrad offered to assist him (surprisingly, not causing another attack despite Jarrad being openly gay, OR because he was open about it and therefore not a surprise to Oscar ). After getting Oscar 'home' to rest, Jarrad chats with Gran and we discover an interesting nugget. In a previous chapter, the indication was the grandparents "sold up" their home plus all the properties purchased for Oscar's future use, (a total of 706 acres; with the majority 'let out' to other farmers, that generated income and covered all expenses); to get away from anything that might remind Oscar of the initial 'incident' and perhaps cause more anxiety attacks. However, Gran let this bit of info slip out: "we have just over 17 acres in total here, quite a lot less than our (175 acre) farm back home, which we sold up some of, to move down here. Oscar’s family still live on the main farm, which is just out of Moore and is over 5,000 acres in area, where my son, that’s Oscar’s father, is a Deisel * mechanic". So while it appears that Oscar's grandparents may have sold "some" of their personal 175 acres, the 606 acres** (100 + 506) purchased for Oscar's future, remain set aside ('In Trust'?) for him, but to remain quiet about that so as not to put any mental strain on him. Thank goodness for his loving and protective Gramps and Gran. * FYI easiest way to remember proper spelling of DIEsel (because it is being killed off). ** Chapters 2 and 4 refer.

Another interesting chapter @J92, with more character background popping up in bar & restaurant conversations. But is any of it close to the truth or merely smokescreen? When Thomas enters the restaurant for a dinner date set up by Sharon, he notices how well lit it is inside. And while he wants an inconspicuous dinner, it's like spotlights which shine on him: "as if ready for Thomas to act good, act better". 🚨

Ah yes, politics can be an interesting addition to conversations and relationships, or it can be the veritable 3rd rail (electrified high voltage power conducting 'rail' for trains, subways, trams etc), full of danger. The other two topics generally not deemed 'safe' for discussion (or to be avoided at dinner or parties) are sex and religion. One might think discussions about sex/sexuality are not a 'hot button' issue with same sex couples, but that is far from the truth. As for religion? That's just opening up a giant can of worms more often than not. Food for thought? Thank you Robert for another insightful chapter.

Had a thought, likely superfluous.

Hmm? Perhaps we could have been told, at the start of this chapter, that this story occurs before 'Who's Afraid of Joe Vincente?' As for the Title 'tease'? In real estate (and other sometime 'dodgy' business enterprises), this might be seen as a case of 'bait and switch'. I'm not saying that's what happened, but appearances can be deceiving (or misunderstood. Billionaire, Millionaire? Tomato, kumquat?) Did victim Jason's kushy job, set him up for a scam by foreigners who's promises were fake. And were the arrested Ankh Executives acting on their own, or part of a larger group? As for Ken's 'cleaning' ritual "at the end of the day he felt so dirty he had to hit the shower. It had become an obsession with him"? Well that is textbook OCD, and needs professional help. Just not a Police Department "shrink" as that would go on his permanent record. FYI, the 'ankh' symbol, found as jewelry pieces, embroidered on clothing (claiming to be 100% Egyptian Cotton), and literally thousands of other kitsch (often made in far east) is not just a 'good luck' charm. The ancient Egyptian symbol represents many aspects, including physical life, eternal life, immortality, and, WAIT FOR IT ... DEATH. Egyptian Goddess of Death Nephthys holding Ankh. 🤔

Oh this is sad, for Oscar and everyone he comes in contact with. I am not making light of his anxiety attacks (and 'possible' PSTD caused by Rizen groping Oscar 'one time' and very briefly). It seems his initial attack may have some neurological basis, hence the first six week stay in hospital for psychiatric observation and treatment. (Including CT scans and/or MRI, checking for epilepsy or déjà vu with auras?). But subsequent déjà vu (it's "happening again" - whether real or feared possible) attacks may have associated chronic/frequent "pathology". Basically déjà vu with neurological or psychiatric illness. Jessica, despite training to be a nurse, had no way of knowing that her comments, (Jarrod being a "poof" and "the perp (Rizen) being expelled and his family sent him to exile in Switzerland?”), can trigger anxiety attacks like Oscars. Hopefully this will be a learning moment for her future medical career. At least the bulk of Oscar's attack occured away from Jarrad's younger brother Lucas, which could have really scarred him! Déjà vu all over again. 😔

Cellphone camera pics and videos are everywhere Devin and Mac, (not to mention motion-activated ones (hunters, woods, CCTV).

Thanks for this new chapter Bill. Can never get enough of Santa. Best said by a boy in the hospital: "after Santa had given a hug to an eight-year-old boy, the kid’s eyes lit up and he began to speak. “This is the real Santa, not just some guy in a costume.” “How can you tell?” someone else asked. “He has a real beard and that’s his real hair, and it’s his real tummy too, not some pillow stuffed inside the suit to make him look fat.” Easter Bunny and now Santa.

Woke up in middle of night (or zero dark 30) to thunder snow, to find this chapter that tried to wrap everything up with a bow on top! Nicely done @chris191070. Almost feels like an epilogue, but wait there's more? Okay, will wait to find out, but for now it's back to sleep - perchance to dream.

OMG, Jim didn't deserve to be killed that way, let alone his body positioned on his own front stoop where he'd be discovered by Keith.

