Summerabbacat

I agree @Dan South; slowly but surely Tyler appears to be becoming more self-aware and less self-centred. His thought that "On Monday, Rufus keeps his promise and sticks with Dale and the girls. I feel like a total jerk, and the more I think about it, the more I realize it's because I am one" showed great promise, but then he had to spoil it with "I can barely participate in our regular shenanigans because I keep stealing glances at Rufus and how he's relaxed and happy with his little bunch of losers". The saving grace is that he previously acknowledged to Rufus that he was in fact the loser because of his treatment of Rufus in an attempt to remain cool in front of his friends. I have to agree with other readers who have commented unfavourably on Tim. He did not impress me at all either. A selfish arsehole I would say, with little regard for anyone other than himself (a bit like Tyler's friends).

I am also "guilty" of this and not just in online comments. Anything I have a strong opinion on I have to share it and too often cannot/will not entertain that others may not share that opinion. I am occasionally persuaded to at least consider an alternate opinion or explanation offered on this forum though.

This is at least half the fun when commenting on this type of story @Dan South. One can be harsh and completely unrealistic in judgment of the behaviour of a character, knowing that it will not in any way harm them. I have to agree with your comment about which head Tyler is thinking with, but I don't think this is necessarily restricted to teenage boys or males in general.

I found that one line amusing too @Dan South as so often one hears a song which is not an original and is completely unaware that it has been recorded before. I am old enough to remember the original by Eric Carmen when it was popular (I was just a little younger than Tyler and Rufus). Whilst I like quite a lot of Celine Dion's material, I think her version was not a patch on the original.

I cannot say I was averse to peer pressure whilst in school @Biff Spork, but I like to think I resisted the more unattractive aspects of such pressure. In Tyler's case I think he is also feeling some pressure from his father, pressure which may or may not have any basis. Speaking of Tyler's father, his reaction of laughter to Rufus' revelation that his father is in prison for murder was tasteless at the very least. I have been known to react in what was perceived as poor taste (I laughed uproariously when Big left Carrie Bradshaw at the altar in Sex And The City - The Movie because as a character in both the TV series and the movie I detested her with a vengeance), but I would draw the line at laughter in such circumstances as Rufus' revelation. I have to ask @Arch Hunter, what does the acronym ASMR refer to? I also had never seen the word incel before. Given the context in which it was used in this chapter it appears a most appropriate choice. "I can't even pretend that I’m doing something else anymore. I lie on the bed and wait for the phone to buzz. This is so frustrating! Why am I simping for this prude nerd? I'm too good-looking to be this desperate." Another word I had never before seen, simping. This has to be the most repugnant thought Tyler has expressed to date.

I think the joke came off as lame @Arch Hunter. This was believable as I thought perhaps Rufus' father may have been trying to appear "cool" in front of his son's friend too, although I forgot to mention this in my comment above.

A man with 5 cats is obviously a man of great character @gdaniel. I have had as many as 13 at one (8 were foster cats) in my time. I had a very stable household of 6 feline companions until June 2021 when my favourite (my boy Bassey) passed away, followed shortly after by his "sister", my beloved Ava. I now have 4, with my eldest, Kiki, approaching 16 years of age. My life has been enriched beyond my wildest dreams by my beloved felines. My profile picture is my greatest friend ever, my cherished Bassey.

"Tyler, do you have a second to talk about the project?" he asks me shyly, meeting the boys' ironic smiles. "I'm busy, dude," I say. "Just text me on Whatsapp, and I'll check later." "Okay," he mumbles and walks away, looking down with disappointment. I curse under my breath. I had hoped Rufus would be smarter than to approach me when I'm around the guys. Maybe he’ll learn from this.” Tyler is behaving more like Tyler the tool, twat or tosser than Tyler the tortured teen. I would suggest he has far more to learn than Rufus does. Rufus already knows Tyler is shallow and narcissistic; does Tyler have any idea though that being a rude arrogant prick is not going to endear him to Rufus or anyone else worth knowing? I think at this point in time Tyler's ego is so inflated he truly believes he would be doing Rufus a favour by even noticing him, let alone developing some kind of relationship with him. On a positive note, Tyler is at least aware his behaviour and attitude cause Rufus embarrassment and/or sadness. He just needs for his balls to drop a little further and his spine to grow a little stronger to do something about it (hopefully). Tyler’s father may not be a good influence on his son if his behaviour when Rufus came to visit is any indication. His remark “I used to be a straight-A science student. Today I'm just straight,” is somewhat troubling. Is he just trying to be funny or is he perhaps aware of his son’s attraction to Rufus and passing judgment thereon? Another well-written chapter @Arch Hunter. The character development is leisurely and believable.

