Wayne Gray

I don't bemoan that people lean on me. I like that. It means I'm doing something beyond myself - having some kind of positive effect outside of my own little sphere. Because making myself an island won't work. Knowing others is a give and take. This lockdown will continue to be a challenge, but I believe the answer to that is leaning when we have to and letting others lean on us when we're able to do that. you've never been an imposition, tim. I hope I've never made you feel that way.

That's really nice. Unexpected, and it didn't take much in the way of resources. It was simply a little spot of sunshine. Thanks for sharing, Reader.

"My batteries are almost gone, and it's getting dark." This was the slightly-romanticized description of the last transmission from the little, tenacious rover, Opportunity, on the planet Mars. It had been there and operating for fifteen years - thirteen beyond the wildest dreams of NASA engineers. It heavily depended on solar power, and over time the dust storms on the planet slowly covered its solar cells. That last transmission came when a planet-wide dust storm hit. The rover sent the transmission, then did what its programming told it to do - shut down, and hope when the dust cleared, enough light would fall on it to revive it. Though engineers in Florida, California, and Texas all knew ... it was the last time we would hear from the little machine. I think about those words and how poignant they are. Even though they were attached to a hunk of metal, plastic and carbon, there were so many lives involved in creating, assembling, rooting for, and mourning their speaker. I can't help but draw comparisons. A lot of people right now are pretty low. Batteries are empty. The only thing keeping them going is that maybe tomorrow will be a little brighter. What we do to and for others matters - perhaps now more than at any other time in our lives. We have the power to make the light in the lives of those around us. I know there are days where I can't. I can't. I can barely lift my head, and I have to force myself to work, eat, and function. Those aren't the days to give anything of myself. Instead, there are uplifting messages, conversations, and positivity from people I've tried to lift on my better days. Sometimes, when it's darkest in my world, someone I love shares their light with me. And so it goes. Unlike Opportunity, when I cry out, "My batteries are almost gone, and it's getting dark," someone shares their light. Just as I will for them.

Thanks, Quixo. Orson's a great guy. Though he hasn't known Clay long, he still understands a lot about him. He has a pretty deep awareness of emotion in general. Ah, Mason and Jeremy. Sometimes things are meant to be. You stand the presence of two people who feel that for one another, and you can feel it too, if you're paying attention. Clay could feel it. He knew Mason wasn't going to stop. Initially that terrified him, and it drove him to force Jeremy away. But now ... well, Clay's struggling, but at least he's trying.

Mmm. Yeah, these oats are good. 50 minute cook time worked.

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/51013/baked-oatmeal-ii/ Giving this one a try today. The loaf pan I put it in was just barely big enough. I find the baked oatmeal has a texture I like better in a deeper pan (it's more moist), so I never follow the recommended baking dish size. I'm a rebel like that. It means I'll probably have to bake an hour vs 40 minutes, but eh. It already smells good. 😄

I really felt that last stanza of the final poem. It sent chills over my skin. Nice job, tim.

Best of luck to your family, Brayon.

Jeremy is adorable! He's described in more detail later, too. So just wait. I like gingers, that's true. But then I like every other hue of the hair rainbow too ... lol. Thanks for the comment!

Thanks, chris. Yeah, we'll have to find out how that goes - Bailey and Harlan. And Orlando didn't seem unhappy about anything, until that last bit with mister Harlan. River action was fun to write! Scary stuff!

Very true, particularly concerning jealousy. Harlan is in unknown territory right now, and that’s always fun. Thanks for the comment, Tom!

Thanks. I’m glad you enjoyed it!

You really need to be ready for that one. I'm not joking.

Thanks, kbois! I'm happy you enjoyed the chapter. But, Harlan? Paired up? Are you sure about that? I mean, he's such a stony guy, right? But you're right that we'll find out a bit more about Harlan, and then some more about Bailey too. Yeah, it was a good challenge. I found it hard to avoid repeating certain things, so I had to invent new ways to say "Bailey nodded" etc. He doesn't verbalize, so ... that was tough. Sometimes there's no avoiding it. The actions themselves are repetitive, so the story following him has to be as well, to some degree. Congratulations on getting that mojo back. I'd love to take credit, but ... nah. You were ready. 🙂

Well, some readers have already read it! *eyes chris, molly, Butcher, and a few others in this bunch* 😛

I missed this one! Thanks for commenting, Jeugie. I'm hopeful this addition to Camp Refuge will entertain you. 🙂

Harlan is a man who usually gets what he wants. Though, he doesn't want much. That's a superpower too ... to be an island. To be unconcerned with possessing things and experiences. Up until now he hasn't had much challenge him in this respect. Up until now.

The laugh reaction is at what is hidden. And I can roundly respond with "I guess we'll see."

These are Homophones. One is an angsty teenage boy, while the other is liquid precipitation common to the Northern Coast of California. While they may sound the same, they mean two entirely different things. Really. 😉

Rain had fallen fiercely for a few hours overnight over the watershed of the Smith River. First, the waterway swelled directly from the rain that fell into it, but it grew into a raging torrent from the run-off cascading down the mountains and hills bracketing the river. Standing on the bank, Orson eyed the water. It was now Sunday morning, and luckily, the sun was back in force. He ran a hand through his black hair, the single silver streak glittering like treasure among his dark locks.

Just read through our entire story. Gonna start writing on it again this week. I really love these people we’re breathing into life. 🙂

I consider that a fantastic compliment. Thank you! This was really a fun story. It was even more fun to read the comments from readers ... and watch the wild theories. So, theorize away all you like.

This is good stuff, tim. That writer had it right. We're all trying to work in a time when nothing is at all the same. Where there are monumental stressors that have never existed before. If we need to take the time to just play video games, or watch TV, or eat more french fries, then so be it. Thanks for sharing.

Haha. Thanks. Corbin and Paul are both desirable in their own ways. 😈

There may or may not be jumping in Corbin's future. Luckily, you've got a whole story in front of you to find out. Thanks for reading, and for the comment!