Anton_Cloche

Paul should've brought a couple of these 'Omelet Wraps' or 'Omelet Muffins' to the coffee shop for his mom to try. It sounded like Tim was just 'proofing' the dough before rolling them out larger (like a 6" tortilla). Recipe? Photo? Website? Hungry & confused.

You're driving up my kleenex, TP and even paper towel costs with chapters like this good one, Cal. Keep up the good work! I don't have 'Net' subscribed mind- numbing / entertainment escapes. During the last 9 months of varying lock downs, online reading has become a godsend. Now facing another VERY restricted 28 days starting on what is now being called 'Lockdown Eve' at 12:01 a.m. on 24th. Adding insult to injury, weather forecast is 2+ days of freezing rain, 12+ inch of snow. Oh and of course 'mysterious' appearance of VERY RAPIDLY spreading 'R' mutation of C-19 following same flight path of original 'wet market' flu. What I'm trying to say Cal is that your (and a few other) stories helped me get through so far, so (no pressure) please write more. You're Santa in disguise or at least one of his best elves! Thank you, Enjoy your holidays however you spend them (Merry Christmas). Stay Safe, 6', 2m or 4 cases of wine/beer apart, and #WearTheMask. Tony

A good chapter, and Brad definitely needs to plan regular outside activities for this children, whether trips, events or just play spaces with various equipment, otherwise these important young people are just being warehoused. Or perhaps more appropriately 'file drawered' (because the pods resemble file cabinets). I was waiting for an elevator to be installed (or re-installed as there would have been a freight elevator next to the original loading dock to service the workshop floors). I commented in an earlier chapter a requirement for 'accessible' spaces, including 'bedrooms' under the ADA. FYI there are a few pod hotels in Japan that now feature 'doubled pods' (1 unit replaces 4 regular stacked units to allow standing room, and space for wheelchairs), even though Japan has a notorious history for ignoring 'differently abled' people. Perhaps acquiring the building and lot next door will allow Brad expansion space.

Littlelovestories, thank you for this interesting chapter. It seems like Zeke can't win for trying to connect with Tyler. I so hoped Zeke would catch a glimpse of a blood drop on Tyler's arm and expose the cutting, before something worse happens. Tyler's already lost so much, he is in desperate need of rescue. I really, really hope this story doesn't take a wrong turn. Tony Ps: There are people out there reading A Promise To Protect (and other GA stories) but they don't click an emoji or add a comment. GA Readers, your feedback is all these authors get as thanks for their generous gifts to us! Give feedback, a holiday gift that costs nothing, but I guarantee it will be gratefully accepted.

Jeff's comments and actions (to Brad) at the start of this chapter indicates that he and Beth were well brought up by their late parents to be warm and caring people. They honour their parents by helping Sanctuary succeed. Bubba is another example of a young person (they're not just 'kids'), brought up by a single Mom, willing to help out. Mrs. Jenkins will be a welcome addition as 'lead' cook.

'As they find Sanctuary, an angel will watch over them'. Regardless of personal beliefs, (or none at all), people often refer to 'Guardian Angels' to reference someone who's looking out for others, whether directly or indirectly. And while we could all use such a being once in a while, especially in time of pandemic, perhaps they are there but we can't see them for what they are. “Angels around us, angels beside us, angels within us. Angels are watching over you when times are good or stressed. And when needed, hopefully their wings wrap gently around you, as a shield” So far in this story Brad is Pat's angel. Jeff and his sister Beth's 'Better Angels' may be their late parents helping to guide them towards young Pat and Sanctuary, as he becomes a guiding 'angel' without knowing it. Or, I'm overtired and this is all just wishful thinking? So looking forward CL to coming chapters. (maybe one a day until... 25th?). Sorry Santa, my list just got longer.

