Summerabbacat

Dani's passion for tie-dyed clothing. How did I forget to mention this @Ivor Slipper as another of the joys of @James Carnarvon's Ravello series.

Obviously (I hope) what I meant to say in the comment above @Biff Spork was that in this chapter, the chapter title a 'murder of crows' seemed most apt.

Although I loathe winter, which in Australia is considerably warmer than many other places on earth, I am quietly confident you will at least make it tolerable @James Carnarvon. The cicadas, the beautiful summer days and the long rambles through the hinterland (and please don't forget the lemons), are as integral to the appeal of your writing as the human characters (and this is not meant to diminish the strength of your character development in any way). I cannot speak for @starboardtack of course, but these "slightly lazy Ravello tropes" have an everlasting majesty that even the most erotic and sensual moments would have trouble matching. The natural beauty of Ravello and the simple beauty of its architecture, all of which you describe with such passion and reverence, is what sets the Ravello series apart from so many others. I am ashamed to say I had forgotten about Ennio and had only a slight recollection of Alfredo. As a "cat man" this is unforgivable, although I vividly recall the stray kittens who have made an appearance in many of the Ravello series tales. Even the mere mention of Alfredo and/or Ennio will be a delight to witness. I look forward to more of what will no doubt be another beguiling addition to the Ravello series.

@James Carnarvon, your “sin of stepping out” was forgiven upon conclusion of the first sentence. The mere mention of Ravello, even in the less-enticing season of autumn, brought an instant sense of comfort and joy. This reader at least looks forward to the detour from your usual teen milieu, particularly given the now-adult Gianni and Angelo, will have “starring” roles. I shall miss the scraping of the cicadas, the sunbaking lizards and the perfume of the lemons, but in their place will be other joys to experience. I am very pleased the family of five includes two non-human persons, Alfredo and Ennio. Alfredo will likely be a source of great joy and comfort to Sami. I am also very pleased Dani and Marco have maintained their connection with Sami. All three will derive great benefit from this continued friendship, particularly Marco and Sami. I had a good laugh at Gianni’s response to Anna’s query about his winter attire “I grew up in London, Anna,” he replied. “Twelve degrees isn’t exactly cold for me. You Mediterranean types are just a bunch of lightweights, that’s all.” In my hometown, Sydney, Australia, we are having another cooler-than-usual summer, with only a few days over 30C, although the humidity has been wonderfully high at 85%+. Many friends have been lamenting the “cool” temperatures, whilst I have just been downright complaining. Well @James Carnarvon you are off to a great start with this latest tale in the Ravello series. Your descriptive writing always enchants and I see no reason to believe this latest tale will be any different, in fact, many of the more charming Carnarvonesque delights have already made a return appearance.

The English language is full of contradictions, anomalies and peculiarities, which although frustrating at times, are I think amongst its greatest charms. Think words with silent letters, knife, honour and ptarmigan, so delightfully ludicrous. Think collective nouns, a pride of lions, a sleuth of bears, a gaggle of geese, a dazzle of zebras and a mischief of rats; however, these pale into insignificance in comparison to a murder of crows. In this chapter, a murder of crows seemed most apt. I found it hard to have any sympathy for Charlie Baxter, particularly given his excuse for the murder, he cannot hear his TV programs. Did his TV not have a volume button on it? Mrs Wilkins believes her Rhode Island Reds to have been stolen. She “snipped off” one of the hen’s toes which was infected. No wonder they left home. Jude’s torment of David and his endless reference to him as queer because of his vegan status and suspected attraction to boys is becoming very tiresome. Is this not the boy who in the last chapter gave River a blowjob and received one in return? Of course, his behaviour was not in any way “queer”, it was just two friends helping each other get off. Jude time for a reality check, you enjoyed sucking cock, so there must be a little of you which is even just a little bit "queer". “Later that night, she was able to lay her worries to rest. She recalled how the hummingbirds had appeared to be happy. It was in the way they held their heads, a hint of a smile in their dark eyes. Someone who could make hummingbirds happy must be a good person.” Doreen is a remarkable woman, and an even more remarkable mother. The boundless trust she places in David, whilst at the same time being a little worried/anxious for his safety during his forest adventures, affords David responsibility and growth. This combined with Pete’s growth as a person and as David’s dad, holds David in good stead. No wonder he is such a remarkable boy, how could he be anything but with Doreen and Pete as his parents and greatest supporters. Another wonderful chapter @Biff Spork. Although I do not share David and Doreen’s fascination with birds, I will acknowledge that some of them are very attractive and make good subjects for photography.

