Summerabbacat

I have always assumed, rightly or wrongly, Angelo is one of those rare and very admirable people, who do not need to hear the sound of their own voice, particularly in larger, group settings, to validate themselves. This was never so evident as when he chose not to "bite" when Monica (whom I incorrectly referred to as Monica’s mother rather than Emilia’s mother in comments on chapter 2) made her tactless comments about Da Rossi, the restaurant owned by Pietro and Anna. I think you write him exceedingly well @James Carnarvon. I find him intriguing, a person I have enjoyed getting to know more about. The “air of mystery” which stills surrounds him only increases his appeal. For me at least, he has been and continues to be, so much more than what I initially thought. I can vaguely recall when making comments on a prior book in the Ravello series, making similar remarks after initially dismissing him. He has been a revelation like no other character in your repertoire. He may be difficult for you to write, but his appeal continues to strengthen, for me at least.

On the contrary @James Carnarvon, I think the story is a good fit for me. I was perhaps too narrow in the focus of my prior comments. I have read many stories about gay couples fostering and/or adopting children and have invariably found them interesting and moving, even though the urge to parenthood (at least of human children) has never struck me. As this story continues I will not be at all surprised if my investment in the Gianni/Angelo and Sami relationship increases, particularly if Marco forges a strong relationship with Gianni and Marco, which he, Marco, seems desirous of. If this occurs, I think it quite possible Sami's relationship with his fathers, particularly with Gianni, will blossom. I would not be a good parent to human children as I don't have the patience required and would find it very difficult to have fair expectations of them (I am like this with myself, I am my own harshest critic). At my age (59) this is not likely to change. I am very fond of Marco (the prickly one 🤣) and look forward to the development of his storyline, particularly if Daniele (whom I adore, and not just for his penchant for tie dyed clothing) is central to the plot. I also look forward to more from Gianni, who I have always liked, and Angelo, who has grown on me significantly since his first appearance. This story, more than any of its predecessors, has made me realise Angelo is the ideal partner for Gianni; his outgoing personality, laissez-faire attitude to life and great sense of humour the perfect antidote for Gianni's melancholy and angst. He is I believe fiercely protective of Gianni and appears always mindful of his propensity to melancholy, offering him comfort and space when needed. The strengthening of their bond and its lasting appeal I have mostly attributed to Gianni to date. I now believe I have been completely wrong in my thinking, if anything, Angelo may have been even more instrumental in the endurance of their union. He is deserving of the award for being the "star in my eye" for Gianni.

I don’t think the conclusion of the chapter was unrealistic @gdaniel, although the desired outcome may have taken a little longer to achieve than the relatively short time it apparently took. I was surprised the homophobic poison had been planted in Mitchell’s mind by his late biological father, Tom. In hindsight it makes perfect sense that such bullshit had been festering in Mitchell’s mind for a long time, that it had been planted there by someone whom he greatly admired and was keen to impress. What a toxic jackass Tom must have at least partially been. In retrospect it was as well he died early in Mitchell and Jason’s lives, otherwise he may have been the one beating Jason. Given his profession, he would likely have possessed guns which he could have used to murder his “fucking faggot son”. Although I understand the motivation, Pop (Dan’s) verbal assault on Mitchell troubled me greatly, particularly the insults he delivered regarding Mitchell’s vegetarian diet and refusal to kill animals. What troubled me the most about these comments, which I accept were said by Dan in jest, is that I have no doubt there are those who would think like this, the type of moronic human who will often link homosexuality to bestiality/paedophilia to veganism to socialism/communism to the breakdown of society (and some of them may not even be Republicans). I must say @gdaniel I found this chapter very authentic; it is set in Texas after all. Lettuce licker though. It almost sounds like an exotic sexual practice, perhaps something akin to salad tossing.