“Not that there’s anything wrong with the boys, even though Dwight’s muscle mass or ego far outweigh his unimpressive cock” and “No one,” I say and then send him a link to the song All by Myself, accidentally discovering that it’s not originally by Celine Dion but by some dude called Eric Carmen” indicate Tyler at least has a sense of humour. Like my fellow readers, my observations are that he has not exhibited any other behaviour(s) to suggest he is anything but shallow and narcissistic. Is he Tyler the tortured teen or Tyler the tool, twat or tosser or a mix of the two? I look forward to reading more of this story with a most promising start.

I love these occasional chapters where the action is minimal, life continues at a leisurely pace. Very soothing @Andre Delport and a delight to read as usual.

An outstanding debut by @Biff Spork. A unique, captivating, heart-warming, emotionally challenging, thought provoking and ultimately enjoyable story. With only a small "cast" of human characters, the non-human characters, particularly the fascinating and delightful prairie dogs, are given equal "starring time" by this most generous of authors. The delightful Bumper and Marcus are a charming mix of youthful exuberance and innocence and serious dedicated eco-warriors. So much to like about this story. If I have but one criticism, it is that I wanted more, much more of @Biff Spork's literary feast.

A partially happy ending only for me @Biff Spork. Marcus and Bumper's survival of the flash flood was welcome, particularly after the graphically detailed explanation of what they went through to do so, but the complete devastation of Bumper's beloved prairie dogs left me feeling somewhat "cheated" and despondent. This is no criticism of your story telling @Biff Spork, it was a realistic scenario, it just left me sobbing. I am not usually much moved by the plight of humans in natural disasters, but I am ALWAYS moved by the plight of the non-human animals. A thoroughly enjoyable story from commencement to conclusion @Biff Spork, even if the ending left me feeling somewhat bereft. So many things to admire, the character development of all the human characters, the wonder and innocence of Marcus and Bumper, particularly as their relationship developed and strengthened, but the absolute pinnacle for me, Bumper's relationship formed with the prairie dogs. Just writing this comment has me in tears again. Your unique story and story telling prowess a joy to witness.

Nooooooooooooo; surely it is but a dream @Biff Spork.

“You’re right. We’re just the same as all those people driving their gas-guzzling SUVs to the steak house. It’s like we’re all in a dream, the most wonderful dream, but we’ve got to wake up; we’ve got to wake up before it’s too late to do anything to save this.” I have to disagree very strongly with Marcus on this statement. He is "guilty" of something I frequently do myself. He is very idealistic and I suspect becomes very despondent when faced with the reality that much of the human population is only concerned with accumulating wealth and breeding to "carry on the family name". As David Attenborough has stated on many an occasion "humans are a plague on earth" and has linked anthropogenic effects on the environment with human population growth. No surprises he has been criticised for this, no doubt accused of being insensitive to third world problems whilst living in relative comfort in the west. I am not looking forward to this story ending @Biff Spork. It is unique, thought provoking, humorous, challenging and ultimately a joy to read.

I have to agree with Bumper's mother when she remarked “Oh, Bumper,” she cried. “That was the most beautiful thing I ever saw.” To be "smothered" with affection from not one, but two non-human and non-domesticated species of the animal kingdom would be a wonder to behold and a joyous occasion hard to beat. Bumper should be well pleased both his parents are impressed with the study he and Marcus are undertaking, and seem to have a genuine interest it too. As much as I like Bumper and Marcus @Biff Spork, the prairie dogs, particularly the "named" ones, are challenging the boys as the main attraction to this story.

Soap marketers have been very successful in convincing me @Biff Spork. I use body wash made from lime and coriander and use herbal deodorant which contains no aluminium chloride. I am not going to test your experience and refrain from using at least body wash, this is one issue on which we shall have to disagree. I thought Bumper was very brave (foolhardy actually) allowing a prairie dog pup climb onto his penis without at least the protection of a koteka. The pup could have caused some real damage with its "wicked claws'. My late beloved male cat, Bassey, jumped into my lap once from the armrest of the lounge whilst I was asleep and wearing boxers. Suffice to say some blood in your crotch is not something any male wishes to see. Bumper is a boy with an apparent abundance of enthusiasm and commonsense. I thought him very clever for realising approaching the prairie dogs on all fours would likely be less threatening to them. This story continues to entertain, charm and educate @Biff Spork.