The relationships between David and Zhiv and David and his father continue to grow, and are nourishing and enriching for all, albeit in different ways. All three are kind, generous and caring. I wonder if Pete and Zhiv ever meet what their reactions to the other will be. The shoebox "incident" brought a smile to my face. Pete cannot outfox David; the latter is way too observant to fall for Pete's "trap". Conversely, the "relationship" between Jude and River is very much one-sided. Jude is using River as a plaything, which River seems to realise, but as he is hormonally driven, he seems to be unable to resist any attention Jude is prepared to advance to him. His hunger for any attention appears to reflect River’s home life, without a mother and a father who appears at best indifferent to him, he appears to be barely afloat. A delightfully light chapter for the most part @Biff Spork, perhaps the proverbial "calm before the storm". I was particularly "struck" by two things in this chapter. Firstly, Jude's diet is disgusting. Frozen pizza pops (?), apple turnovers and cola in this chapter, pop tarts and fried chicken in a prior chapter. Does he ever eat anything healthy. Secondly, as much as the forest sounds verdant, beguiling and soothing, I am afraid I could not relax in such an environment; not with all the birds which seem to be ever-present. Now if you were to “replace” the aves with felines @Biff Spork, I would be right there front and centre with Zhiv and David.

“Zhiv, I’m so happy to see you, I feel like crying.” Normally I would find such a statement glib or a cliché, particularly out of the mouths of babes; however, a statement such as this made by David or Zhiv appears so natural, so authentic, one cannot help but believe in its genuineness. “I found out where the sound was coming from,” said Zhiv. “There was a huge place like a prison, not far from where I was living. In one long building, people kept thousands of pigs locked up in cages so small they couldn't even walk a few steps. The pigs felt so much misery and fear, they could only cry. Their suffering and crying never stopped. Because it was such a huge sadness, at first I couldn’t think. As soon as I could think, I knew I had to go far away from that place. I knew I would never be free from the sound as long as I lived there.” I think it unlikely to be a coincidence Zhiv appears to have an acute sense of the misery of the pigs in the factory farm, even from afar. Zhiv is very intelligent as are pigs; his connection to them is beyond the realm of what most human persons are capable of conceptualising. I believe he is the pig-boy of this story, which would make it likely David is the insectorator. It may be that David will have a special connection or affinity with insects presumably. “I know you will. What I want to warn you about is that if you learn how to be in the mara, you’ll begin to hear that sound too. It’s the worst sound in the world. It’s like the greatest pain you can imagine.” Shades of 1984, Orwellian @Biff Spork. You are amongst literary giants. “I thought we could go to the lake. I need to get cleaned up, and a lot of people there are dying to see you. You’re gonna get a nice surprise! Then we can have a long, cool swim. Now, hug Erg and Berky while I put your clothes into your pack. Then we can go. While we walk, let’s not say words. Just let your mind open up and be in the mara. You don’t have to think. I’ll lead the way. Okay?” I am ashamed to say I fell, albeit for the briefest of moments, into the trap of superiority, surprised there were other human persons who wanted to meet David. I quickly realised the arrogance of my thoughts, no doubt Belnit has organised a gathering worthy of Sir David Attenborough. I learnt something most wonderful in this chapter @Biff Spork. I did not know that pumas, mountain lions and cougars are one and the same. I thought pumas and mountain lions were the same, but assumed cougars were a different species of large cat. Pete has grown more than any other character in this story to date. “Yeah. Okay. You know, Doreen, actually I’m one hundred percent with you on this. I’m glad you figured it out and made me do what I needed to do. I mean, I don’t know if I can handle it, but if I can’t, there’s always Burger King or Kentucky Fried for lunch. You’re right; last night was the best, and if eating some beans is gonna get us more of that, bring on the beans!” evidence of his transformation. And the chapter finished on one of the funniest remarks to date in this story “Yeah,” said River. “Fuck Shakespeare! If he was any good, he would have wrote something like that.” This chapter offered some minor respite from the emotional surfeit of some of the preceding chapters (and this is not a criticism @Biff Spork). The chapter was not devoid of sadness though with Zhiv's recount of the pain and misery experienced by the pigs, pain and suffering he was and still is a silent witness to.

