84Mags

Ethan seems to be turning a corner and everything felt very hopeful. I really loved the opening paragraphs where Ethan slept off his exhaustion. You captured that overly deep sleep feeling where you miss out on all the sounds around you, awaken sweaty, thirsty and, when you’ve finally had enough sleep, very hungry. To see Ethan begin to engage the outside world again is wonderful. I’m happy Jonathan will be with him along the way; I especially appreciate his insights. He’s good at expressing himself and gives Ethan a different way to think about things.

Take your time and really enjoy the many details of this well written work, including each chapter title and orchestration references. The story is engrossing and the characters captivating. The reader is able to wander through small town life as we follow along with Rick, as he overcomes personal trauma and self doubt to find lasting friendships and love. Along the way we meet some interesting characters and challenging situations. I really love everything about this story. Rick, Gus and the good people of Eagle Lake will stay with you in the most satisfying way.

Too funny about Elliot vs Elijah! I will fix my comment, too. Your poem is beautiful and perfect for this chapter. I don’t tend to leave comments for anyone’s poetry because I view poetry as art and thus too personal to share my thoughts about. But in this case the poetry melded the whole chapter together too well to not mention.

Ethan’s call to Sophie is yet another important step on his road to fully healing from the abuse, trauma and events of his past. The whole chapter illustrates how hard it is, starting with the the safe and loving present of Jonathan’s relationship with Ethan, beautifully expressed in Ethan’s poem. The stark contrast of Sophie’s overly controlling adoptive mother and openly discussing her own emotional damage is jarring. It is interesting Sophie recognized Ethan no longer felt comfortable with his given name, but Sophie couldn’t use his chosen, as if the name held too much pain for her. Michael doing well and Mrs. Gordon taking Ethan in is another big step along the road to recovery. While I am sad Ethan couldn’t face Jonathan with the news, hopefully his lovely poem and the note explains enough for now. Warnings are an author’s choice; I’ve never felt they took away from a story or gave away too much, but once warnings are set at the beginning readers know what they are in for. Having said that, since some works deal with emotionally triggering situations, it can be a nice courtesy for a particularly difficult chapter.

By the time we reached the morning after the school board meeting a couple chapters back, I found myself tearing up and often a giddy mess, overjoyed Rick’s life finally began to be all that it could be. This final chapter was no exception. I started getting tearful when I realized Marta had found her way forward with Jared and a career she loves, happy crying when Gus not only figured out a perfect way to continue his beloved performances but also now has a place to encourage artists and established the Festival, and by the time Rick was (re) introduced to CJ and Ozzie, I was full on smile sobbing! The introduction of Simon and his overbearing mother was the perfect counterbalance and reminder of how Rick never returned rudeness, scorn, or bad behaviors with the same. I’m so glad he could be a brief but important role model to Simon. To have those Rick loves and who also care so deeply for him also leading their best lives is the absolute perfect ending. The small line about Caroline Lee was nice as it let me know she is gracefully aging under the caring and watchful eye of Rick and Gus. The characters of Eagle Lake became real to me and it gives me such sense of peace, to know that all who are deserving are well and thriving. Thank you for this well thought out, exceptionally written work. I promised myself I wouldn’t gush, so just know that you are an expert in the details and that makes all the difference. I will miss Rick, Gus and all those living happily in Eagle Lake.

Ethan lives too much in his head. It’s completely normal to be somewhat outside yourself while drunk, and especially if you are in the moment of really great sex. It makes me sad that he seems to view that as the monster taking over. On a more positive note, I do think this chapter shows him becoming more self aware and much more open with Jonathan. It is good Jonathan calmed him by letting him know the perceived loss of control during sex was a good thing! I enjoyed meeting Jonathan’s friends. Oh, and Chuck, I think I might love Chuck!

Oh my gosh, they really are together! There isn’t anything, any experience or anyone that will keep Rick and Gus apart. The whole chapter had me happy crying!