Sanctuary... a perfect name, (although I originally thought 'Haven'. But as the French say, "la même chose"). While waiting for 2B floors and ceilings to be completed before Pods arrive and are installed, Brad needs to urgently buy some additional 'Pod-size' mattresses so the children have something better than cardboard, doorways or 'Stranger's' beds to rest their weary heads. Sanctuary needs to welcome them ASAP. Got to stop typing, my eyes keep getting blurry with tears. I need to cancel my coffee stop and get a quik-pick lotto ticket, for the kids! Tony

So perhaps what I read (back in March 2020) was 'inspired' by your original Kindle post, and then 'tweaked'? "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery"? (not to be confused with plagiarism, buying term papers, verbatim speeches etc .).

Not yours specifically, but something very similar back in the spring (I believe from OZ author). Unless you're publishing under alternate / multiple 'nom de plume'? T

This really good chapter shows plans and construction moving along quickly but efficiently. Keep expecting arrival of commercial kitchen equipment like walk-in fridges, freezers and storage to feed 366 or more. I suspect they'll need to expand food services 'outside' the centre. Anonymous donors waiting in wings? A holiday 'miracle' with visions of warm beds, being clean and fed, awaits the children of the street. No longer thrown out but welcomed and safe.

David: I had to re-read your story before I felt I could adequately respond to it. In your previous response (to croyde) you wrote: "This story is very much auto-biographical and writing it was therapeutic to some extent, but it was also such an unpleasant process getting it done that I might never read it again". I understand the therapeutic need of writing such a story as a means of hoping to get some closure, as well as not wanting to re-live it by reading it again. Even proof reading it before posting had to be very hard. In that respect, I offer my condolences. As for the story itself, (IMHO as a writer and sometime editor, let me say) it is well written, thought provoking and insightful. It touchs, all too accurately, on what many of us go through with such a loss, especially when preceded by lengthy, harsh illness of a loved one. There are those who decry a sudden death, for not having time to say farewell. On the other hand, going through a lengthy illness doesn't make the goodbye any less hard. My hope and wish for you is that writing this story has, and continues to help you. Stay safe. Stay well. Tony Ps: I've put your other two stories on my 'must read' list. Pps: I'm a bothered that so many read a story but don't write a review or even a short note. Authors want and deserve to get feedback.

Finally a blueprint that could be used in 'real world' retrofits, not just for large commercial, office, and manufacturing buildings, but one that could readily be scalable. The only drawback I see with the stacked sleeping 'pods' as they are not 'accessible'. Street kids, and street people come in all 'abilities' including those with physical challenges, where use of ladders as described isn't possible. But that is not insurmountable. Now all we need is governments at all levels to identify such vacant buildings and encourage P3 (Private, Public Partnerships) to do this at cost or below. It is not beyond reach.

A very good chapter Bill, and no doubt a challenge for you to 'weave' together Fact and Fiction with the extended Currie clan. I echo JamesB's comments and request that you keep the entire Castaway clan - family and friends - from any serious Covid-19 events, and ALL survive. My previous suggestions for TCH Book 5 notwithstanding, now that we know that vaccines are on the way, it is anticipated it will take another 9 - 12 months to manufacture and distribute to 70+ % of the population (U.S. and other nations). That gives plenty of time for Danny and Brandon 's medical clinic & pharmacy to help others, while at the same time Pop/Jake's job in delivery may be involved as well. Not asking a lot am I Bill. But Christmas is coming and you could be Santa for your readers. In the meantime Bill, Stay Safe, 6' (2m) apart and #WearAMask. Sincerely Tony B (the younger, better looking 'Tony' ).

When I reached the paragraph where Toby went back to the diner but it was gone, so he walked back to his hiding place under the shack in the park, I started to worry about where the story was headed. As Toby passed the people he had helped, (on the way to his 'nighttime nest'), and they 'changed' appearance I grew more concerned about the direction the story seemed to be taking. When the little boy Toby has fed said to him, “Toby, you’re going to come home with us. You won’t have to share your food any longer”, my dread was that Toby had died in his sleep and these people he fed, were angels taking him 'home'. Thank you for not taking that route. It would have been harder to take.

