Summerabbacat

Several of my fellow readers and our resident wordsmith @James Carnarvon have made comments and offered possible explanations for Lorenzo’s appalling attitude towards his son. All have been very measured. With all due respect to my fellow readers and to James, my comments are not measured. I was infuriated by this smug bastard’s remarks from the moment he opened his hateful mouth. I don’t give a shit what happened to him as a child or what may have influenced his attitudes, he is a first-rate asshole through and through and does not deserve to have a son as wonderful as Marco. No wonder poor Marco is like a frightened mouse, having such a bully as a father. Lorenzo’s rudeness towards Gianni, the predictable insinuations of molestation or “recruiting for the gay agenda" had me tightening my fists. I was surprised his snide comments about the “feeble” behaviour of other people’s children did not provoke a stronger reaction from Paolo, Patrizia and/or Elena. Intellectually I know violence only begets violence and does not resolve anything, but I so wanted Paolo and/or Gianni to tell Lorenzo to fuck off and then punch the bejesus out of him. And as for the spineless bitch Gemma, she is as predictable and pathetic as her asshole of a husband. I don’t know what the collective noun for a pair of assholes is, but whatever it is it applies to Lorenzo and Gemma. I was hoping Patrizia and/or Elena would bitch slap her into the middle of next week. I realise she is afraid of her husband, but she needs to grow a spine to protect her son. If she can't then she should fuck off too. Although I am not overly fond of children, I despise those who have them and then neglect and/or abuse them. Frankly Marco deserves way better than these two losers. I have commented previously that the priest (and I apologise again James, but I still cannot remember his name) may have been a useful person to bring to the discussion too as suggested by @drpaladin. Given Lorenzo’s final comments “They have the nerve to tell us how to bring up our own son? So that he can turn out as… feeble as their own brood? As long as Marco lives under my roof, I’ll see him brought up as a proper man.” I doubt even the priest would have made any difference. Lorenzo is determined to remain an asshole at all costs, even if were to mean the death of Marco by suicide. Now that I have vented my virtual rage (and boy did it feel good), I will comment in a more even manner on the rest of the chapter. I confess to growing a little weary of Sami and can understand why Gianni is maybe having second thoughts. I will attest to being impatient and very results-oriented @James Carnarvon, and therefore am entirely unsuited to being a parent to human children or attempting to understand them. Angelo was delightfully amorous in this chapter, reminding Gianni why he is so beloved. I too would have wanted to leave the restaurant before the fireworks, which I find excruciatingly boring and overrated, to make far more interesting, and less environmentally damaging, fireworks at home in the boudoir. Brilliantly written chapter @James Carnarvon. I chose the ‘Angry’ emoticon which I could never have imagined being apt for a story in the Ravello series. Lorenzo is detestable certainly, but he is still believable. Too often characters like him become a caricature; you avoided that pitfall with your usual economy of words. An extremely well written and authentic asshole, so unlike any other character in any of the Ravello series. Did you find him more difficult to write or was it an enjoyable challenge?

River is experiencing what it means to be a happy boy and is revelling in the experience. Who else would be so happy to be a super-hero's sidekick named Asshole, albeit a super-hero he had the honour of naming 'The Insectorator'. David got his answer, not only did he connect with River in the mara, Zhiv did also. He, River, has finally found the family he has yearned for since his mother's death, a family who has readily accepted him "warts and all". I believe River will be a source of great comfort to David in the turbulent times ahead, times in which I fear Zhiv will not survive. Pete apologised to David for his part in the "trout incident" which led to David becoming a vegan. Pete is a changed man, a man with such empathy now. I believe both he and Doreen will move heaven and earth to protect their beloved David and also Zhiv now they know what he means to David. I was also very impressed when Pete, very politely, told Hector to back off in questioning David regarding his extraordinary abilities to communicate with the animals as demonstrated during the "wasp incident". Respect for Hector too when he readily accepted Pete's stance. An enjoyable chapter @Biff Spork, one which challenged me and made me examine my attitude towards, and treatment of, insects. I am proud to say I do not intentionally kill flies, ants or cockroaches, although I do not stop my cats from killing the latter. I have no such compunction towards mosquitoes and fleas though. I will gladly murder mosquitoes and have easily and joyfully killed fleas in the past when any of my cats have been afflicted with them. I would also have no compunction killing ticks if I ever found one on my cats. My current feline family have fortunately never had fleas or ticks as they are indoor cats, who only have access to the outside world of the terrace on the upper floor of my apartment, but only when I am home.