Much has been written by my fellow readers regarding Dwight's actions, Tyler's actions and those of his father. Whilst I despise Dwight as a person for his bullying and assault on Tyler, I cannot but think there may have been some catalyst for his homophobia which was beyond his control. If not, then he is a truly despicable c$#t. As despicable as Dwight is, I find I have only marginally more respect for Tyler's father. I cannot but wonder if his new found acceptance of the relationship between his son and Rufus and his new attitude of "let's play happy families" is for appearance, a publicity stunt. I find it hard to accept he has had an epiphany. He will never be even half the man his son is. Tyler displayed a remarkable maturity that many of us would fail to display in such circumstances. I found his thoughts "It’s funny that I don’t hold a grudge towards Dwight, even though I spent two hours in the hospital getting scanned for possible fractures and internal damage. On our way home, I watched the video that Rufus had made. I felt proud when I saw myself dodging Dwight’s first swing and downing him with a vicious fist to the chin. I cringed when I saw him hit me in the stomach and then knock me out with a punch. But I didn’t feel any hate. I felt pity. The dude had destroyed his life because of his thick skull. Did I forget that he wanted to hurt me, Rufus, and maybe even my family? No, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forgive him. But even in the best-case scenario, he’s still fucked for life." profoundly moving, and regardless of what he thought, I feel he has to a certain extent already forgiven Dwight. I think it very unlikely I would react in such a manner in similar circumstances. One thing all readers of this story seem to have in common is their admiration for the literary talents of its author @Arch Hunter. I echo many of the opinions expressed by my fellow readers, this was a well-crafted and well-written, character rich, believable, thought-provoking and ultimately entertaining work of art. Hats off to you @Arch Hunter.

@gdanielthe video of him singing 'Oklahoma' as a child is on the 'net as is a video of him singing the same song live as an adult. The song as sung by him as a child was profoundly moving.

I must confess @gdaniel I had never heard of Billy Gilman. I shall have a listen to him and see if I share Jason's admiration. The only gay male country singers I was aware of are Ty Herndon (although I have not heard any of his music), Steve Grand (some of whose music I have heard and like) and Orville Peck (some of whose music I have heard and like). I am not in general, a fan of music performed by artists classified as "country", with three exceptions, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris. I also like Linda Ronstadt's foray into country music, and the first 'Trio' album she recorded with Dolly and Emmylou is outstanding, as is her album recorded with just Emmylou 'Western Wall: The Tucson Sessions'. Now to the story itself. Another "gem" of a chapter, the highlight being the open discussion between Jason and Pop (Dan) regarding the growing attraction between Jason and Alex. I am still surprised, very pleasantly so, that Dan is so open to a relationship between the boys. He is just NOT what I expect a southern, God-fearing Christian, to be like. Perhaps this is because he is not God-fearing. I had two good laughs in this chapter, the first being the revelation that Dan drinks Pepsi for breakfast (and does not like coffee). I cannot imagine drinking soft drink for breakfast, and if so, something as unappealing as Pepsi (or Coke for that matter). The second laugh was one which was quite unintentional on your part. As soon as Dan mentioned getting rid of the old DSB I immediately thought of Dame Shirley Bassey, who allegedly insists on being addressed as such, not because she is old (although she was 86 last month), but because of the acronym DSB.

Most amusing @drsawzall, however, I don't think the scourge and blessing is restricted to our teenage years. The hormones are perhaps more "out of control" in our teens or perhaps we (but not everyone) learns to "live with them" more harmoniously in later years. I do believe the efforts of your English teacher were NOT in vain @gdaniel. Much like your contemporary @Biff Spork, whose stories we both have enjoyed, your spelling and grammar are exemplary. I find it much easier to read a story where attention to spelling and grammar appears to have been paramount. I wish I could say the same for my grammar. I am approximately 20 years younger than both of you and I do not recall being taught anything about split infinitives or dangling participles and to this day struggle with when to use me and when to use I. I can console myself with the fact that I am quite a good speller though (and I rarely have to use spellcheck). Now for comments on this chapter. It was the most emotional chapter to date and I for one revel in such a setting. I was very pleased again to observe the calm and rational manner in which Pop (Dan) responded to the hysteria the "first kiss" between Jason and Alex generated (and I do not use hysteria with a negative connotation). I have no doubt his reaction was what calmed the "storm" so quickly. Keep up the good work.

