This was such a happy optimistic chapter. I was most taken by the difference in their departures. Almost nothing vs. as warm a goodbye as you can get. Albert’s terrible advise to get ahead at any cost shows his true self. August’s total rejection of that advise shows his true self, also. Let’s all hope the ride to their new home goes a bit smoother than in some of your previous westerns! #nocliffs #nobandits
Neil has so gradually come out of his comfort zone, a casual observer would never believe how closeted he was! Berlin will be an adventure. As for the "wrong" side of the road, I will point out the 65% of the world drives on the right!
Levi is cruising along all happy and comfortable so it's about time for a Thompson to come along and add some danger and excitement. Hopefully it turns out better than some of our past Thompson encounters!
I loved the conclusion! Zane faced his worst possible outcome, he was made impotent, completely without consequence. For an attention hog like him, going out with a whimper is so much worse than with an explosion.
Eric getting his home back and Ash and Taggert openly sharing their love was as emotionally satisfying as it gets.
Taggert obviously inherited his grandfather’s brains and decency. Too bad it skipped a generation! My guess is a friendly joint ownership of the Fleming ranch, with Tag, Ash, and Eric moving there. I eagerly await the auction, but will miss these guys.
Thank you @Headstall and @FanLit! I am happy to report that my brand new med is working wonders just one week in. It's astonishing how my priorities and energy levels changed when I was in constant pain. If nothing else, I think it has made me more patient with people experiencing their own trauma.
I love this beginning! You gave us just the right amount of info, but not too much. It adds greatly to my anticipation. What will happen to Silas? He's a VCR in a streaming world now! Why did a Dr. take a job as a janitor? He must have been desperate to leave. I suppose those problems are long gone! Does he have descendents? Can't wait to read the answers.
I've not been commenting very much on my followed stories lately, my rheumatoid arthritis has been pretty bad. It's hard to feel engaged when you are in constant pain, but still working, just trying to hang on.
This chapter expressed a different kind of tension, of just trying to hang on. The mental stress of just trying to survive can be overwhelming. Our four young men are each experiencing their own anguish, their own life-changing crises, life-changing opportunities.
Can you imagine if Neil's naked bum sculptures became the trendy new thing in local rich folks' homes!? A bunch of mantles occupied by Alex's bum instead of Hummels figurines !
Beer (stouts & porters, just like Neil), kebabs, IKEA. I have to be in the mood for IKEA, it can be overwhelming, but their meatballs are yummy.
The guys are becoming closer friends, in addition to growing their relationship.
Big steps forward! Sadly, I think we know why he never shows his back.
No disgust and shame. No shouting and fear. No regret curling through the room afterward. No fire and metal. No blinding pain. No exile. No scrambling to leave. No pretending it hadn’t happened.
The thought that his father would brand his son for being gay is horrible. Maybe it wasn't his dad, but he must have been ok with it for Taggert to respond the he has.