Lawful, just in name, or merely in thought, guardians are supposed to protect both the person and assets of that person. Not only did Gus suffer a broken wrist by Helene, Zoltan and Magda are now encouraging her increased involvement in Gus’ career and personal life. It’s incomprehensible to me that they would continue to put Gus in potential danger while deluding themselves it is for his benefit. Whether it was an accident or not, no one should suffer an injury during an argument. Zoltan and Magda are so focused on being The Couple that put Gus at the top of his musical field, they have completely forgotten that Gus is a human being and not just a world renowned pianist. They are riding his success and his fortunes. Their desperation is showing. Good thing Rick has a good lawyer!

My heart is still pounding! Between the snarled Chicago traffic, worn out work van and potential for Rick’s phone battery to die I was tense the whole way to finding Gus. I am so dang proud of Rick right now! I admit it, I woke up early just to read this chapter and now I have an adrenaline rush and silly grin that I’ll no doubt be explaining the rest of the day. Well worth it! Rick has his footing and is ready to face Magda and Zoltan. Loved his entry line as he walked in on the scheming pair. Wish it was next Thursday already. Guess I’ll be setting my alarm early again!

I really like the Gordon’s. It will be good for Michael to have an intact, balanced family life. You put to very well... “They were at peace. Their home was a place of kindness and comfort.” It will benefit Ethan being around them, too. Ethan is remarkably resourceful! The long walk to the Gordon’s without complaint and the unashamed purchase of a cheap phone really resonated with me. He’s worked to adapt and survive.

I agree! ❤️

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (United States) 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). Can also text the Crisis Text Line by sending text: HELLO to 741741 Deaf or hard of hearing TTY 1-800-799-4889 Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 Text: 838255

Rick’s self confidence and newfound ability to confront situations (and people) head on was amazingly satisfying to read! With each interaction, Rick calmly, respectfully and with a touch of humor, stood his ground. The fishing analogy with Irene illustrates it all perfectly. Rick finally realizes that he has control of the pole and line of his life. (Yep, double meaning intended 😉) While I always sensed Rita had a hard fought desire to be a part of, but also best, what she perceives to be a male dominated business world, her lack of personal self reflection is astounding. She’ll never make it into that club, and also never truly understand why. Rick showed amazing compassion gently warning her off Willy. Can’t say I am surprised Gus might have been whisked away, but I hold out the hope given to me by the rest of the chapter. Gus knows how to find Rick. I just hope Rick remembers that.

Chapter 5 called it an adoption process. The paperwork, when it arrived, wasn’t discussed as specifically. If Matt legally adopted his baby brother, then by law he is Aiden’s father. (The original birth certificate is sealed under incredibly strong laws and a new one created with Matt as the father.) My best friend in high school was adopted as a baby by her aunt. She always considered her and called her mom even though the truth was never kept secret. In this case, I totally agree it is up to Matt what he wants to be called, but Matt will be the only ‘dad’ his brother knows.

Four different people, four different types of trust issues. This chapter packed in a lot of backstory and makes Jonathan’s actions more understandable. Ethans’s nightmare was heartbreaking. Right now he can’t see the good in himself and, even awake, believes the worst. It’s sad to me that he can be so encouraging to Michael but not recognize his own good qualities. I enjoyed getting to know Rayna. She’s got great instincts and self knowledge. She doesn’t just rescue someone, but stays involved and forms lasting bonds. Just as that was wonderful for Jonathan, it will be really good for Micheal, too. He needs positive adult role models as well as a solid maternal figure in his life. It’s not surprising Michael is leery of Jonathan; he is facing a lot of unknowns and Ethan is his life line. It has to be obvious how enamored Jonathan is with Ethan, and that Ethan is coming to terms with his own feelings. That has to worry Micheal where he fits in. I’m so glad Jonathan remains kind to him.

This is an amazing, epic read. Werewolf genre is hard to write, and this is masterfully done. There is plenty of suspense, drama, and intrigue as well as a very satisfying love story.

I think you are amazingly talented at what you do! Your research and grasp of small town life is spot on. When Rita first approached the school board several chapters ago I remember thinking, oh my gosh it can’t be happening again!😉😂 And, you wrote the tension at the packed meeting spot on! Of course our little drama played the whole way out, but after the voting 2 days ago and results yesterday, our sleepy little town is on the mend. Let’s hope the same for Eagle Lake and Rick.

