Fry

I think that I was saying that it's logical, based on the information provided so far, that he will remain with the Connely's. "Doesn't anyone think Connley Ranch isn't Joel's..." I think you meant IS Joel's..."

I said earlier that I like the pacing, and I still stand by that. Characters have to be developed, backstories have to be explained, situations have to evolve. Joel has to be allowed to grieve, accept the help that is offered, come out of his shell. The others have to allow him time to do that, and find a new balance among them all going forward. Trace has rightfully said that any revelations will have to be on Joels schedule and terms. His wife is a jewel of acceptance, understanding and patience. It doesn't make sense to have spent time explaining Joels talent for baseball, and the possibility of scholarships, if there will be no school in his future. That will require a permanent residence, a school and a baseball team to play on. It's explained that the twins are into baseball as well, so there must be something in their shared future. Think what you want about Joels father but at least his parting was not hateful; it was heartbreaking and quite sad nevertheless. I would not rule out future encounters and remorse on his part. Is he redeemable? There's not enough information to go on. Agreeing to visits with his younger brother is a very good sign. I like how Lacey is so accepting and guileless. I think she can be pivotal in getting Joel to lower his walls a bit and begin to merge into a new family. 20, 40, 100 chapters or more. Don't set a limit; as long as the story moves forward, continues to grow and keep us engrossed, Keep going. Personally, at some point I always want hateful characters to receive their comeuppance and suffer for what they have done.

I like the pacing of the story. Gradual revelations. Colt is still a bit of an enigma. Not allot of character revealed yet. I think the twins play for the same "team".

I think we can all agree that we enjoyed the story so much we're just sad to see it end, and are trying to find excuses for it to keep going. It's a testament to your story-writing skill Krista.

Joel was interrupted in his spiral of despair and uncertain emotional state by the 3 guys in the truck, and Trace; likely before he had started moving on his plan, and before his brain/body had run out of emotional despair, but Trace was able to distract him long enough to move his thoughts elsewhere, and Celia continued to distract him and offered hope.

I know some have commented about this showing his resilience, strength, etc. I tend to think that in the absence of some kind of psychopathy, strong emotional experience or response is just not sustainable over a lengthy period of time. The body and brain can only produce/handle so much before it naturally collapses. In most people I believe that there's a natural self-preservation mode that will kick in if you can outlast the initial emotional storm, a kind of fight or flight response kicks in. It's why I think for some suicidal people, they ultimately hesitate/stop from following through on their initial impulse.

Heart breaking. Father -unwilling to step up and support his son against a hateful, unreasonable wife, mother - heartless homophobic bitch who browbeats her husband into submission; older brother - infected by his mothers hatred against his brother, and seems to take delight in tormenting him; no compassion or love at all.

I recommend editing it back in to the previous chapter.

I'm thoroughly engaged with this story. I really like the pace so far. The situation is being developed, new characters are being introduced, and backstories are being fleshed out as they should be. It has the air of believability.

Boys are conditioned from an early age to never show emotion, talk about or show their feelings. It really is a toxic cultural trait. Joel's inner dialogue, anxiety and turmoil felt extremely real, believable, and familiar. I never experienced being thrown out by my parents, but the fear of it, and the anxiety of being found out was terrifying and paralyzing. Bullying was severe and the norm. I don't know what I would have done if firearms were available to me at the time. When you're in that mental state, logic and reason do not exist and depression is all-encompassing.

Only two chapters in, and I'm already crying. My heart is breaking for Joel, and I feel nothing but seething disgust for his older brother and parents for what they have done to him.

If life could only be that perfect. Nice story with a nice happy ending.

I'm torn trying to decide what to write about this story. It is a really great story. There is allot to love about this story. It had a nice slow burn and it made the characters come alive for me. My only criticism would be that I felt that it wrapped up too quickly at the end.

Please come back Salander. We miss you!

I really enjoyed reading how this group evolved individually through all of their highs and lows. A perfect happy ending for all. I did feel that Jacks mom's transformation was a bit too quick, but that's ok. Ronny, you are a talented writer! Please keep writing!

Lucas may be a bully and a fuck-up, but we now know what sort of life he had growing up and the sexual, psychological and physical abuse he suffered at the hands of his own family members. No one should have to suffer that. It does not forgive his behaviour though towards others. Can he be saved/reprogrammed? Will his uncle be brought to justice? Will he survive?

Lucas is definitely unhinged and now a danger to everyone. Neils former friends are essentially spineless. They abandoned Neil when he needed them most. Now that they feel threatened by Lucas their trying to band together with Neil; perhaps realizing he is stronger than they gave him credit for? . They have allot to make up for to achieve forgiveness from Neil in my opinion. Owen is still very uncomfortable with what happened in the barn and not ready to accept Neil being gay.

It's much too simple to blame racism on poverty, and such. Racism is learned. Hatred is learned. All from people around you, usually at a very early age when we are impressionable and taught to trust family and adults as providers, and all-knowing authority figures - if they do it, it must be right. There are plenty of average to wealthy people who are virulently racist. It sounds like Lucas has grown up surrounded by such people, and he mirrors their behaviour. I should point out that because it is learned behaviour it can be un-learned, but it isn't easy.

🥺

the introduction of Gerry certainly adds a new layer into the storyline, and explains Alex's total acceptance of Neil. Thinking back to my own Jr High and High School days, the ambassador concept is novel, but depends on a student first asking for help, the ambassador having very adult perception and understanding of the problems and how to resolve them, and a bully willing to be objective and change; 3 things that never existed in my reality. Teachers/admin staff never wanted to see any problems, and rarely took action unless it happened right in front of their face and couldn't be ignored. Even then, they would put the blame on the victim for causing the problem. But this is fiction ikn an alternate reality, and I'm eager to see where it goes next.

This story, so far, has stirred up a hurricane of emotions and memories for me. It's been very difficult to read. Thanks for writing it.

Hi Salander. Any idea when a new chapter will come?

Salander! Hope you're ok bud. Your adoring fans are eagerly anticipating you continuing this story.