I am afraid this went "over my head" @Biff Spork. I searched the internet for any historical figure with the name Sol Mundy thinking perhaps there was someone of this name who was renowned for their bravery and/or animal rights activism, but found nought. I then wondered if Sol Mundy was a "play on words", but if so, I was unable to work it out. Now for my comments, long-winded though they may be again (brevity is not my forte). Another beautifully and sensitively written chapter @Biff Spork. It was a difficult choice to select the most fitting emoticon for me, I “loved” the chapter, but was moved to tears, both tears of sadness and tears of joy, for much of the chapter. The ‘love’ emoticon won in the end because I am loving this story, and the content of this chapter was just another demonstration of why this is so. “I wish you could stay here with me,” said Zhiv, “I mean, all the time.” The tears began to trickle with this remark from Zhiv. Although he appears to be very happy living amongst many persons he loves and who love him, it is apparent he has missed the companionship of human persons, and who better to provide that companionship than a like-minded person such as David. "The Social Services’ in-house therapist confirmed the boy was depressed. It manifested as persistent sadness. He suggested putting Sol on a regimen of mood-elevating drugs. Sol resisted taking the drugs. He said he still felt sad, but the drugs made him feel stupid too. Celia had decided to drop the drug therapy." This made me very fucking angry. Sol/Zhiv was a pre-teen with no known suicidal tendencies, so why would a regimen of mood-elevating drugs be suggested as an option to “treat” his sadness. Dare I suggest because it was the quickest and the “least difficult” option for all bar Sol/Zhiv. I am glad he resisted the treatment as I imagine for a boy of his temperament and intellect the drugs could have made him worse. “Sometimes I wake up at night because I hear a sound in the darkness like a lot of people crying. It's like they’re hurting, someone is hurting them.” I am sobbing now, not merely weeping. For a boy of Sol/Zhiv’s sensitivity this must have been mental torture. When Evan took Sol inside the enormous long shed where the pigs were kept, he broke down. He was so overcome with terror that Evan had to take him back to their house. It was hours before he ceased weeping, cascades of huge, gasping sobs. Evan had tried to discover the cause of his distress. “That’s the place!” said Sol. “That’s the place where the sadness comes from. Don’t you hear it?” “No,” said Evan. “I know people say I’m too sad, and it’s a problem,” Sol had said. “But now I know: All that sadness is not coming from inside me. It’s their sadness that I feel, all those animals, those pigs. Can’t you hear how much they’re suffering? Can’t you feel it?” I fear for Zhiv's mental health. He will not survive in the outside world unless he is released from the hope/expectations he and the non-human persons have that he can perform a miracle and save them from the cruelty of the human species. "No,” said David. “There is no ‘situation’ that I’m gonna talk to my father about. I’m sorry about the ticket, but it’s got nothing to do with me. If you want my father to do something about it, you should talk to him. And right now, I’m gonna be late for supper if I stand around here much longer.” He mounted his bike. A chuckle at last @Biff Spork. I loved David’s fuck-you attitude. "Pete sat back and looked at his son. Then he burped, a challenging burp. David belched, managing to make it just a little louder and longer." This gave me a guilty, but very good laugh. It does not matter the age of the male of the human species, a burping/belching or farting competition is guaranteed to foster camaraderie. "Later, when she and Pete were sitting watching TV, David came in to say good night. He was fresh-showered, soapy-smelling, and barefoot. In his dinosaur-patterned pajama shorts, he looked like he was eleven. He embraced his mother, “G’night Mom.” Then he turned to his father and said, “Uhhh,” and hugged Pete. “Thanks, Dad.” “For what?” “For everything,” said David and raced upstairs to his bedroom." Tears of joy this time @Biff Spork. Pete has grown immeasurably as both a person and a father. Both he and David will reap the rewards of their renewed relationship. I was pleased the chapter finished on a joyous note, with the promise of more happiness for the hens and roosters to join their former fellow farm persons, the four horses who trampled the cruel farmer to death. I have to wonder how they managed to make it to the forest without ending up on someone's dinner plate or being captured by Jude or someone else from the chicken death-camp. I think this has been one of my longest comments on any story ever @Biff Spork. It is a pleasure to critique such a work.

@gdaniel I am a resident of Australia, born and bred. We have very different gun laws in Australia and support to retain the relatively strong gun laws we have is high. I have refrained from passing judgment on American gun laws as I indicated in my earlier comment, however, I will say most of my family, friends and work colleagues vehemently oppose your gun laws as do I.