@gdaniel you described Sam and Danny's first sexual experience with each other as lovers beautifully (without any of the fumbling and embarrassment often associated with losing one's V card). Sam's father surprised with his reaction to Sam's revelation of their night of oral ecstasy. It was the same reaction one could imagine him having if Sam had had his first experience with a female; my son the stud. He is such a positive influence on both Sam and Danny. The school assembly presentation was the "perfect" forum for ugliness, but the surprise was it was not a fellow student who voiced their objection, but an alleged journalist (a future young Republican?). His ugliness was beautifully counteracted by Randy and Kathy. Randy's comments in particular reminded me of a wonderful article I read in the late 1980's, at the height of AIDS hysteria, in the local gay press. It was an account from a well known gay activist who described an incident where he had been abused (restricted to verbal abuse if I remember correctly) by some male neanderthals, who continually yelled "poofter" at him. This activist was not one to shy from such abuse and yelled back at the offending neanderthals "That's Miss Poofter to you". Physically the activist was well built and quite butch looking, except perhaps for his attire. That story has stuck with me for many years, possibly because his brother was employed by the same government department as me and I knew him somewhat. The boys continue to delight your readers @gdaniel as do their progressive parents.

My apologies @pvtguy if my comment offended. My comment was largely made in jest, the motivation being to encourage @James Carnarvon to retain his style because I think he writes beautifully without professional teaching. I also wanted to convey to him the message that to receive professional teaching may result in him changing his style to suit how a professional thinks he should write if said professional found his writing "wanting" in any way. If this became the case the authenticity with which he writes may be negatively impacted. My comment was also partially "inspired" by the Doris Day/Clark Gable film 'Teacher's Pet' which I have seen on a number of occasions and always found very amusing.

I strongly doubt it. Of the Ravello series, the only one which I liked less in any appreciable degree was La Bella Vacanza. The story itself was still very well written and fan favourites such as the scraping cicadas ever present, but for me it felt like the "odd one out" because of the limited appearance of the usual cast of local characters. I did not warm to Reza to any extent either, but I do recall you saying the storyline was more superficial, in depth characterisation was not the intent of the story, a reflection perhaps of its "holiday" nature. I have no doubt I shall enjoy a return visit to your back catalogue, much as I do when revisiting musical favourites.

A very emotionally charged chapter @gdaniel. Papa Whittington certainly put the sister(s) in her/their place when comments were made about the boys behaving "inappropriately". The reactions of the boys' siblings was a pleasant surprise, more particularly that of Bob. It appears Papa Whittington's concern Bob may not be as accepting of his brother as he and his wife are was misplaced. The rescue had me in tears; Dan's act of selflessness truly remarkable. He may be the smaller of the two boys, but his bravery was boundless in saving his beloved Samuel. A delightful chapter yet again @gdaniel. I am not sure that a dozen will be sufficient to satisfy your follower's though. We may have to revolt and demand more.

No professional training. Perhaps this why your "evocative descriptions" work so well; your mind has not been polluted by "experts". The landscape and culture conveyance has worked all in ALL your stories. Your economy with words is so often remarkable. I shall have to revisit your "back catalogue" again, particularly The Summer of the Firefly to view your growth as an author. I have read works by other authors on GA where I have noted a very significant change in their writing skills as their confidence grew, but was only able to do this with "binge" reading. With your works I have read them as you published them, so serenely happy was I to return to Ravello with "old friends" without delay.