@James Carnarvon my fellow readers have made some interesting and astute observations regarding the relationship between Gianni and Sami. I have had very little experience (read none) in relating to children as an adult as none of my friends have had children by choice. I have never had any desire to father children myself, but have enjoyed fostering numerous cats and kittens in the past 15 years, all of which with one exception were to varying degrees a joy to foster. Human children hold no appeal for me so Gianni’s frustration and feelings of failure and rejection I can only partially identify with. @dutch woman's comments appear very astute “… but in many fostering cases it does not click between child and adult, little to do about it. Gianni shouldn't put his hopes too high……Friendship with other children is easier. And the fact that Sami protected his drawing of his parents so much shows that he can't let go of his parents yet.” It may transpire Gianni and Angelo are not the “right fit” for Sami, but Gianni should not see this as a reflection of himself (easy for me to say, much harder for him to accept). @drsawzall's comment “I find it interesting that Marco is finding some semblance of comfort/security with Gianni and Angelo...Could Marco hold the key or be the link that brings Sami closer to Gianni and Angelo???” reflected thoughts I had myself whilst reading this chapter. It appears Marco has been and continues to be neglected somewhat by his parents, even if that neglect is only not caring enough to spend time with him and enquire about his life. This may give him “an edge” over the others in Sami’s life in understanding Sami. With or without the aid of Daniele and/or Giacomo, I believe Marco very well may hold the key for Gianni and Angelo to become closer to Sami. If Sami observes a burgeoning friendship between Gianni and Marco, it may encourage him to reach out to Gianni too. Another well written chapter @James Carnarvon, but one has come to expect nothing less than this from you. You held my attention and captivated me with your writing, even though I am not as invested in the Gianni/Angelo and Sami relationship as many of my fellow readers. I have to say I enjoyed the mere mention of my beloved scraping cicadas (which have been out full force in Sydney, Australia of late) and was charmed once again with the description of the avenue of oleanders. You have mentioned them in passing before, but for some reason I was particularly struck with them in this chapter.

Hi @gdaniel To send a direct message you click on the image of an envelope in the top right hand corner of the page. In my view of the page it appears between the 'notifications' icon (an image of a bell) and my profile picture and profile name. Once you click on the envelope a 'Messages' tab appears on which 'Compose New' in white text on navy background appears. You then click on 'Compose New' and insert my profile name into the 'To' field, insert text into the 'Subject' field and insert tex into the 'Message' field. Once completed you click on 'Send'. I tried to message you, but got a message that you cannot receive messages.

Pleasant surprises are most welcome @gdaniel. I am by nature more a pessimist than an optimist, thus a pleasant outcome is doubly felt.

Never has Zhiv’s special connection with pigs been more important to both he and pigs than in this chapter. Although he does not state it, I am certain Zhiv must have heard the screaming of the pigs trapped in the truck or saw the event in his mind, leading to his rescue of them. “A cheer swelled from the animal rights activists, and the sheriff and his deputies couldn’t help but join in. They all were filled with an emotion they couldn’t suppress, and more than a few tears were shed. When the boy was no longer visible, each of those watching felt a sense of loss. It was as if for a moment, they had glimpsed a better, brighter world, and then it was gone.” The latter sentence was one of the saddest, if not the saddest, to date in this wonderful story @Biff Spork. I found myself sobbing, the enormity of the cruel barbaric treatment of animals by humans never so potently expressed with a few simple words. “Oh, yeah, but it doesn’t bother me that they saw me naked. What worries me is that they saw me. Even if they don’t try to hunt the pigs down, there’ll be some who’ll want to hunt me, to catch me so they can make me live like them.” Zhiv was visibly distressed.” Zhiv is acutely aware of the danger he faces from those of his own species who will feel threatened (especially financially) by his allegiance to the animals. Given the synopsis of the story, I feel it will almost certainly end in tragedy, with Zhiv, our beautiful unselfish pig-boy, its likely victim. Profoundly moving @Biff Spork. ‘Love’ and ‘anger’ are so often bedfellows, and for me I felt them in almost equal measure when reading this masterfully written chapter. I could have chosen either as the emoticon to describe the chapter, but love ultimately won because of the pig rescue.

