Bill W

A nice, cuddly panda.

Thanks for jumping to my defense, Terry.

I didn't cast any aspirsions.

An interesting and creative play on my words.

Thanks, drP. I like that explanation.

Thanks, Terry. This was a fun chapter to write for many reasons, and I'm glad you saw how much the boys actually care about these children. I enjoy putting this chapter together as much as Mac, Devin, and the children enjoyed their visit to the hospital. As far as Mac's parents go, and I know that no one has suggested this yet, but their acceptance of the boys orientation may have had a hidden motivation as well. They had already lost two children, and if they didn't accept Mac and Devin's relationship then Mac might have cut ties with them. If that happened, the Mac's mother would never get the grandchildren she seems to desire, and even though that might be the case anyway, she certainly didn't want to lose another child and potential greandchildren - but that's only a thought.

That's ok, Terry. I got a kick out of you playing the role of a parrot. 🦜

Thanks, Terry. I'm glad someone is finally agreeing with me.

Officious may have been derived from two different Latin words whose meaning were combined together. The first Latin word was officiousus, 'sounding something like a spell Hemione Granger took great pleasure in pronouncing', and meaning kindly and obliging. The other word is officium, meaning service or office, so it seems these people think it's their duty to give others their advice, which is sometimes cloaked in a sweet, sappy manner.

Unlike humans, most other animals are precocial from birth or shortly thereafter, and for many it's a matter of survival.

I may be able to string a few words together in order to tell a story, but when it comes to artwork I'm strictly a stick figure guy. We'll have to rely on someone else to do that honor... hint, hint. 😋

You may be right about Mac letting it slide, and you may also be correct when you say we are dealing with magic, not pute science, but do you really think I'm that devious? 🤡

I guess we'll have to wait and see. Unless one of you has figured that out for me as well. 🤪

I think we all realized that Mac would want to become a skinwalker eventually, but when it happens will be the big question. It's fairly certain that Isaac will play a role in that, but while it happen while they're in college or after they graduate? If you can answer that question, then you move to the top of the class. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter.

It depends on how old it is. If it's from the 1980s until the end of the century, it probably smells like cocaine. 😵

Hey, Devin is only a skinwalker, not a mind reader. We had to make some allowances for that when he met up with the kids. When Mac heard about how Pops and Gramps came up with the money, he commented that he'd like to find treasure like they did, and this is what they've suggested. It's not ideal, so maybe they'll think of something else. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter.

Ah, yes, Dr. Phlox. I'm glad you mentioned him.

To cover up where you buried the dead bodies. 😁

Yes, while traveling around you may see flocks of phlox.

Yes, fortunately they took advantage of an opportunity and it turned out to be in their favor. I'm glad it worked out for them.

Yes, life hands us many surprises and difficult decisions, and it's how we respond to them that makes all the difference. If you don't take advantage when a situation presents itself, then that opportunity may never come again.

Yes, Christmas went great for the boys and they got another present when they finally saw their grades. They should be commended for their efforts, although with both of them having been valedictorians at their high school, it was obvious they knew how to buckle down and get good grades.

I'm glad you enjoyed the Christmas trip to the hospital, and I'm certain the boys and the children all enjoyed it as well. And yes, it's a relief to the boys that they no longer have to hide their relationship. As far as searching for the paper money, there was a theory that the suitcase was lined in metal, which would have had some effect on how much water would get to the currency, but I think that's one of Mac's reasons to hesitate about doing this as well.

Al, I'm glad you enjoyed the Christmas event at the hospital as well, and I agree, it could have been worse. I also see that someone is reading between the lines, but I won't confirm or deny if you are correct. 😈

I'm glad that you enjoyed the effort the boys went to in order to make Christmas special for a bunch of kids. I'm also glad that you're supportive of Mac dressing up as an elf and wearing that costume. I agree, it could have been worse like you explained. It worked out that Mac's parents weren't surprised that he was gay, because to them the evidence was overwhelming. It worked out well. Thanks for the feedback.