“It’s hard for you, isn’t it?” Gianni said. Marco gave him a puzzled look. “What is?” “Letting people look after you.” Marco looked a little thrown by the question. “I…” Gianni gave him a reassuring rub on the shoulder. “Don’t worry about it,” he said. “But… we all need a bit of looking after, sometimes.” Marco shrugged. “I wouldn’t know.” “Go on,” Gianni urged. “Get involved. Dani’s right – you’ll feel better for it.” “All right.” This had me reaching for those virtual tissues again @James Carnarvon . Gianni is so sensitive to Marco's woes. Perhaps Gianni recognises a little of himself in Marco. I don't know what you have planned for Marco, but I would so like him to one day be "The Mouse That Roared". He has been downtrodden for so long, malaise has become second nature. I hope to see Patrizia, Elena and Gianni follow through on staging an intervention, with perhaps the priest (whose name I simply cannot remember) brought in as reinforcement. Between them surely they could knock some sense (literally if need be) into Marco's parents' heads. If this cannot be, then perhaps a more suitable living environment can be found for Marco. Perhaps Gianni and Angelo can adopt Marco (insisting Lorenzo and Gemma surrender their parental rights) and Reza and Tiziana can adopt Sami. There you go James and fellow readers, problems sorted. Another fine chapter @James Carnarvon. Even though I hate the cold and just cannot understand the appeal of snow, I loved your description of the "pale golden sun that blushed the trees and whitewashed buildings from the gaps between the cotton-wool clouds." You may have indicated previously in chapter comment, but have you done a professional writing course or tertiary studies in literature, journalism or the like?

I had to laugh @scrubber6620and @Biff Spork as The Wiggles are a popular children's entertainment group formed in my hometown, Sydney, Australia, in 1991. I believe they are known internationally so you both may have heard of them, depending on your country of residence. It seems with some of the attacks the animals are starting to mimic human behaviour i.e. random attacks for no apparent reason. I can understand the attack on the farmer trying to separate the calf from its mother and the alligator attacks, but the raccoon attack seemed totally unprovoked. I cannot find fault with the animals for doing this though as they have been under attack from humans for such a long time. Celia had an epiphany; she is conflicted with what to do about Zhiv (Sol). Professionally she wants to swoop in and rescue him, personally she is challenging the notion he needs rescuing. As noted by @scrubber6620 in his first comment above, both Hector and Celia will be pleasantly surprised when they meet David at dinner tonight. I am eager to see what Pete is going to say to David now he has concluded David is visiting Jana Mountain to meet with Zhiv (Sol). I don't believe Pete will have any "moral" objection to any relationship which may be forming between the two; I think his overriding concern will be for the safety of David, and also the safety of Zhiv. He knows only too well the pressure that is being applied by parties with vested interests to "sort out this animal problem". I hate both Art Jameson and Jude Bedford, but for some reason I felt some sadness for each in this chapter. Art's world is falling apart and I think he knows it. He knows no other way to live than how he has been living. Jude has little to redeem himself and is inherently a horrible person, but he has also been influenced by his upbringing and knows no other way to live. I won't be sad though if any of the animals have the opportunity to turn on either or both of them, especially Jude. @Biff SporkI don't recall ever reading a story with so much conflicting beauty and ugliness, sanity and insanity, and love and hate. It is truly wonderful, stimulating and inspirational, soothing and traumatising. I have also learned a bit about myself reading this wonderful tale, and some of what I have learned (or perhaps it would be more accurate to say had reinforced) is not necessarily attractive. I am my own harshest critic (as I am so often reminded by friends and colleagues) so am trying to "be kind to myself" for my perceived imperfections (I have not been able to give up dairy cheese, but have reduced my consumption noticeably).

Maybe not better @drsawzall, but likely more eloquently.

You raise a very good question @pvtguy. Sami may not be Muslim, he could be Christian or he could be Jewish, particularly if his family fled Ethiopia. Jews formed 50% of the population in Ethiopia at one point in history. I can only but imagine the persecution they face in that part of the world now, particularly given so many Northern African countries seem to be politically unstable and ruled by despots.