Bumper and Marcus are certainly enjoying their carefree naked adventure. They are showing remarkable patience and maturity in their study of the prairie dogs. I wonder if their study of the prairie dogs and their apparent enjoyment thereof will leave such an emphatic mark that it will lead them to undertake such studies as adults. Dare I suggest @Biff Spork a pair of David Attenboroughs in the making. With Marcus' wealth at their disposal, imagine what they could achieve for the rest of the animal kingdom not intent on destroying Planet Earth.

Oh what a joyous chapter @Biff Spork, perhaps my favourite to date I think. "I described how Marcus and I were studying the prairie dogs and might even write a book about them when we finished. I told my dad how all the outdoor stuff he taught me when we went camping was useful now that Marcus and I were out on the prairie." How generous and thoughtful of Bumper to make this comment to his father, one can only imagine how thrilled he would have been to receive such fair praise. "The buffalo took no notice of the penises poking through the tent door, except perhaps the big bull. After we finished, he let his penis out, about three feet long, and peed a big puddle." This elicited a hearty laugh from me; this was one pissing contest neither Bumper or Marcus could win. “Marcus is very dear to us, Bumper. Since his granddad died, we’ve never seen him so happy as he has been lately. Since he met you, there’s a light in his eye again, and he laughs and smiles like he used to when he was little. If there’s ever anything you need, or you want to talk about…” turned me into a weeping puddle. I am not fond of children (an understatement), but I defy anyone not to been enamoured with both Bumper and Marcus. And again, those gorgeous Prairie Dogs. I loved how Bumper and Marcus took to naming them, and what amusing and clever names. @Biff Spork I found myself hearing both Bumper and Marcus initially speaking with a David Attenboroughesque tone of voice when they first started discussing studying the Prairie Dogs. He has such a soothing tone, a tone most suited to his passion.

A very entertaining chapter @Biff Spork, largely due to the appearance of the Prairie Dogs and the reaction of Bumper and Marcus to their behaviour. I had never heard of a Prairie Dog before and would have assumed they were some type of wild dog without your informative preface to the chapter. I checked them out on the net and they are very cute, very smart and live in highly organised and large communities. Bumper and Marcus continue to amuse, although their "fascination" with each other's poop was something I found a little difficult to appreciate.

A very quirky and amusing chapter @Biff Spork. I had to laugh at Marcus’ and Bumper’s efforts to "save" their chi/qi. I imagine it won’t be too long before they start getting “blue balls”, unless they start having more regular “nocturnal emissions”. The growing strength of their relationship is a delight to behold, each boy, but more particularly Marcus I think, has a quaint innocence. Their attempts to preserve this innocence provides them with many opportunities for playful silliness, with each seeming to thrive on the whimsy of the other. I have to wonder how long this will last though, particularly once Bumper returns to school. Marcus' order of "essentials" for the camping trip was very funny. I have never been camping in a tent, but even I know this was waaaaaayyyyyyyyyy too much for an outdoor expedition of this type. His naïveté was harmless and very funny.

As usual a most enjoyable and entertaining chapter @Biff Spork, although I found myself running the gamut of emotions from great joy to great sadness within the blink of an eye. Your prior “caution” not to judge Bumper’s father too harshly based on Bumper’s assessment of him came to pass in this chapter. When speaking of the conversation he had with Jason regarding the protection of Marcus and by default the protection of Bumper, it was very evident Bumper’s father is very proud of him and loves him dearly. I also suspect Bumper’s father may be aware his son is at least questioning his sexuality. Marcus’ statements “but Bumper, when I woke up this morning and saw it was raining, I thought you might not come. I just ache to see you. Please come as soon as you can” and “Well, I woke up this morning, and I felt really lonely. It seemed like years since I’d seen you. I know it’s stupid, but I missed you so much I just had to see you right away” filled me with some concern as to Marcus’ mental health. Whilst there is no doubt he is a very intelligent boy, I have to wonder if his home-schooling, and in particular the loss of his beloved grandfather, have negatively impacted his self-esteem. With any other boy as his object of desire and devotion I think Marcus might be in for some serious hurt, luckily Bumper appears to be equally enamoured with Marcus and also has a certain social “awkwardness”. It does not appear either have been detrimentally affected at this point in their life, but it may affect them as adults. They both strike me as being too trusting and could be taken advantage of by those who are less caring and less scrupulous. Marcus’ statement “But you know, they’re not my buffalo. They belong to themselves, and they live here like I do” was profound and deeply moving. I am guilty of invariably referring to my beloved feline family as “my cats”, although I don’t think I own them as such; in fact, the opposite would be closer to the truth. I am definitely “their human” (read devoted slave). I was very impressed that Bumper too was moved by this statement from Marcus. “Marcus, it’s because everything gives us hard-ons!”, “Oh, Ronnie! That’s it! Let your inner girl come out” and “Hold on, there, Mayberry Billy. This here filly is a-savin’ it for the wedding night!” had me laughing uproariously. I have to ask though, what or who is Mayberry Billy. I assume perhaps a fictional character in a book, film or TV show? “It was a strange protest — hardly any participants, perhaps a hundred" had me in tears. I recall a number of protest marches I have been to in recent years regarding Australia’s hideous live-trade exports, circuses and animal testing for cosmetics (to name but a few), and have often come away feeling very sad, despondent and often downright fucking angry that so few of my fellow humans seem to have cared these were issues worth protesting against. Your confidence as a writer continues to grow and enchant @Biff Spork.