@gdaniel I fear the poison may have been injected by Tammy and the most upsetting scenario I have envisaged as a result of this is the ruination or near ruination of Mitchell's relationship with not only Jason (and by default Alex), but with Pop too. If this be the case, I have also envisaged his relationship with Tammy will eventually sour (no great loss if she injected the poison) and his relationships with Jason and Pop may be too damaged to be salvageable.

I chose the sad emoticon for this chapter @Biff Spork because for me it was the dominant emotion of the chapter. Melissa, although pleased to have rescued her namesake, understandably felt great sadness she had left thousands of others behind to suffer extreme cruelty and torture at the hand of humans. Doreen felt some sadness that David’s childhood is slipping away with the onset of puberty. Her joy at raising him is tempered somewhat by the pace at which he is becoming his own person. I had to laugh when Pete assumed David had been eating cherries in bed which caused the stain on his sheets. The animals present in the mara have decided to join forces and declare war on humans. This in of itself did not fill me with sadness as their declaration is wholly justified, what filled me with sadness was the animals resignation that many will die defending themselves against humans, but they will persist because humans are murdering them anyway. The animals desperation to live in peace is evident to any human who is prepared to observe and listen, but too few are. David’s inside name (I almost had it right @Biff Spork when I referred to it as his inner name) has been revealed, and it is Vizh. Although he appears to have a special connection with the trout, I wonder if the swarming of the honeybees indicates the transition Vizh will make to become the “insectorator”. River’s redemption appears to have begun. It was interesting to observe the animals have accepted Vizh (David) as one of them just as Zhiv stated. The starlings, wasps and rattlesnakes raced to Vizh's rescue to protect him from the unwanted advances of Jude and River. It is unfortunate the lesser evil of the two was the only one seriously on the end of the animals attack to protect Vizh. Perhaps this may have a bigger impact upon River though than just the physical pain he is experiencing. @Biff Spork the celebration of Zhiv and now Vizh in the mara was beautiful and heart-warming. I am trepidatious though about the animals declaring war on humans. Historical and current human behaviour demonstrates this will inflame human hatred even more as humanity as a whole thinks itself superior to all other species and is tyrannical in its quest to prove so.

Not for this reader @James Carnarvon. There is something about the ambience of Ravello you create which invariably washes away negativity in its various forms, from sadness to feeling unwell, from disappointment to anger to rage. A Day Trip To Ravello (with a nod to Fiddler's Dram) is like a sun shower or an enjoyable meal (Italian of course and accompanied by wine) or the purring of a beloved feline in one's ear.

"YOU FUCKING QUEERS! GET THE HELL OUTTA HERE ALEX AND DON'T EVER COME BACK. JASON YOU LITTLE COCKSUCKER YOU FUCKING FAGGOT. WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING? WHAT ARE MY FRIENDS GOING TO SAY? HOW AM I GOING TO FACE THE KIDS AT SCHOOL OR AT CHURCH? YOU LITTLE WORTHLESS PIECE OF SHIT! YOU SONOFABITCH! YOU FUCKING FREAK!" Mitchell is clearly NOT the boy/man he has portrayed himself as or has his mind perhaps been poisoned by the words of another or others. And to make it all about himself really pissed me off; how is he going to face his friends at school or at church. Well, firstly Mitchell, it is none of their fucking business, so unless you tell them you arrogant little prick, they will be none the wiser. Has he forgotten his statement to Pop (Dan) that he loved his brother and always wanted to protect him. Pop (Dan's) comment about Tammy "There were several occasions where I saw a look pass across Tammy's face as she watched Alex and Jason interact that gave me cause to pause" has me wondering if she might be homophobic or may have already made unfavourable comments to Mitchell to turn him against his brother. I have to wonder about the "teachings" of the church they attend to, although if it is conservative it does not seem to have poisoned Dan's mind. A truly shocking chapter @gdaniel, even more so because Mitchell appears to have acted so uncharacteristically, but perhaps he has not given Jason's reluctance to share with him the likelihood he is gay. The final sentence appears ominous, I can only but speculate what it may mean. Of all the scenarios I have imagined, none of them are pretty.