Although I do not share Pop's religious beliefs, in all fairness I cannot ridicule him for having such beliefs. He has not shown himself to be pious or judgmental of his fellow humans, citing biblical text to justify condemnation of those who do not live in accordance with said text, particularly the more extreme Old Testament nonsense. He has shared his beliefs, but the sharing appears to have been largely restricted to a like minded audience, generally with the purpose of providing comfort or as a celebration. He has also shown himself capable of independent thought and of personal growth on issues such as homosexuality. He may not be able to start a megachurch empire or nominate himself as a Republican candidate in the south, but he will be able to hold his head up high and know that unlike the aforementioned, he has lived his life in accordance with basic Christian principles as I understand them. I am sad to see the end of this story @gdaniel, but agree it is a "natural" place to conclude it. The adoption did not surprise me, although the addition of Dan's family name did.

I have been very remiss in my comments above @James Carnarvon. I forgot to mention the "second coming" of the story title. On this occasion I felt it was even more apt and so genuinely heartfelt I had to reach for the "virtual tissues" again (I try not to use the "real thing" as they are so wasteful). “It’s just… you’re still the star in my eye, Gianni. You’re still the one my world revolves around." Imagine having someone say that to you and mean it? And yes it was Angelo again showing his softer, more romantic side. Perhaps he has secretly been listening to some even older music than Pet Shop Boys, raconteurs of romance e.g. Carpenters, Captain & Tennille or ABBA (they are European after all), or maybe another one of my favourites, the ultimate 'Ambassador of Romance', the 'Guru of Love', Barry White. Whatever the catalyst for this grande amore, the relationship between Gianni and Angelo appears to be going from strength to strength, and I for one am very pleased.

The word holocaust means destruction or slaughter on a mass scale. Approximately 6 million Jews, homosexuals and gypsies were murdered by the Nazis in World War 2, without doubt an horrific genocide. I have read that in 2019 approximately 200 million chickens were killed each day for eating, with many more killed because they were excess to market demand or diseased. How is this not also a holocaust and how is racist to refer to it as a holocaust? When I read statistics like this I am reminded of Isaac Singer's quote that I have mentioned when commenting on a prior chapter "All other creatures were created merely to provide him with food, pelts, to be tormented, exterminated. In relation to them, all people are Nazis; for the animals it is an eternal Treblinka.” To say the animal rights group were racist for writing what they did is another example of speciesism at its ugliest. Doreen. What a woman, what a mother, what a spouse. Her treatment of River warmed my heart. That poor boy is soooooooooooo desperate for some affection and kindness; what little he got from his father appears to have evaporated with the death of Ricky and the apparent vegetative state of Nicky. Unfortunately I think things will "go south" for Zhiv and David as feared by @scrubber6620. Zhiv is a perceived threat to so many powerful groups, with much money to be lost if he manages to convince even a small percentage of the populace to go vegan. The groups in question have shown no regard for the lives of animals. I don't think the demise of an orphan boy who lives naked in the forest will pose any moral dilemma to these groups either, so long as his death cannot be traced to their organisation they won't give a flying fuck. Superb chapter @Biff Spork. The growth in the importance of the message to be spread by Zhiv and David is akin to the growth in their relationship.

I must agree with @Ivor Slipper, @dutch woman and @drpaladin's comments regarding serving Sami pork. Gianni is assuming Sami’s parents were observant Muslim’s and had begun to teach Sami what was acceptable food and what was not. Perhaps they were not observant. I have several Muslim work colleagues and a number of Jewish friends all of whom will not eat pork in any form, except they all love bacon and eat it (this I cannot understand). Gianni is motivated as usual by trying to do what he thinks is the “right thing” and make everyone feel welcome and happy, but unfortunately it backfired. I don’t think he should have refrained from serving pork to appease any religious objections Sami may have, rather he should have discussed with Sami before serving the meal if his parents had taught him that to eat pork was unacceptable. If they had not taught him this, then don't stop him from eating it for religious reasons. I will no doubt cause some of my fellow readers to think I am an uncaring bastard at best, but I felt profoundly sorry for Gianni and thought Sami behaved like a total brat. His tantrum at the dining table I could perhaps have forgiven, but to throw his camera and break it? No, that pissed me off and he should be punished for it. Angelo’s gift to Gianni had me shedding tears profusely. Gianni may be the “artistic one”, but Angelo has been revealing a much more emotional side to his character throughout this book, a side of his character which I admire greatly. @James Carnarvon I have to commend you once again on the quality and sensitivity of your writing in this chapter. Although I could not partake of the traditional English Christmas luncheon, which to a large extent still resembles the traditional Australian Christmas luncheon except with seafood and without Brussels sprouts, I did not feel nauseous when reading of what was eaten (and there are times when I do). Suffice to say the wholesale slaughter of non-human animals to “celebrate” Christmas and Easter is an anathema to me and not for any religious reasons.

