Bill W

Thanks for pointing that out to us, Dan.

No, I doubt Stormy is sterile, but if they replaced Stormy with Cloud Rider, of course they'd be suspicious if someone there checking up on things. They don't want to get arrested.

How about old Stormy had an illness or condition that made him practically worthless when it came to horseracing, so the stole Cloud Rider, since he and Stormy were identical in appearance and both thoroughbreds, so they could race him and use him for stud fees and make money.

This story reminded me of the stories mentioned during the introduction to the characters. It's an interesting look at two brothers as they try to put the past behind them, while at the same time trying to solve a mystery. This definitely needs another chapter or two to solve the mystery, and I'm looking forward to reading them.

The word swill brings two thoughts to mind. It's what pigs eat, since what they're fed is usually a conglomeration of things humans won't eat all mixed together. It also refers to cheap liquor or bad bear and describes what people do when they drink those items, sort of like pigs.

Tarantulas have eight walking legs and two pedipalps that are used for touching and moving prey.

Thanks for refreshing my memory about the boys telling Mac's parents about his orientation. I'm writing quite a ways ahead of what I'm posting so my editors have time to go over the chapters first, and then I can make changes per their recommendations. I'm also glad you're enjoying the Native American history lesson, because there will be more to come.

Thank you. It's always great to have your vote of confidence. There's a good chance that Mac's parents 'know' about his orientation - even if he hasn't shared that information with them. I'm glad you enjoyed the info about Native Americans, because there will be even more to come.

Thanks, Tony. You know what a history buff I am and I enjoy sharing whatever I can with others. I always do plenty of research as well, to make sure I'm not misleading the readers. I'm glad you approve of both.

The Apache history was minor, since they were another split from the Navajo people, but I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Yes, Jim. The explorers and settlers that came to the Americas mistreated the native population and did unspeakable things to them. Maybe the natives should have had stronger immigration policies. Anyway, I'm glad you appreciated this chapter (I didn't think 'like' was an appropriate word in this case), and I hope you enjoy and learn a great deal more when the boys go to the reservation over the summer.

Maybe at an amusement park. It's strange, though, because when I saw the term surfboat it reminded me of a popular song from the 1950s: Shrimp Boats (A-Comin' - There's Dancin' Tonight). Maybe it would work if you replaced Shrimp Boats with Surfboats.

It depends on which trip you're talking about, since there are three of them. 😜 There's the trip they just took to the Ozarks, the fake trip he told his parents about for the summer, and the actual trip he'll be taking to the reservation. If you're talking about the trip they took to the Ozarks, his parents asked him questions about it, which he answered, but it seems his father is torn between knowing exactly what his son is doing, as opposed to accepting that Mac is old enough to make his own decisions, and therefore he's not pushing his son. I think he's also trying to get his wife to give their son some room to make his own decisions without doing a lot of prying, but I also have a feeling that Mac mom isn't exactly interested in what he told them he'd done on the trip. If you're talking about one of the other trips, we'll have to discuss that in another thread. 😄

Yes, he's had some family time and got his second wind after finishing the year at college, and he's also used the time to research a bit about his upcoming summer outing. I'm glad you enjoyed it, Chris. I went brain dead earlier and forgot to quote you. Mea culpa.

I'm glad you enjoyed this, drs, and I think you for the recommendation. I hope many will read it, if they find these things interesting.

Yes, he's had some family time and got his second wind after finishing the year at college, and he's also used the time to research a bit about his upcoming summer outing. I'm glad you enjoyed it, Chris.

A surfboat doesn't sound like my idea of fun, so I'll pass, thank you.

Yes, Terry, I agree with you. This break was needed to give Mac a chance to unwind, and you're also correct about his separation from Devin. Even though he may miss Devin, Mac trusts Devin and uses the time to keep busy doing other things. Even though he's learning a great deal more about the Navajos now, when he gets to the reservation I'm sure he'll discover there is much more for him to learn. Thanks for the feedback and I hope the upcoming chapters will meet your expectations.

Well thank you, RP. I'm glad I'm able to receive your seal of approval.

Thanks, Al, and thank you for coming to my rescue with that explanation. It will bolster the response I gave.

I promise I won't disclose which of those cases is involved, but I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. There is still a long way to go, so I hope you sit back and enjoy the upcoming chapters as well.

Although what the Hopi, Zuni, and Ute did to the Navajo by cooperating with the federal government may have many different interpretations. They may have done it to prevent something similar happening to them, or it may have been retribution for something that happened between the two tribes in the past. One thing I've noticed is that native cultures have long memories and don't forget what others have done to them, no matter how long ago it happened. Since I working so far ahead of where you are reading, I often get confused, but I don't think Mac and Devin have informed their parents yet. However, Mac's family may just shrug this off as something young people would be interested in, no matter their orientation, or possibly their just storing this information in the back of their minds and not making a big deal out of it. Thanks for the feedback and questions.

Chapter 19 – More About the Navajo When we finished cleaning up after breakfast, my dad suggested we head out to our next destination. To our surprise, we found ourselves at a go-kart track, and it wasn’t merely an ordinary go-kart facility either. Rather than having an oval track, as is standard for these types of places, this one was designed as a miniature grand prix course instead. The track consisted of multiple turns, both right and left, and it had a long straightaway as i

Thank you, NE. I try to make the characters different, unique, and appropriate for their background story, and hopefully I make the conversation realistic as well. Thanks for the feedback.

This story dealt with the all to familiar and frequent topic of domestic abuse, but it did it in a caring and positive way. It came to an unusual, loving, and happy ending as well, which I know will appeal to those that read this touching tale.