Refreshing to observe that Dan (Pop) is not one of those dreadful "stage mother's" who push their children to excel at something which they may or may not have the talent for and inclination to follow. He is letting Mitchell and Jason develop both physically and mentally at their own pace. I am also pleased to note once again he is not concerned Jason and Alex are apparently exploring the onset of puberty and all its fun activities together.

An extraordinary chapter @Biff Spork; fragile, humorous, achingly beautiful and profoundly ugly. A difficult but ultimately rewarding read; I found myself running the gamut of emotions, from serenity to sadness to filled with rage, mirroring the events past and present described by Zhiv and/or David. “You’re the first human person I’ve talked to in a long time. You have very nice feet.” I loved the emphasis Zhiv placed on human person rather than just person. He is an intelligent and immediately likeable boy, but it is apparent he has been rejected by society for not “fitting in”. The feeling of sadness commenced when I realised the alienation and loneliness Zhiv has experienced for not “fitting in”. Although the non-human persons have clearly provided him with much comfort and joy, I sense he has yearned for like-minded human person company too. “I couldn’t live the way they wanted me to live. They fill their lives with thoughtless cruelty, so much that they don’t even notice it. They don’t think about it at all. I couldn’t live with all the misery in the air. I ran away. I had to run. I couldn’t stay. I nearly died.” Zhiv’s acute sensitivity has resulted in both physical deprivation and mental anguish for him. I found myself weeping freely when considering how much this boy has suffered and how much he is likely to suffer in the future. I just hope David can bring him some joy and provide him with a positive human person interaction. “Other animals said yes, humans had caused the problems, but they could do things other animals couldn’t do. Humans were powerful. They could think. Unlike all the other animals, they were not forced to do what they did by instinct. They had the power to choose. They didn’t have to kill, poison and destroy.” And herein lies the root cause of much of the destruction of Planet Earth by the human race. Humanity poisoned by power, greed, religion and a belief of superiority over all other animals. A toxic timebomb, the exclusive domain of supposedly intelligent creatures, which so often fills me with rage and despair and every negative feeling in between. “It’s not just an area, a place,” said Zhiv. “It’s a way of thinking when we all open our minds to each other. It’s like telepathy, but it’s more like music, a special kind of music. It’s how you feel and what you want, playing like music, and we can all listen, so nothing is hidden.” Achingly beautiful, spiritual and inspirational. Zhiv is truly remarkable. “Sometimes I think our bodies are like radio stations,” Zhiv said, “and boners are the aerials. They’re broadcasting what we’re feeling. Since we both have boners, there’s a good chance that we’ll be able to connect.” Humorous, innocent and childlike. One forgets Zhiv is a boy on the cusp of puberty until he makes a comment such as this. I found myself thinking often of St Francis of Assisi and Jesus and the characteristics attributed to each, the former with particular reference to his love for animals, when visualising Zhiv. Regardless of whether both or neither existed, the tragedy which allegedly befell each is something I fear will also befall Zhiv. His inherent goodness will make him many enemies. I consider this the finest chapter yet in this most wonderful of literary works @Biff Spork. I found this chapter very difficult to comment on though, primarily because the written word, or at least the written word I am capable of crafting, is totally inadequate in expressing the feelings it provoked in me. The only event I can comment on with economy and clarity is when the “bats fluttered around the boys’ heads as they entered” the cave. I would certainly have screamed and likely had to change my underwear if I had experienced this. I am terrified of bats and we have lots of them in Australia. I cannot abide them being killed though, often via deliberate electrocution.