The only part of the "modern strategic" game that I ever find of any interest (somewhat amusing) is one someone scores a goal, the scorer is "mobbed" and sometimes kissed by fellow teammates, who then suddenly appear to be embarrassed because they have done something "so gay".

I was surprised the boys and Pop talked so much about c u next Tuesday. I thought for sure Pop at least would find the word too offensive to even joke about. It is perhaps the only word left in the English language which carries any degree of offence. I find it very useful to describe hunters, gun lobbyists, right-wing politicians and just about anyone who pisses me off (this list grows longer as I live longer). And, it is a useful word to describe the "Robbie's" of this world too. I am continually amazed (and I don't know why) so many people are obsessed with the sex lives of others. I don't give a damn what activities other people enjoy (or don't as the case may be for some) in their bedroom (or anywhere else that takes their fancy). So long as there are no children or animals involved, they can do anything they wish with anyone (or as many as they like) at any time. The only thing I balk at is paying for any damage that is done to anybody who does something really stupid during sex play, such as some of the things people stick up their arse or women insert in their vaginas for pleasure e.g. glass bottles, baseball or cricket bats, bicycle handles. Really.

I don't think Hector means the animals of Jana Mountain any harm, his interest in them is purely zoological I believe. I don't think Celia means Zhiv any harm either, her desire to "rescue" and "civilise" him may be misguided, but I have come to believe she is doing what she thinks is best for him, even if he and others disagree. Erg and Berky are however, determined to deny both access to Zhiv and the forest. I find soccer a particularly tedious game (much like golf) and have only ever watched at most perhaps 5 minutes of each on TV. If the soccer players were as entertaining as the players in this chapter, it may be a game worth watching. Jude proves once again that the truth is an alien concept to him. River rightfully was wary of Hector, providing little useful information to a man he does not know and whose motives were not disclosed. I enjoyed this chapter as I enjoy all chapters of this important work @Biff Spork. It was a chapter with relatively little emotional turmoil, a welcome respite from the sadness and desperation of the most recent chapters. It will give me the opportunity to recharge and brace myself for the war which lies ahead, one in which I fear there will be many non-human persons perish.

Zhiv trembled. “I feel like we’re about to get sucked into the mouth of a huge machine, that we’re just a couple of kids who are gonna get chewed up. I’m afraid it’s gonna happen, but before it does, I want to be a boy with you for as long as possible. David, I’m so scared there’s not gonna be any cabin in the mountains for us. No rocking chairs on the porch. And that’s all I want.” Zhiv's yearning for lasting happiness, with joy from such simple pleasures, is heartbreaking to read. He is acutely aware of the danger he faces, yet he continues to face it. He is a truly remarkable boy, one who is an inspiration and at the same time makes one feel somewhat ashamed to voice such trite complaints in daily life. "Best of all, though, was that he was starting to feel better about himself. He hoped that meant he was turning into an okay boy." River's transformation is bringing him such joy, and yet he is still so uncertain of his worth. If a friendship with David develops it will likely increase his self-esteem. Pete's account to Doreen of "The Talk" was priceless. It is a testament to his humanity that he has settled into a vegan diet and now to realise he is OK if his son is gay. "Pete chuckled. “Not as much as I think I should. You’re right. I keep thinking it should bother me more than it does — I mean, the idea of him maybe being gay." I love how he still surprises himself, pleasantly so, with how much he has changed. He is a delight, just like his spouse and son. A mixed bag this chapter @Biff Spork. Much to enjoy, but the cloud of danger Zhiv believes hangs over him is ever present. I hope David continues to bring him boundless joy for whatever time the two have remaining.