As a long-time vegetarian there are only two vegetables I refuse to eat, Brussels sprouts and peas. Both are truly repulsive, just the thought of eating either makes me feel physically ill. Oddly enough though, some of the plant-based chicken I buy and thoroughly enjoy is made from pea protein. I must agree with @drsawzallin his assessment of Monica's mother based on the tactless comment she made about the hotel owned by Angelo's brother and sister-in-law. Mrs Deakes provided Gianni with some very sound advice based on her wealth of experience. A delightfully restful and soothing chapter for the most part @James Carnarvon; just what I needed after a long day working in a brand new office with hot-desking in place, only a little further from home, but with double the travel time. Suffice to say, if I was in a comfortable financial position, today well may have been my last day. To read of Ravello and its charms brought some respite to a rather ordinary day. And, I loved the placement of the chapter title.

This thought has crossed my mind too @Jjeffalch, but Pete may surprise. His sympathy for the plight of non-human persons seems to be growing exponentially, so I think he would at least listen to any argument David may have for not disclosing Zhiv's whereabouts, unless he thought Zhiv and/or David in imminent danger by not doing so. The ugliness of so many of the human persons in this story is causing my already “questionable” sense of humour to become even moreso @Biff Spork. Deputy McAdam’s observation that “His condition had not improved overnight. The crows had removed his eyes, but they had lacked surgical precision” almost had me in stitches, chuckling loudly and not feeling guilty for doing so. Furthermore, “There were dark splotches of blood on the chair and the lawn, but no eyes. Pete imagined the medics had picked them up in case it was possible to re-attach them” had me pondering if the surviving crows sat around cawing to each other on how tasty human eyes are, just like River’s father espousing how tasty piglets’ balls are. Zhiv’s desperate plea to see David again was so heartfelt it brought tears to my eyes. This was alleviated somewhat by David’s humorous response, especially his statement that “My avocado sandwich misses you”. Doreen’s observation of Lilili and Kek in such proximity to David understandably startled her. To her credit, she retreated from her vantage point, assured David is not hallucinating. Once again Jude is sucking cock and this time kissing too. For a boy obsessed with the immorality of queers, he certainly seems to like to indulge in behaviour most often attributed to them. "Zhiv, oh Zhiv. Vizh, oh Vizh". Perhaps it may be that Vizh is to be David’s “inner name” (my apologies @Biff Spork, I don’t think Zhiv referred to this other name for the yet unnamed David as his inner name, but I cannot remember the reference he used and am too tired tonight to investigate this). Melissa’s witness of the appalling “living” conditions of the factory farm chickens was grotesque. To quote Isaac Singer, the author of Yentl “In relation to them, all people are Nazis; for the animals it is an eternal Treblinka”. Very apt for such death camps that exist in factory farming. Outstanding chapter @Biff Spork. All humanity should be exposed to Melissa's observations, although I think many human person's would not be appalled, dismissing them as "only animals".

Danny and Sam (I love how Danny calls him by his full name Samuel) are beginning to realise their friendship may be a little deeper than previously thought. What a sad indictment on many of our species then, and in many even now, that the boys feel this is something to fear and be ashamed of. Human brains poisoned by religious and societal bullshit; non-human animals don't suffer any of this nonsense. And yet, we still think we are the clever species. In so many ways we are, but in so many meaningful ways we are not. Enough of my proselytising. Beauty in simplicity. Precious it is when displayed so eloquently as in this delightful chapter @gdaniel. I am interested to see in what direction this story will go, noting it is set in the 1950's (which when compared to many parts of the world is still far more progressive than what they are now).

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.