@Biff Spork I apologise if I gave you the impression I thought you were lecturing me; I certainly did not think this. I was merely indicating the things I already knew to compare to the things I did not know which you kindly alerted me to. I don't wear silk, but it would never have occurred to me it was also "vegan unfriendly" because I have always thought there had to be an element of cruelty to be considered "vegan unfriendly". Your statement it is not just consuming but using an animal in any way cannot be any simpler as you previously stated. I also look very closely at all cleaning products for both myself and the home to ensure they are not tested on animals. I think a lot of people are completely unaware of the use of rabbits for testing of all sorts of chemical cleaning products. This and cosmetic testing is completely unnecessary as well as unethical. I am beginning to lecture now (not to you obviously) so shall conclude.

Thank you @Biff Spork I was aware a vegan would not wear leather, fur and wool for the obvious reasons the animal is murdered or in the case of wool invariably harmed in shearing, but was not aware of silk or sea-shells. I was also aware of all the foods you mentioned, although have had trouble understanding honey as the bee is not harmed (at least I don't think they are). In the case of honey I assume a vegan would not use honey to topically treat a wound for example instead of antibiotics as is done in some parts of the world where antibiotics are not readily available. I have also read there is some debate about whether vegans can eat oysters, but found the argument for a little difficult to understand. I myself am not a vegan as I still eat dairy cheese and honey. Seafood was the latest food I gave up eating about 18 months ago, chicken about 10 years ago and all other meat 37 years ago (the smell of lamb and pork in particular are truly nauseating). For some time I missed eating chicken, but now the smell of it cooking makes my stomach turn. I don't wear any of the aforementioned products, although find it difficult to buy non-leather shoes, likely because Australia is a vast country with a relatively small population and market.

A very educational chapter for me @Biff Spork. Firstly I was unsure what a cowrie shell was and was surprised a shell would be considered "vegan unfriendly" or a "bunch of skeletons" as Marcus indicated when describing a cowrie shell necklace. I searched the 'net and recognised a cowrie shell as something I have seen on many occasions. I was astonished to find cowrie shells were once used as shell money (a currency) in certain parts of the world, such was their worth (a bit like spices). Am I correct in assuming Marcus considers them "vegan unfriendly" as one cannot be sure the sea snail was not killed to obtain the shell? I don't know if the sea snail loses the shell naturally, but assume the shell would likely detach when the sea snail dies. If the sea snail died and the shell detached, would this still be considered "vegan unfriendly" @Biff Spork (I am not sure if "vegan unfriendly" is the correct description to use, but given "vegan friendly" is used on lots of products and food, I assume the opposite is the most logical description to use)? Bumpster? Bumper will have to think of a "cute name" now for Marcus. I was amused by Marcus' response to Bumper's admiration for his home “Yeah, a famous architect designed it a long time ago, somebody named Wright." I assume the "somebody named Wright" is Frank Lloyd Wright whom I have seen referenced in a number of stories over the years, almost always in reverential tones. Marcus' attention to the safety of the racing cart was painstaking. I was astonished at the speed it could achieve, so understand why his attitude is so. A nice leisurely chapter @Biff Spork, showcasing Bumper and Marcus can enjoy each others company even if doing very little.

As a gentile with only a smattering of knowledge of Jewish customs and beliefs, I was very surprised at how little interest Kyle's father and mother take in his physical and mental wellbeing. I have known a number of Jews through my workplace during the 30+ years I have worked there and without exception all have always impressed upon me the importance of family in Jewish life. Admittedly all have been marginally religious at most, but all have been proud of their heritage. I recognise this is fiction, but like all good fiction it has provoked and challenged my preconceptions. Asher's father continues to shine as a beacon not only for his two sons, but now for others as well. Another interesting addition to the 'New York Holidays' series @Altimexis.