NOOOO! Adam can't be morphing into an Angel yet. There's too much for him to accomplish here on earth. Plus if he does and ascends it will surely kill Thomas. Please? 🙏 📿

Interesting twist in the story Preston, (although not unexpected). Six weeks in hospital for Oscar under psychiatric care for a few anxiety attacks may seem like overkill to some readers, but effects can linger. At least it appears Rizen was not prosecuted, (thanks to his wealthy grandfather?), if it was deemed a one time occurrence based on mistaken feelings. Surprised at Oscars grandparents selling up entire 706+ acres of the previous 3 blocks for a retirement / hobby farm of just 17 acres, that they made clear to Oscar was for him once they pass on. (Thankfully no inheritance or 'Estate' taxes in Australia, unlike the 40% in UK). It did not go unnoticed that the grandparents chose acreage that is not directly on the river, to avoid any reminders or potential triggers for Oscar. As Oscar enters a new school, his fellow student guide Jarrad Drake seems overly enthusiastic. Hopefully 🤞 that does not lead to any 'misunderstandings' on Oscar or Jarrad's part. And Oscar did tell Jarrod (vaguely) about being "...the victim of abuse by a student, who I thought was a good friend..." Let's see where this leads us. As spring and Easter, (in Northern hemisphere) celebrates rebirth and revitalization, let's hope it brings hope and renewed vitality to those in need. Take care. 🤗

Thank you @Lee Wilson for a very good story and an 'Epilogue' that does one of the better that I've read. Sums things up nicely, gives us a glimpse of a few years after, and while not a complete HEA for everyone, most characters did better than expected. Perhaps the best was Jesse Winchester avoiding the death penalty 💉 with a possibility of parole in 30 years (or less for good behavior). Hope is something everyone should have! 😃 🐰 🥚

So police Ken and Jim are going to dive into gay 'Village' bars, looking for the missing 'John' who may or may not have stolen Jim's weapon and had lived with Keith as his 'boyfriend' but was "blinded by his big prick, and that’s just what he is, a big prick.” Have i got those details straight 😏 ?

Going to "throw a 🔧 into the works" of this whole kerfuffle. (Because it's Friday and I'm Good?) This whole mess began with (possible) confusion over what day it is/was? That depends on a number of factors, time of day being one. Location on planet being second. Whether you're on top or bottom. (Hemisphere!. Get your minds out of the gutter 😏. It's like you're playing handball against the curb). Then convo goes to denile, senile? (Surprised you didn't mention going to see Alice 😏). Dead presidents? The only dead prez I want to see is "Benjamin" 💵. BTW, this is NOT a RANT. I Lent that option to someone else for 40 days. Enjoy your weekend.

Another outstanding chapter @John Henry with Billy (sorry, William Parker IV, Esq), riding in like the cavalry (versus lily white TR), to save the day. To save Kenny (and his Mom). And certainly to quash homophobic 'Karen' "Mrs. Debra Thomas and her Hitler-esk speech", like a bug. I hope your health (and life), improve as we enter spring with the hope of revitalization for all. 🫂

Need a bucket of Tartar for all those Red Herrings. AND creole chips! Then I can have a Good Friday. 🙏

Oh wow! Obviously someone got things badly confused. But who? Did Rizen misread his friendship with Oscar? Had he been dropping hints about his (possible) sexual interests (perhaps in their accommodation at boarding school) and not getting any response decided to risk it all by taking a chance to force a reaction from Oscar? It doesn't seem to be a case of "just boys experimenting", based on Oscar's initial reaction of needing time to think and pushing a mate away. (a similar reaction we've seen before by lead characters in other @quokka stories). Add to that is the demanding attitude of his father, who in addition to being overbearing, was homophobic that frightened Oscar enough to induce an anxiety or panic attack? Oscar needs to speak with the CAMH professional, who must assure Oscar that whatever the patient says its not automatically told to parents*. Perhaps Gram and Gramps can help, as they're already sensing something different about Oscar? NB * This is not a 100% guarantee. In Australia, psychologists have an ethical and legal responsibility to protect the rights to confidentiality and privacy of your child. However, there are occasions when psychologists are legally obliged to disclose information, for example, if they believe the child, or someone else in the community, is at risk of harm.

I'll keep this shorts, 😉 @Robert Hugill, great chapter. Scoring?

Don't think that charge would stick. Great to see Fred doing so well, after being thrown into another 'deep end' if you will. He and Mo had a very Merry Christmas. Legal 'briefs' flying 😉.

A great first day of vacation week for Rizen and Oscar. Fun kayak and horse races between the two school mates. Hopefully rest of week goes by without any issues. 🤞 @quokka

@centexhairysub posted 14 hours ago: "NO!!!!! ... I demand it continue till I tire of it; or you die; whichever happens first." Bite your tongue, repeatedly! I know it was said in jest, but sadly that had happened to some excellent authors, who unexpectedly left us, with tales untold or unfinished 🥹 . As for this much appreciated author, @Robert Hugill, even tho the saying is: "All good things must come to an end", that doesn't mean it has to be hastened. You wrote: "So, this story is, I am afraid, drawing to a close with only a couple more chapters to go". But, that still requires an epilogue, perhaps with a few hints of what's to come a few years down the road (inheritance delivered, Joe's next steps in education and career, a marriage, etc. etc.), perhaps with a door that just won't close, despite renovations. Hmm?