That was a lot packed into one night! I held hope Rita had a secret girlfriend because, up until her villain speech to Rick, I didn’t totally hate her. It was more despise. Well that’s over! Not sure how iron clad her deal between the bank and old Heinrich is, but I won’t shed a tear if Rita loses all of Heinrich’s secret fortune. How dare he do that to his son! I will cheer if Willy’s millions and ‘good name’ gets flushed away, too. Rick and the town need to beware; Rita is cunning and vicious. Her words were sarcastic and evil. She won’t go down without a nasty battle. This story sometimes eerily mirrors the small town where I reside. Yesterday four of our school board members were voted out by a landslide over a closed session development deal for the sale of district land. Lawyers are currently untangling the knot. Rick might just have saved the town a large legal bill along with the likely hefty water bill! Jerry’s words and true friendship are everything, exactly what Rick needs right now. Rick has a lot more to face in the days ahead. It’s good to know he has people like Jerry and Carolyn supporting him.

Unfortunately, hearing about the person Ethan said he killed is exactly what I feared. Poor Ethan! It’s also likely that absolutely no one would ever blame him. It would be thought of as self defense or defense of other. But young Ethan would never understand that. He’s grown up in fear with obvious trauma and ptsd. Thankfully Jonathan seems to understand and wants to help. Michael working at the gift shop is a brilliant turn of events! I really hope these boys lives are looking up.

I genuinely love each one of your stories, all for different reasons. This was an epic, satisfying read. I can go forward, smiling, knowing that Jimmy, Sawyer, and their new pack are living happily together.

After what looks like a few days of marathon reading, you are now all caught up! Your reading and comments got me to go back over several chapters and I found a few new clues. So thank you for that! You’ll be waiting until Thursday like the rest of us for the next chapter! 😩 I will tell you it is hard to wait a whole week for a new chapter. I find that I often have Rick and Eagle Lake on my mind!

Part of my earlier comment was as a band mom (American phrase for a proud mother who has a child in the local school band) who was excited to see one of my son’s lesser known instruments mentioned. I’m so glad you googled the euphonium! The baritone and euphonium (two different instruments, often confused) were invented in the 1800’s so might not be part of concert bands, unless the music piece has been adjusted. They are mainly used for Marching. My son, now grown and at university, plays a tuba in the concert band (and a trumpet in the jazz band) so your thought about the tuba is correct. Plural: euphoniums. One of the many things I love about @Parker Owens stories is the attention to very small details. For me, it makes the stories come alive.

I really did not see the inevitable confrontation with Zoltan coming in that way; what a sucker punch to Rick. And then to not only call Gus a child but threaten to accuse Rick of stalking and ‘out’ him; what the heck?! It is not surprising Rick would go back to his negative inner dialogue. It’s been a constant, but it was still heartbreaking to read. Maybe as Rick processes through that awful conversation he will remember that his Gus is not Zoltan’s Gustavo. Unfortunately, I bet it will take Gus reaching out to Rick first. Like other comments, I’m cheering about Rick reconnecting with his high school lawyer friend, even if it was over stinky business. And I am ever hopeful that the anger, hurt and angst he is currently feeling will translate into standing up for himself and the town at the school board meeting tonight in the same way he finally told his dad off.

That was amazingly satisfying! I said this before in a comment, and I will say it again now... the women in this story are badass. Totally badass.

Ethan and Jonathan are finally in the same location! I felt the pacing of this chapter was really good, and as always, the descriptive narrative exceptional. After the long travel to get to Jonathan, it seemed exactly right how Ethan’s hesitant conversation began to unfold. And after that hug, natural to share a kiss. I am so curious about Ethan’s backstory. Perhaps now, with Jonathan’s help, Ethan can release the darkness that seems to haunt him. I LOVE the birds in the shop! They add to that air of quirky uniqueness one would expect in such a place. I’m fully expecting Ethan to find Michael dressed in some outrageous outfit when he returns to the shop!