My comments on this chapter @Arch Hunter may perhaps infuriate, challenge or dismay some or many of my fellow readers given I appear to be in the minority. I shall for once comment with great restraint for fear of having said comments censured. I preface my comments below with the statement I have no argument with any of my fellow readers that Dwight is an arsehole who deserved to be punished, and not just for his assault on Tyler in this chapter. I have not previously given any thought to a possible motivation for Dwight’s extreme homophobia, but the comment made by @Jjeffalch that “Dwight didn’t become this hateful on his own” prompted me to do so. Dwight may have been raised in a household of hate and homophobia and may also possibly have been a victim of sexual abuse by a male relative or family friend. Whilst I don’t consider this gives him an excuse to behave like he has, it would at least explain why he may be as he is. I also agree with @Jjeffalch, Dwight does seem to have become increasingly unhinged, suggesting to me he is a “victim” himself of something yet unseen or unknown. As far as we know Dwight has never been suspected of or convicted and incarcerated for any violent crime. There is also no indication he was armed with any weapon of any kind other than his hands. Whilst his hands were demonstrably capable of causing damage, it is likely he could have been subdued by more than one person given he was swaying like a zombie, or Tyler's father could have shot him in the leg or a kneecap which would also likely have felled him. I acknowledge Dwight has committed a hate crime in his assault on Tyler, but is this justification for Tyler's father apparently shooting him dead? For me the answer is a resounding no. What disturbed me greatly was Tyler’s unuttered belief “Dwight doesn't know dad has been waiting to exercise his second amendment right all his life”. If Tyler’s belief is true then I think Tyler’s father has murdered Dwight in cold blood and frankly is no better or worse than Rufus’ father; and is just as unhinged and as big a bully as Dwight. The thought that Tyler’s father’s apparent killing of Dwight could be used as political mileage and win him votes is to this reader truly repugnant, although given the state of American politics and American gun laws highly believable. @Arch Hunter although I found this chapter extremely disturbing and the likely outcome truly heinous, I must say it was brilliantly and credibly written. It is a chapter which would likely cause much debate in an open forum, particularly I believe between Americans (at least those who support gun "rights") and non-Americans. Suffice to say, I am glad I do not live in a country which has a "gun-obsession" culture which is prevalent in at least a notable percentage of the population.

“He was also a vegetarian because he was uncomfortable with the idea of raising animals for the sole purpose of killing them to eat. And in this, he was a bit of a dichotomy, a contradiction. His father had been captain of the police S.W.A.T. team, and Mitchell had expressed some interest in following that career path himself. When I pointed out that he might have to kill someone, he shocked me by answering that he was a pretty good shot, even at long range. I never asked him how he could so easily consider killing a human being while being so against killing other animals.” Mitchell and I could be twins, although usually twins are not born decades apart. I abhor cruelty to animals (and I consider eating them cruel) and am always very upset when animals are lost, injured or killed in natural disasters, but am rarely moved by the plight of humans. One of my work colleagues often comments that for a vegetarian, who is regularly vegan, I have a "violent streak" when it comes to my fellow humans. I understand Mitchell well, although I am not sure I could kill another human, unless they were harming my feline companions and then “all bets would be off”. I was very impressed with the maturity and selflessness of Mitchell in this chapter. His recognition that his brother is “softer”, more emotional than he, is something one does not necessarily associate with a teenager. Both boys seem to care about each other greatly. Whilst the boys appear to be quite different in their "natures", Dan is correct in his assessment that Tom and Nancy had given both boys a good start in life in setting boundaries and having expectations of the boys. I doubt Dan will have a trouble-free time with the boys in their teens, but he may be a lot luckier than many others. I am glad Dan did not seem troubled by Jason’s revelations of “sex play” when wrestling with other boys, especially Alex Stroh. I thought given his apparent strong religious convictions he may find such behaviour unacceptable and deserving of some kind of punishment or intervention. Another most enjoyable chapter @gdaniel. The boys are settling in well and Dan is proving, thus far, to be a fair and balanced parent.

Thank you for clarifying that J. El. For some reason I thought this was @Arch Hunter's literary debut.

This chapter started on a high note with David warbling a tune from Oklahoma. A teenage Gordon MacRae in full voice. I am surprised a boy of his age would even know of the song, unless he lives in or near the state of Oklahoma. Nevertheless, it was a delightful and most appropriate song to choose given he is on his way to meet his “forest boy” in person for the first time. Doreen should quit her job at the supermarket and apply for a job with the UN. She is a force to be reckoned with, but does it with such diplomacy and without drama that she has Pete wrapped around her little finger. Pete is softening in his attitude towards David’s vegan diet at least. His remarks “No meat? And no sarcastic remarks? My two favorite things! You’re killin’ me, woman!” and “I guess it won’t kill me to grill a few plants and be nice for a change” demonstrated he has a good sense of humour and does not take himself as seriously as what he first led we readers to believe. When all is said and done, I think Pete really loves his son and is making a concerted effort to understand him and to forge closer ties like they formerly had. “He’s vegan? What the fuck is that?” said his father." River’s father is the epitome of grotesque. I won’t be sad if he becomes the victim of animal revenge. Perhaps you can arrange for his demise @Biff Spork and he can be consumed by the pigs he tortures on his farm. River has several great obstacles to overcome if he is to become the person we have seen a glimmer of. His father, brothers and Jude are but a few of these obstacles, although frankly are probably the greatest of these obstacles. David was I believe fortunate that it was only pee he soiled his clothes and shoes with after being cornered by Erg and Berky. “Don’t be afraid,” said Zhiv. “Be respectful. They're persons, like you and me, and this is their place.” What wonderful sentiments expressed by Zhiv. I talk to my feline companions as I would to a human, it is just my limitation which prevents me from understanding the language they speak. I usually have a reasonable idea of what they are trying to convey, particularly Kiki (it's usually "yeah I know I am beautiful because you tell me ALL the time. Now stop petting me, fuck off and let me be, or make yourself useful and fill my bowl with food"). "He leaned back and looked into Zhiv’s face. “That’s you, isn’t it, in my mind?” He tapped the side of his head." A most interesting connection, one which will no doubt come in handy if Zhiv and David join forces to become animal defenders and warriors. A most enjoyable chapter @Biff Spork. I look forward to read more of the burgeoning relationship between Zhiv and David, to the transition of Pete and possibly River, and to the growing affection between David and the animals of the forest. And keep those references to such culinary delights as tofu and veggie burgers coming too. I for one love tofu and am very partial to veggie burgers too.