I nominate Mr Russell for Dad of the Year, in fact, maybe Dad of the Decade. His frank discussion with Sam and Danny displayed once again how fortunate both are to have him in their lives. The boys explanation of what love meant to them was warm, funny and remarkable for their age. Danny's comment "I mean, I like the way he smells, even when he hasn't had a bath." had me in stitches. That sure sounds like real love to me. This story is similar to Growing Pains @gdaniel, but each story has its own unique attributes. I am finding each equally appealing.

"After several minutes of this, Sam's dad got up from his chair and knelt at his son's feet. As Sam looked at him without shame, fear or embarrassment, he made his decision. There was no way he couldn't love this boy and his friend, regardless of where their love for each other might take them. Well, I guess I know what those special times are, now, don't I, son." and "Yeah, dad. Thanks for being so understanding. Is mom OK with this?" "Yes, Sam, your mom and I love you dearly, and we're both Ok with this. I think Dan's mom and dad will be, too. But his dad may take a little longer to show it." Sam’s father is a revelation. I did not expect him to be so moved by is son’s love for another boy, let alone express he was OK with it, particularly given the story is set in the 1950’s. An emotional chapter for the boys, Sam’s dad and your readers too @gdaniel. I was not alive in the 1950’s but was a teenager in the late 1970’s. When I think of what I was like at a similar age to Sam and Danny, Sam and Danny are very innocent (and I was by no means well versed in the pleasures of the flesh). One often reads of how society “lost its innocence” after the sexual revolution of the late 1960’s; this is convincingly portrayed when reading this most charming of stories about two very likeable boys.

@gdaniel I agree with Pop that both couples, Mitchell and Tammy, and Jason and Alex, should be treated equally and have the same obligations and standards of behaviour to observe in the family home. Where I strongly disagree with him is his apparent blanket restriction on the couples having any oral or penetrative sexual contact with each other before marriage, although my beliefs regarding the form of the sexual contact would be subject to laws on the age of consent and if a crime is being committed by Pop if he allowed one or both couples to have oral or penetrative sex within the family home. My attitude has always been what I consider a practical one; teenagers are likely to have sex whether their parents approve of it or not. This is NOT as some would say giving them tacit approval to do so, it is recognising what may be the reality of the situation and refusing to bury one’s head in the sand because they have been told not to have sex. I believe if teenagers of any gender combination are going to have sex it is better the sex take place in the privacy of the family home, an environment where it is more likely to be hygienic, comfortable and safe, than somewhere potentially dangerous. It appears Alex’s father is not unlike Jason’s birth father, although to date his opposition to the relationship between his son and Jason does not appear as hateful and potentially violent as what Tom’s was likely to have been had he lived. Is his motivation a religious objection, a disappointment he may not have grandchildren or is it as is so often the case, the “anal sex” thing (as if this sexual practice is the exclusive domain of the gay men who practice it). Unless he is going to be a participant in or witness to the sexual relationship between his son and Jason, then what the fuck is his problem. Get over it Daddy and concentrate on your own sex life. I am not sure if your "invitation" to "heap it on me" at the end of this chapter was an invitation to share our opinions on Pop's "moral compass" @gdaniel. If it was not I apologise for having interpreted it as such. Whatever the intent, this was a very thought-provoking chapter; one that would no doubt stimulate very lively debate amongst readers in an open forum. Dare I say this is invariably a measure of an entertaining and successful author.

It appears to me Gianni's pressing desire to educate Sami about the cultural and religious beliefs of his birth parents is not necessarily shared by others, including Sami himself (he is only 7 or 8 years of age after all). Reza does not seem particularly concerned that Sami is not being made aware and he has more in common with Sami, at least as far as his religion at birth is concerned, than anyone else in Ravello. Whilst some may consider these artificial constructs crucially important, some do not. Perhaps Gianni should take a "chill pill" and let Sami be a child and respond to any questions he may have about these aspects of his former life if and when he raises them. If I may be so presumptuous to suggest Marco is more at risk than Sami. Gianni's desire to help others and his concern to make things "right" (an admirable quality to have) may be better applied to Marco's situation, something which in fairness to Gianni, he does recognise. Unless Marco is exaggerating the dire state of his home life, he could well use a friend like Gianni. I agree with @drpaladin, Giacomo is all about himself, but he always has been. He is now struggling because the two boys for whom he was the centre of their world, Dani and Marco, have formed an affection for each other. Life's tough sometimes Giacomo; deal with it. Ennio's "investigating the tree thoroughly with quivering whiskers and an expression of intense suspicion" gave me a great chuckle @James Carnarvon. I have never as an adult had a Christmas tree and would never contemplate getting one whilst I have at least one feline family member. I can only but imagine the demolition of baubles, lights and tinsel that would take place at the paws of my now youngest cat (she is 10 but acts like a 2-3 year old). I half expected Alfredo to pee on the tree, but alas he did not. Perhaps he will pee on the dreaded Brussels sprouts instead (now wouldn't that be a shame).

