CincyKris

I will preface my comment by saying that I agree that Norton is remarkably selfish, the particular kind of selfish that is not necessarily malicious (as I expect Malky was), just a lifelong part of his personality. He doesn't go out of his way to be selfish, but it never occurs to him to think of what others might want, need, feel. Oliver was obviously shocked that his father would be willing to convert to a religion he doesn't believe and be circumcised (ouch!) at an advanced age. All for another person. As for Julian's temper tantrum, I think he has more conflicted feelings for his gramps than he was letting on.

Without Aster, Naren would have spent considerably more time lying to himself! Of course, he's still lying to himself, but he is acknowledging it. Which is more than most of us can lay claim to! We saw great dynamics amongst the crew.

I'm getting caught up, sorry for the delayed response. These are two people getting to know each other, but weeding through memories of already knowing each other. Complicated! Sage being plugged into the wall like a lamp could have been a jarring experience for Nova, reducing him to a talking machine. But she thinks of him as a person, which he is. Just a different kind of person. If you really think about, there are lots of people being kept alive by machines and cords (oxygen, dialysis, feeding tubes, etc.). Sage is sentient, that makes him a person to me.

I think Julian is good for Oliver, he needed some organization! We'll have to see if Oliver is good for Julian. They certainly have good chemistry. I look forward to @Summerabbacat's description of Marie-Louise.

I can't wait for the meeting of the two couples! Even if they don't consider themselves that, yet. This feels like it would make a great play. We have the two yet to meet duos, the lingering threat of the men chasing Ethan, who also hurt Toby, and the blizzard is it's own character.

This was a great ending! Everyone, except maybe Owen, was happy and successful! I hope Ferdinand and Marco Polo get along well!

I don't know what all Naren has been up to the past several years, other than "earning" an expensive program. But, he seemed just as surprised as Miri at his quick efficiency at the mining controls. I don't think he's really tested himself properly. Not all that different from regular people, when you think about it. We don't discover a talent until we try it. If Ceres has a bowling league, Naren should join it!

I just finished this very refreshing and thought provoking story. I liked that it was not a traditional romance, it did not follow a formula. It was a reminder that relationships come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, looks, and sounds.

I agree with @Summerabbacat, I think Nathan's ex is behind the false complaint. Did Nathan keep his own copies of their session notes? Jonathan's mom seems to be a typical conservative politician, she parrots her party's beliefs publicly while voraciously protecting her private secrets. I'm going to guess she doesn't care too deeply about him being gay, other than it's effect on her socially. What a snob! I'm very surprised that no one has brought a same sex date to the formal before now! I can't imagine the principal has any legal standing to prevent it. I hope Ben spreads the news so more couples can participate.

disagree strongly if this is a serious comment

After Christmas, our clan needs to go to Florida and enjoy the open ocean .Just how big is Robbie's boat? We have Lynn's family, Troy's family, which includes Carson and Mrs. P, our boys, Robbie and Marco Polo! I think we need a bigger boat!

Oliver is trying very hard not to "manage" his learning of French, instead learning organically. Julien is watching to see if Oliver can accomplish his non-managing. Learning French has become their metaphor, as @Charles26 wrote. Their rift is not about Oliver making a mistake, apologizing, and that apology not being accepted by Julien. Julien is trying to see if Oliver can change the way he thinks and behaves. Oliver realizes this and is trying hard not to automatically think, plan, research, weigh all the alternatives, judge, plan again, etc. Oliver is doing this for himself, necessarily by himself.

So, if I'm reading this correctly, you all think that Julien is using his silence as punishment. And that silence is the sole source of your condemnation? What about all the rest of his silences before Paris? I see his silence as part of his personality. Julien nodded. He drank his tea. He didn’t say anything else about it, and not saying was its own kind of language—a man who noticed everything and commented on almost nothing, who trusted that the noticing itself was sufficient. I really don't think that Julien is being passive aggressive or using silence as punishment. I think he is just being silent.

Wow, I have interpreted Julien and Oliver so very differently than other readers! I really disagree that Julien is being petty and judgemental. He has not misled Oliver on his anger or his feelings. I don't understand why you think he is being controlling, dominant, or restrictive of Oliver expressing himself. Where in the text did that happen? Oliver is making his own choices. He is not becoming less, he is trying to figure out who he is. Is he the same Oliver that managed his marriage to death? Is the anger towards Julien because we didn't get a big, predictable "I forgive you" moment? What story have you been reading for the last 24 chapters, if a quick, happy reunion and resolution was the expectation?

I find it fascinating that in pre-industrial times “children”, were prior to puberty. In post-industrial “children” are below 18, for the most part. With AI, and super tech it is completely understandable that the age of emancipation or end of childhood would shrink again. Evolution is amazing!