I had exactly the same thought @weinerdog. It would certainly explain why Rufus apparently loathes his cousin. I was surprised and frankly very disappointed in Rufus' mother, choosing to visit her sister and leave Rufus at home given he is grieving and is a sensitive boy. This is not the time she should be thinking only of herself and her own grief. Given her profession, I was surprised at what I perceive as her selfishness. I still do not trust Tyler's mother. She appears to be at least thawing in her opposition to Tyler being having a same sex relationship, but she has demonstrated her fickleness in prior chapters. There has to be some benefit for her to have a change of heart. Finally, I don't think I have missed reading any chapters, but I have no idea who Keith is, and as far as I can recall, we have not seen a prior appearance by Bradd. Furthermore, he is only mentioned in passing in this chapter. Another most enjoyable read @Arch Hunter.

OMG that is horrific @Biff Spork. Was this in the USA? I don't understand how anyone can find a vegan "threatening". Is it a case of toxic masculinity at work again? Children are often so cruel to anyone who is different, and sometimes girls are the worst. When I was in high school back in the dim dark ages, it was a couple of girls in particular who gave me the most grief over being gay. They were vile and not very smart. I was not out at school, but I was obviously gay.

Looking forward to the next chapter with great antici......pation @gdaniel.

Thank you for the warning preceding this chapter @Biff Spork. So much to enjoy in this chapter and so much to loathe. This is not a negative comment on your literary skills, in fact, it is really a positive comment on the power of your words to motivate, move and enrage the reader. I understand David’s disdain for wearing leather and wool, particularly the former, but part of me thinks it is disrespectful to the original owner to throw away clothing/shoes made from either of these products because of their source. In David’s case he is donating the products, so they are likely to be recycled and used by someone else. I have a leather belt which I have owned for at least 20 years, and I have kept it because of the waste of throwing it away. I am now the proud owner of 4 pairs of vegan leather shoes (which are amongst the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned), a vegan leather belt and a vegan leather wallet. I had read of shoes, bags, belts and wallets made of pineapple leather, especially in the Philippines, and more recently similar products made from corn leather, but had not heard of these products made from mushroom leather. Do you know how it is made @Biff Spork? In the case of the pineapple leather it is made from the skin and the corn leather from the husks. The delight David experienced when the crow visited him in his bedroom with a note from Zhiv was a joy to imagine. I vaguely recall from yesteryear (the paleolithic era) that first rush of excitement when meeting someone interesting and/or attractive for the first time and one’s hormones start to explode. David is on the cusp of puberty seemingly; the hormones may not have hit with full force yet. I have to say he is a calm and brave boy. I am frightened or at least wary of virtually all birds and really don’t like them much, although I would not hurt one (unless they attacked one of my beloved felines). If a crow landed in my apartment I would likely have to change my underwear, after having had a neighbour shoo them outside. I felt nauseous when Jude and River forced the bacon down David’s throat. I find the smell of bacon, especially if combined with eggs, amongst the most repugnant smell of any cooked animal flesh. In David’s circumstances I would likely have vomited. I recall as a teenager if I got drunk at a party I would get one of my friends, who was also likely drunk, to say to me "imagine having a greasy pork chop sliding down your throat”. I distinctly recall on at least three occasions it “did the trick” and I vomited. Aaaaarrrrrgggghhhh, the stupidity of youth. River is questioning his participation in David’s torment. He is showing great promise. As for Jude, he is odious, likely a product of his upbringing. His treatment of the chickens made me feel ashamed to be human. The farmer trampled to death by the horses. Karma is sometimes a bitch, arsehole. Horses revenge; justice prevails. How perfect. And my final rant “My brother Nicky says, ‘If God didn’t want us to eat animals, why did he make them outta meat?” How often have I had this adage thrown at me when I have made comments about the consumption of animals for food. I find this 'religious argument' for the eating of meat the most offensive of all the arguments offered for the slaughter of animals for their consumption. Keep the entertainment and education coming @Biff Spork.