I don't believe Jude thinks he did anything wrong, therefore, he has nothing to be sorry for. I think his expression of sorrow was merely sorrow that he was exposed and made feel uncomfortable by Pete, whom he blamed for making him feel gloomy. Conversely, River has been wracked by guilt and shame. He acknowledged his lies to Pete and expressed great remorse that he had participated in the harming of David. River and Pete have much in common. Both have made a very significant transformation in their belief that animals are resources for humans to exploit for food, entertainment and experimentation. Pete and Doreen could be very positive role models for River if things continue to go south at the pig production hellhole. Pete was inspirational in "The Talk" with David. David's question at the end, hilarious and beautiful in its naïveté. Pete to his credit took the question in his stride, although he was unable to answer it. He did not dismiss David's question nor did he try to bluff his way through it. Another compelling chapter @Biff Spork. And that title, a very clever play on words.

@scrubber6620 I invariably read each chapter of this wonderful story twice before commenting, primarily to ensure I missed nothing the first time. Given how dense this story is, I find I often miss something the first time or interpret a scene or a phrase differently on the second occasion. I found, very much to my surprise, I wept for the death of Ricky and the apparent near-death of his twin Nicky, on the second read. Very little has been revealed about either to date, although what has been revealed has made me think they are likely very similar to their father, an arsehole. However, on second reading I wondered if the death of their mother may have removed whatever "positive" influence they may have had in life. It is the old story of nature vs nurture. I so want to loathe all those in this story who are cruel to animals, and for the most part I do, but perhaps Ricky and Nicky were victims too, victims of their odious father. As noted by you, River is becoming increasingly troubled by his prior behaviour towards David, and not just his behaviour at the gravel pit. I am not excusing his behaviour, but he has not had the benefit of parents like Doreen and Pete, both of whom set a wonderful example for David. Pete surprised yet again when "He turned his car towards Burger Baron. He’d heard they had one of those new fake meat burgers on their menu." He has embraced becoming vegan with a passion which continues to amaze and impress me in equal measure. Sheriff Morgan is revealing himself to be a most extraordinary man too. His enquiry of Zhiv "Sol?” called the sheriff, “Are you okay? Are you having a good time?” Zhiv laughed. “Better than you, I think.” “Is everything okay with you? I mean food and shelter, and like that.” “Thank you, sir. Yes, everything’s okay with me.” “How about clothes? Can I bring you some clothes?” offered the sheriff." impressed me greatly. He appeared to be genuinely concerned for Zhiv's welfare. He followed this with “You know, Pete, most of the time I like my job. I feel good about what we do because we have good laws and it’s our job to uphold them. But whenever I see that boy it’s like I see a gap between the law and justice, a gap between what’s legal and what’s right.“He’s naked in public. He’s an unaccompanied minor, a runaway from a state-approved foster home. He’s riding a murderous horse that belongs to the widow Wilkins, and he’s guiding a bunch of renegade pigs into a state park. Given that Deputy Frankl ordered him to stop, and he didn’t stop, we could probably charge him with resisting arrest too. He's breaking laws that I’ve sworn to uphold, but whenever I see him, I know that what he’s doing, what he is, is right, and that while he’s breaking some of our laws, he has justice on his side.” These words moved me tremendously @Biff Spork. I can only but wish the Sheriff may be able to protect Zhiv from the forces of evil which I fear will bring about his demise. A most wonderful chapter @Biff Spork.