Amazingly told story of discovery. The lost / wandering soul of a child who's life was stolen. Reborn and adopted by a loving couple, discovering her former short (6-yr?) life and sister. Acceptance of her new life as a boy. Heart rending in some places. Well done, and thought provoking. Reinforces Protect Children! Help and save those at risk, on the streets, homeless, hungry (especially bad when restaurant dumpsters they forage from are closed due to Covid). If you can't help directly, pressure politicians (city, local etc) to open closed businesses as shelter from winter weather. Food banks will provide meals as long as they have shelter

Premature babies arriving? (unexpected but good news), or... We're not lemmings (at least not me), so don't have us facing a cliff,

Someone once said, writing is like a coin. On one side, ideally authors write about what 'moves' them. whether that's a 'feel good' story, a historical tale, a 'mystery', or any other genre. On the other side, is the business aspect. Get published, sell copies and make money (whether text books for schools, manuals, or stories for the general public). While this was said before online stories (which is only in the last 3 decades or so) and self publication, it's not 'ancient' history, so all you Gen X'ers stop with the side eye. Let's see what CL has for us (no pressure...)

Wonderful chapter. A chance for the family to spend some enjoyable time together as well as celebrate St. Valentine's Day before everything starts to hit the fan with Covid -19. Trying times looming. I believe the entire extended family will come together to fight the pandemic. Hopefully some good and helpful (nothing bad) insight from Graham ? Thanks Bill. Stay Safe and WearAMask. Tony B

Only two more postings? Aaargh! Oh you mean only two more recollections from Carleton's diary. Then an epilogue? Or a direct segue into Salvation - Book II, and Robert's continuation of Carleton's courageous life saving street boys. When Carleton writes; "If I’m doing anything, I’m showing the world that these boys have worth, self esteem and given the chance they will contribute to making our world a better, safe place for us all. “Oh excuse me, there is someone at the gate with an abandoned child, that needs me and my staff.”, tells us more than anything he wants Salvation to continue, even as he gets older. He mentioned that the boys who where under 12 when they became his 'sons' were still at home are now approaching college age. If Carleton retires (rather than dying suddenly / unexpectedly) suspect he's laid out plans for his 'boys'. If the latter and Carleton passes away, trust Michael will be there to greet him, with . I still can't believe 'Salvation House' was empty when Robert bought it. Hopefully CL the next chapter (57?) ties up loose ends and leads into Stephen's epilogue and lays groundwork for Book II Thanks CL. Tony B

WTHeck is Chapter 57 CL?

Todd & Erick, Tayloe & Eron; as couples, brothers & individuals have to realize they can't be struggling like salmon swimming upstream (to mate) and expending all their energy in the struggle to get ahead. Sometimes, you just have to go with the Flo.

The Sultan obviously puts great belief in prophecies, but he holds no belief in the safety of boys from sexual abuse. Perhaps Carleton's prophetic words, "... if you think it’s ok for men to have a sexual relationship with young boys, maybe it’s best ... to be sure that man is no longer walking this earth. I hope you have a pleasant journey back home.", will echo in his ears in his final moments, as his plane descends.

I too am hibernating unwillingly and have better appreciation of why bears, GD groundhogs and other animals so grumpy, mad and dangerous after being F-ing cooped up. Unfortunately where animals loose weight, we (many of us) gain weight, especially if gyms, pools, or just walking is hard to do. Covid Kilos or Pandemic Pounds are a pain in the ass. Waiting for first round of legitimate vax injections to show efficacy without serious side effects. But those could take years. But 'our' vaxs definitely better than Sino & RU versions no doubt. TTFN

If 'Sultan' was at U.N. speech as diplomat / ambassador for his country, doesn't rate travel by chopper, but if he's 'ruler' ?That + $$$$ + ego = private jet which could be susceptible to 'accident', SAM or... Just sayin. Unfortunately it wouldn't send clear message to brethren. Just one less Next?

Noel (7) and Chester (8) now joining Mac & Ike in the Carleton's 'Salvation' estate. Unfortunately the boys recall the horrors they suffered during nightmares that disrupt their sleep. In time, they may find some help for what we now acknowledge as Juvenile PTSD, something no child should ever suffer. Jim joins those working for and with Carleton's growing team, largely made up from the initial 'boys' saved by Carleton. Thank you CL. Stay Safe, Socially Distance, #WearTheMask