Wow, just wow! What an impressive literary debut @gdaniel. Worthy of at least 😸😸😸😸. It was a pleasure to read such a well written and engaging chapter. I am usually hesitant to read a story with an organised-religion bent, but I am glad I put aside my “prejudice” and persisted with the reading on this occasion. Whilst the adoption plotline is not original (and this is not a criticism), the story thus far is so charming, authentically told and entertaining, it was like a breath of fresh air. And what about that story title. I love to speculate when reading stories on GA, and in this case I think the growing pains will be experienced as much by Daniel as they will be by Mitchell and Jason. Although the first chapter had a concentration of death of “minor players”, I still found humour in some of the writing. I loved Daniel’s reaction to the death of his wife “The first thing I did after she died was to clean house and recover the guest room and spare bedroom from the mess they were in. Those had been her sewing rooms. I had the house fumigated and professionally cleaned to get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke. And I cleaned out all of the closets except my own. And I mean cleaned them out! Empty. Nada. Bare as a baby's butt.” I am not sure my finding humour in this was “appropriate”, but Daniel’s practicality in the face of grief and adversity was so delightfully unexpected it appealed greatly, particularly his reference to cleaning out all the closets except his own. It is likely a completely “innocent” remark, but I immediately wondered if it has a gay subtext. I shall wait with bated breath to find out @gdaniel.

A mixed bag of emotions was experienced by this reader in reading this chapter @Biff Spork, testament to your profound literary skills. David’s enjoyment of the forest on his second visit was perhaps the one light and truly joyful moment in this chapter. Your description of the physical environment of the forest so powerful I could smell the damp and earth of the forest floor. River’s admiration for the beauty of David and his angst because of this was beautifully and authentically written. His linking of veganism to homosexuality gave me a good laugh as I have so often read articles (usually by right-wing nutjobs who are often from the USA) where the author/speaker somehow draws a link between veganism and homosexuality (to them vegans are seemingly often regarded with almost as much disdain, fear and mistrust as “gays”) and socialism/communism and the general breakdown of law and order. Complete bullshit of course, but in River’s case it was at least a little amusing. River’s comment “It was hard work, but he didn’t mind the labor. He was big for his age and strong. What bothered him was the screaming. It haunted his memory. Tail-docking wasn’t so bad. The piglets only shrieked a few times when he snipped their tails, but when he castrated them, they seemed to understand they’d lost something important, and their screams were filled with rage and sorrow” filled me with a sense of hope that he is a boy who like David is going to “break the mold” and emerge as a warrior for animals. The description of the piglet castration filled me with rage, particularly when done on such a large scale, with in some cases the apparent enjoyment of the cruelty inflicted (River's odious father), in what must surely be a “factory farm” environment. It also gave me food for thought and an uncomfortable feeling for an albeit relatively brief moment. It made me examine my attitude towards neutering of domestic companions. In my case cats, which I have always had neutered. I am comfortable with the decision I have made, even if it is not my decision to make, because the life of a female cat in particular if left entire, is often not a happy, healthy or long one. Much like many females of the human species, female cats if on heat have little “protection” from the lust-driven advances of male cats. Additionally, with so many domestic companions surrendered to animal shelters (what a fucking euphemism in so many instances) or dumped in the wild, the cat population if left unfettered would be even less sustainable than what it is at present. I could not with clear conscience contribute further to the murder of domestic companions because of their sheer numbers. Feral cats in Australia are a huge problem, solely because of the stupidity, selfishness and often stinginess of the human species. I shall cease proselytising now as I must spend some "cuddle" time with said feline companions, one of whom likes nothing better than to "climb" on to my laptop keyboard when I am trying to type.