I'll give you this...
Caleb doesn't run far. He was overwhelmed and didn't know how to react. His head will not have to be surgically removed from his ass.
Asa is a strong character. He cam handle Caleb. My loveable geek just sent back his thoughts on chapter 4 and predicts a ton of comments. I'm glad I'm posting on Saturday and not a regular work day (I do have to run an open house but no one usually shows up)
I'm lucky in that I don't deal with depression on a daily basis, nor have I experienced anything close to what Caleb and some of my other characters have. Occasionally I get hit with the blues, but thankfully not too often.
Family however? My husband and younger son have been hit hard. Especially my son. It's the basis for anything I write for my characters. I wish it wasn't this way but it's what life has thrown my way. Writing is an outlet for me.
I didn't even think about trying to sugar coat this and hide it. Too much other stuff needs to happen. I couldn’t waste time having these two dance around each other.