Alexmugs

A short, but very poignant story that packs a punch. Definitely don't pass this one by.

This one ran the gamut of emotions. Love and hate can be two of the strongest ones we humans experience and oftentimes the line between them is mere molecules in thickness. Amazing job!

An excellent story about one young man's road to discovering himself. Well-written and overall a great read revolving around a subject that can often be confusing for many, including those trying to figure out their own gender identity. Highly recommend!

This was an excellent story and well written. I haven't come across very many stories on this site that deal with gender issues. ( @kbois comes to mind) It's difficult to find a story that deals with the topic as well and as educationally as you've done. Great job!

A very unique take on a subject many people are intimately familiar with. Excellent job!

I love the hopefulness of the first poem. It's stunningly beautiful. Depression is a journey that so many people take. It's different for every single one. That you chose to personify yours as a constant black dog companion is such an excellent interpretation. A dog can be a loyal companion or a ferocious enemy. Only it's true master can wield control, yet that control can often be tenuous. I hope your dog is friendly more often than not. Thanks for sharing.

Way to go @kbois!!! Congratulations, it was a fantastic story! Congratulations @lucretiaseeks!

This is a story that should not be missed. @Mikiesboy has woven a masterpiece. I love being engrossed by a plot and this one fits the bill. It's oftentimes sad, but yet hopeful. It's hard to imagine a life lived in the dark underbelly of society, but Tim brings it to the forefront of the story with grace and tact. Congratulations on a truly amazing piece of literature.

What a wonderful ending to an amazing story. I love how some things were left up in the air, like Gwen's life and her partner. It fuels the imagination for us readers. I do hope Maeve is enjoying her retirement and I can envision her still taking care of "her boys" once they're settled in. I imaging she misses them. Thank you for this story. It was an incredible ride.

This chapter touched my heart, especially this one part: "I want that. But now-here, I can't even let you touch me." The word that stands out to me is here. Matt's interactions with Andy are closely associated with Windy Island. I think he's having a hard time with Andy being in his world as opposed to him being in Andy's. As always, stellar writing. Thank you!

These two have a lot to work on if they're ever going to have any type of relationship. I can't see one week being enough to establish a meaningful connection... friendship, sure, but anything else is going to take more therapy on Matt's part. I'm hopeful they make it, and with only one chapter left there are only three scenarios that I can really see. Matt and Andy remain just friends. Matt and Andy don't get a happily ever after. Matt and Andy end up together but it's going to take another time jump. I'm baffled but I totally trust the process because this has been a fantastic story and I'm sure our amazing author will do what he believes is right.

It's nice to see Matt making progress. Therapy is something he really needed and he's growing into his independence nicely. Andy, however, seems to be a hot mess. Thankfully he has Maeve to yank his head out of his keister. She's the glue that's holding him together. Gwen... she still has her issues, but she's coming around. Nothing like blueberry muffins and the anticipation of presents to calm a soul down. Excellent chapter!

This was an eye-opening chapter for Matt. He's making some great strides in his therapy and is on the path to becoming his own person. He's proving to his boss that he's a reliable employee, something that is increasingly rare nowadays. He's learned how to manage Gwen as it appears she is food motivated (Chinese food earlier and muffins this time, plus is sounds like Matt does most of the meal planning, shopping and cooking) His biggest conundrum is Andy and what to do about him. I'm not sure Matt is anywhere near ready for a relationship but I will trust the author and the process. It's been reliable so far.

This chapter was interesting. It shows that Matt is in a transitional period. He's moving forward, slowly, and has to deal with multiple issues-- his mom, a new job and having his past come back to haunt him. A therapist is exactly what he needs. I hope Maria Flores is a good match and can help him sort his head out. He obviously still has Andy and Windy Island on his mind as evidenced by his dream. I can't wait for the final chapters! Also... what happened @kbois? You weren't first commenting today.

I enjoyed this story. It held my interest and was well written. Now I need a cruise vacation. I'm not Yacht Club material but I will shell out the money for a balcony.