SilentandBroken

I’m so glad you stated this. I picked this up by chapter’s midpoint and recognized Hunter will have some difficulties soon. I’m not just talking about the food options . So far, you’ve got yourself a nice solid foundation built for this story. I look forward to the rest.

Joel’s embracing of his label of traitor by the student body by wearing what he wore and the chant actually was pretty brilliant if you ask me. I think what this will do will remove power of the label it actually was intended by the student body and as we saw (or is it read?), there were more than a few who enjoyed the humor behind it. This will earn him a little respect fairly easily by some and yeah some more fuel for the others. I think that the principle will merely get a tongue lashing and warning to stop antagonizing the ogres ..I mean football players. The school admin is clearly worried about a fight but that may happen anyway. Davin learned pretty quickly Joel is NOT a morning person. Joel hurt his feelings there. He will have to mend that.

I consider myself pansexual. I relate to Tommy’s “do we vibe?” Comment in response to Nick’s inquiry. Compatibility is key. Gender is flexible

First of all, I must say. EMDR therapy saved my life. No lie..I was borderline actively suicidal when I started at the end of my rope. Trauma sucks. But it isn’t the end all. Emdr brought me from the brink. it’s fucking hellacious but worth it. It’s also not for everyone. Thankfully, there is A.R.T.which is also great and works very well as well for PTSD. But enough soapboxing. more importantly, I should say this chapter had moments that could very well be a valedictorian speech. There are so many nuggets of wisdom in the Nick thought monologues.… sigh just brilliant.

There are so many accurate observations in the comments above on this chapter. The one thing that stands out to me in this chapter is the fragility of everyone and everything including the case. Not just that but also the fragility of the mob’s control on things. These are the things that scare me going into the next chapter. The victim’s safety and the other’s helping are barely worthy of it. Daniel better bring in a bigger pool of resources but that poses a risk too because the greater the involvement the higher the chances that the mob will infiltrate it. Speaking of the mob, their reaction to this will be swift once they decide what to do. They will likely cauterize everything possible separating them from the ring so they can re-establish it again somewhere else. That cauterization puts a lot of our list of characters at risk. Also, side note, Agent Thompson seems to be a weak link. He needs to be watched.

Great chapter, although IRL the civilians like Tommy and Bren, the two women and an attorney would have never been allowed to contaminate a crime scene much like be so involved in a case. No worries though. It’s fiction and I’m cool with it. I’m glad Cheng sought help. I would think that Daniel would know to have to protective details for everyone including Roger. Maybe that’s coming. Hopefully in time

Holy shit. This just went from a hallmark movie to an FX or HBO series. Those women aren’t going to be able to set foot into that house. I’m shocked the boys were allowed. Let alone Roger. Riz has a target on his back and doesn’t know it.

Yep to both

I can only imagine the scope of the true size of the real racket of child flesh. Sigh…the world will never truly know how vast it is no matter how much is stopped. It is a hydra. You cut the head off, and 3 more grow in its place. This story is but a drop in the total volume of the world’s oceans I’m sure. It is bringing more awareness surely so for that @empath I thank you. I said all this to say it is clear to me that Chen’s triggering at the end of the chapter highlights their own experience it seems.

What a twist with the Chief and the two idiots. I think it might be smart to put Bren and Tommy into witness protection too. Perhaps maybe assign an agent to hang out with Roger

I guess it would depend on the dog breed 😆

I’m glad you included horses in this story a little though. They’re such intelligent creatures. I wish I took the time to bond with them when I was home as an older teen. I’ve read a little that they’re great for trauma survivors and folks like me who’ve been afflicted with PTSD. I know nothing about them, never ridden one or anything. If you’re planning to use them in this story to help Joel, that would just make my heart overflow.

I had no idea the breed she had. The momma was a beautiful chestnut and blonde while the colt boy was a darker almost dark chocolate and black maned beauty but he was a character.

I’m ready for Nick to be bottom now. 😆 great chapter

They are but still magical creatures. My sister had a momma who birthed as a colt as a teen. It’s truly amazing how sensitive they are to someone who is hurting.

I’m soo proud of you. This was a great story. Hugs to you

It’s tried

That’s right he asked about it just before the last class of the day.

I couldn’t dream of being homeschooled by Celia. That said, Joel flexing and standing up for the table in the cafeteria definitely won him some respect with them. Respect I think he desperately needs right now. It would not surprise me that the second face off between him and number 9 happens off school grounds. I think Joel has enough smarts to know he needs to not be the one to throw the first punch. I don’t think Colt knows yet about the encounter in the cafeteria and I’d be curious to know his opinion of him. Oh and I think I might be close given your reaction to my Roy comment 😆

I wholeheartedly agree!!

Omg I have Complex PTSD but for some reason it didn’t even click with me for Jack. I know I said Bipolar and they are close in both the region of the brain that’s affected and share common symptoms. Anyway, anyway this was a great chapter. When Nick came back downstairs after his mom talked to him about the diagnosis, the way he and Jack cuddled there ..I cried . I could totally relate with the fear and subsequent guilt Jack was feeling in that moment. Just how he said “I’m broken.” Ugh..Jonah was magnificent as was Christian. Any Tommy! Oh my does the potential relationship between him and Jonah have me curious. Wonderful bonding between Tommy and Jack. I also can relate with Nick’s grief and later admission he needed help. Great chapter

I get the feeling Roy is in the closet and is secretly attracted to Joel. The rest of the chapter is..well honestly as expected. Joel has to establish himself some semblance of independence on campus and the qb is a great way to do that BUT it doesn’t come without consequences of course. I know it’s only been day 2 but it’ll be 2 weeks before he knows it and then what? More pressure from everyone to have Joel please them. Right now he’s getting irritated he’s not being listened to about what HE wants. He needs to establish that respect or he’s going to snap. I said what I said.

Wait you drew that?! Damn dude. That is seriously very awesome

Ah so I did start on the first story. Excellent.