Topnotch

I have this same thought. It’s in the micro-expressions. I think Perry genuinely loves Kyan so much that he is content with a close friendship. It worries me because he deserves happiness and it would be terrible for him to pine in his loneliness forever. I would like to learn more about Perrys relationships and personal life. I would also like to experience his joy when Kyan falls madly in love with him. but…how will everyone react?

On the surface level this chapter could almost be considered a fluff chapter. It’s cute. You have a fight between the MC and his bestfriend (who we know very little about) which is resolved in an adorable manner with the kids help, followed by the most in-depth conversation between aKyan and Perry (I keep wanting to say Penn. I love that man) to date. But like many have already pointed out, this feels like a BIG transitional chapter. I can feel the ground shifting. MrsG said the touching was a big deal and I agree. That is ALWAYS where it starts.

Perry is Kyan's cocoon when he's feeling like a sad-i-pillar

This made me laugh. Every kid that ever existed. How many times had Kyan heard the same events being retold?

Sad-i-pillars. What a fantastic way to create a space where kids can feel safe enough to process their emotions. It's done in such a fun way that the little ones will easily follow along. I admit this made me choke up a little bit. The scene where Kyan breaks down was so damn realistic. I could vividly see him standing in the room of chaos, at his wits end, wanting to scream. I was relieved he called for help. Of course Perry knew he needed the gym instead of a beer, and then a beer instead of going home. To have a friend that knows you that well and also isn't easy dissuaded when you're emotional is life changing. Not many people have someone like that in your life. Poor Kyan!! He's going through the ringer. But at least he's coming out the other side.

Just want to add that I think Kyan and Noah's conversation about sadness and grief was wonderful. It's a confusing thing for kids and parents alike. How do you measure sadness? Letting kids know it's okay to feel HOWEVER they feel is so freeing. I lost my father when I was young. I wish I had someone in my life who confirm my feelings were normal.

This chapter was truly beautiful. Talking about finances after a loss like that can be difficult. Much like pulling a bandAid off a gaping wound. It's not clear if he's planning on staying home for two years or if he's going to use it to supplement a job. With that many small kids daycare would likely cost more than his income. I'm incredibly stressed for Kyan right now. And Noah. Sweet Noah. Let me go buy him all the ice cream sammies. So beautiful MrsG. Another great chapter. Can't wait until Monday.

To quote Perry : We are one chapter in and it's clear Kyan needs to be cherished and this is what you do? Also - I know your stories and the writing is on the wall. Perry is going be my favorite and having him pull his sister off the bed to do CPR on her lifeless body inflicted real pain. I can't continue with this crap. *leave the room* *turns around* Please post the next chapter.

It is very frustrating but I'm curious how the shift will effect things. I don't think they are entirely off base. While the older generation stuck with a job, the younger generation is not completely willing to 'settle'. There is definitely a conflict there, but it doesn't mean one side is right or wrong. Regardless, it will change how things are done. IS changing how things are done.

The multiplex in town just shut down and all we have left is the mom and pop theatre that has been around forever. It's where I went anyway (the mom and pop). I kind of felt it was a win. I hope they see an increase in business. Anyway, I enjoyed this. There is a sadness in all the ways things change, but change is good, right?

Woowee. What an ending. I did not see that coming.

Incredible. If you've read this story there is a good chance you've read her other ones and you know exactly what she's capable of. This story took things to a new level for Jay and Loren. She wasn't kidding when she called this 6 part continuation and EPIC-logue. We experienced a trip to fatherhood with hope, excitement, sadness, and loss. In the end, we (they) got more than we (they) bargained for. You'd think that's the end right? Now their dads, what else is there? Well, you'd be wrong. It's only the beginning. MrsG takes us to the lowest depths of childhood trauma and then to the highest peaks of recovery. If you don't cry...are you even human?

I'm not too proud to admit this scene ruined me. I wasn't familiar with Coldplay so I youtubed the song. Maybe I shouldn't have? "Crying" doesn't do justice to what happened. Bawling, sobbing, absolute emotional wreckage. Everyone gathering there for him while his life played out for the world to see. All that pain he hid! It's like I was there. It's like it was happening to me. I'm crying now just recalling it. And then they're in Mexico and Loren thinks he might BE his parents? Nooooo. The ending though was perfect. Jay was his rock. Not just Jay but the girls, his nieces and nephews, and all their friends. Loren is NOTHING like his parents. He is loved and more importantly he is capable of loving others. The only downside of the chapter is that I need some time to recover.

Now that the story is over, why not make enemies?

What kind of weird competition did I walk in on?

Why did I start a story on chapter 36? I should probably go back and read the first 35 chapters so this all makes sense.

After everything Elijah did in the last story, the guy can't catch a break.

It makes me love this even more: The one person in the entire chapter who Maeve doesn't lean away from is Lars. Just like her daddy.

All of this. I can't pick a favorite. Each is so very wonderful. I did love Maeve with her frozen snot though, that got a good laugh from me! The best part of the chapter in it's entirety is the genuine healing I felt happening.

This is hands down the best chapter I've read. From start to finish. This is Loren and Jay living their best life. It seemed like every paragraph had me bookmarking something I wanted to highlight. On thing I noticed is how different the girls are. Maci seems to be so docile and eager to please while Maeve is a little baby bitch (in the best way) and I can't help but wonder if this was how Loren and Lars were growing up. It seems like Loren gravitated to Maeve more. He was the one who held her a lot and cuddled her when she was angry. Almost like he understands her. Not that it would justify their parents but it would explain why they favored Lars if he was happy like Maci, and did such horrible things to Loren if he was grumpy and icy like Maeve. I like how Loe and Jay embrace the girls and their differences. They don't force Maeve to go to other people when she clearly is uncomfortable, even if they aren't strangers. That's a big deal and something a lot of parents don't do. But they did say the number one thing they would do for their kids is make them feel safe.

Rob Stone has his own story?

This emotionally wrecked me. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what reasons his parents had for doing what they did. I want specific reasons to justify their actions but I know I will not get those. Are there even any besides selfishness? They really are despicable people. We know why they pulled the lawsuit. Defamation my asshole. You've got me attached to Loren and then throw this chapter at me. I could barely finish. The last half had me bawling. Lars. Sweet Lars. The survivors guilt he must be feeling. I cannot begin to put myself in his shoes. I never want to. I hope Courtney wrapped him up in a bed burrito. And Loren, to think this outcome was his burden to bear. I'm not well.

What in the... My heart needs a minute to process.