Marty

Nothing wrong with the name Patrick...

Good luck, Albert.

Thistle's lethargy just a result of his innoculations yesterday, I trust?

Greetings, young man!

Almost as well as I sing. Morning, bro!

I've just read through the comments to this chapter, and I have to say that the accusatory and condemnatory nature of some of them give me concern. This story is being told from Chase's point of view, so obviously we know what is going on inside his head. What we don't know yet, and possibly never will know, is what is going on inside Hank's head. We don't even know who the "we" was referring to when Hank said that the point of the trip to Kevin's cottage was to "decide where we go from—". Chase actually cut Hank off before he could finish that sentence by jumping in and accusing the pair of them of going to the cottage to fuck. I can understand Chase thinking that, and possibly he may be correct. But a possibility is not the same as a certainty. It's possible that Kev is looking for a relationship with Hank. It's also equally possible that he's just being a good friend and has suggested the trip as a way for Hank to get away for a few days to decide what his feelings for Chase really are. But, as I say, we only really know what's going on inside Chase's head. Personally, I wouldn't be as quick to pass judgement as some of the commentators here seem to be.

After midnight here. So it's cocoa time and then bed for me.

I have a tendency not to read other readers' comments before making any of my own. That way my own comments hopefully won't be coloured or influenced by what other people have already said. A difficult story to read, Gary. But that's not meant to be in any way a criticism of your writing. It's more the subject matter, the dark thoughts, etc, that make it difficult. The writing is superb! I know I haven't commented on any of the previous chapters, but I felt the need to do so for this one: if only to say that it's about time the two of them actually talked! Okay, it didn't go as well as Chase (and possibly Hank) would have liked - but at least they did talk. Enjoying the story, by the way. Well, as much as one really can enjoy reading a story as dark as this one is up to now.

Never used it, and never would.

Howdy, Page.

G'day, bro! Sounds like you really did have a busy morning.

And a happy Tuesday to you, bro!

lol If you want me to sing, expect rain afterwards (that's how badly I sing )

Greetings, young Albert!

Although I do often complain about the rain, I am really happy to be living in the west of Ireland with its temperate, maritime climate. Currently just after midday with a temperature of 14°C/57°F and an expected high of 16°C/61°F. A shower or two expected, but no more than about 1 mm of actual rainfall. In the words of dughlas: Blessed be!

Oh, you poor wee child! Reverse the digits on your age and you'll get mine. Although in a little under six weeks' time I'll be another year older.

Aren't we all?

Greetings, young Albert! It was. I'll make you a bowl someday.

Nice. I had black coffee, and porridge with wild strawberries for mine.

Good afternoon, Page. All's well in Pageville, I trust?

Lovely! I suspect GA's resident Pesky Penguin, @Valkyrie, will enjoy watching this.

Thanks for making me laugh, Albert! Midnight here. Time to make my cocoa, methinks.