Griz

Two young farmers in rural central Montana meet as Winter turns to Spring, and everything frozen begins to thaw and prepares to bloom.

I looked at the little blue velvet-covered box that had been closed and slid across the jewelry store's glass counter to me. The jeweler had an interesting idea about combining gemstones in a way that looked both classic and innovative, and after spending a previous solid two hours drawing designs back and forth, I settled on what he'd drawn in the first place. That was proof to me that consumers need to leave the artists alone to communicate with their muses. We both laughed about those two

It’s good to read this chapter again, X. I found it here without looking for it. See you on Patreon; ——————Griz

@Jeff Burton: Thanks, Bud; this chapter was a perfect way to end my day here. You’ve introduced Riley and Preston, and I look forward to seeing where they play into the story. When I read any story or any addition to one, I think about what was most significant about it for me. In this chapter, what I think is most important is the unconditional love and support from Tyler’s and Jacob’s families and friends. Those boys have challenging, uncharted waters ahead, but as they make their way, at least they have several others who love and support them; not only as newly-minted gaybies, but as a couple, too. Is it too soon to say I’m looking forward to Chapter Six?

Heh……I have that album, too. Now that I’ve finished this chapter, I think that will provide some good wind-down music.

Well, well, well……a happy ending, a logical conclusion, entirely believable, and smile-enducing. Well done, Bud; a perfect end to a good story. I’m content entirely with it, and am glad that Ty and Jake are together. From this……and I’m not suggesting anything……but you have a franchise opportunity, should you care to consider it. Travis. He might have a story to tell, as well; not necessarily including the others in this particular story, but perhaps this entire situation has opened him up to himself. Anyway. I’m happy with how this ended, and I’m beyond happy that the two moms did NOT engage in a long, hot, passionate, open-mouthed kiss. (SO happy about that…..) Looking forward to whatever you do next, Jeff; Griz

If you have the two moms deep into an open-mouthed kiss while also discussing mortgage refinance strategy or disappointing NFL draft picks, I’m gonna have a seriously difficult time with that.

Agreed, Bud. I’ll be the first to say my opinions are just my own, but I’ll also say I’ll admit when I’m wrong (it’s actually more of a proud gloat, because I’m so good at being wrong!). The people in this story show a maturity beyond their years, and certainly beyond my own when I was their age. Even Jacob acknowledges his grievous error, and understands the genesis of his reaction and behavior. I believe if this story had gone the route of “Lord Of The Flies” and had no adults in it at all, the teens would’ve figured this out on their own. Might’ve taken longer, but maybe not. It seems to me the kids are teaching the adults some lessons here, all the way around. It’s refreshing to read this story, and while it’s truly a fictional story, I hope somewhere there are real versions of these kids in the same situation, managing it like in this story. It’s always nice when it’s Life imitating Art for a change.

As interesting a story is to me is the diverse interpretations and reactions to it. Amanda is, I think, far from injured less than anyone else of the group. Amanda is all about fairness and justice, in my opinion. This is not at all unusual among women and girls, in my experience. Tyler is Amanda’s oldest friend, and she, his. To watch a surrogate brother suffer at the hands of a bully has, I think, brought out a wolf from within her that even she doesn’t yet realize. I don’t think I’d want to be at the end of an alley on a moonless midnight with Amanda if she’s angry. I hope she has a sense of self importance. That’s a virtue generally useful to anyone, but particularly to those who have strength identifiable to themselves and to those who suffer. We’re still very young into this story, and these are kids who are now acknowledging and reacting against violence toward one of their own. While she’s aware that Tyler is doing everything he can to forgive Jacob and reunite as friends—-and maybe evolve into a different relationship—-Amanda isn’t going to sit by idly, if my hunches are correct. Every story needs a Libra (I don’t mean that in terms of horoscopic clichés, but just what a Libra represents: a woman holding a scale in balance). I think in this story, that’s Amanda.

After Chapter Three, this story can really go anywhere. Regardless of direction, I suspect we’ve not seen the end of challenges these or any kids in the story will continue to have. Justice is a big and growing issue for kids in the States, and not just kids. Anyone who is “different” has an increasing probability of suffering at the hands of a bigot/hater now. I’m wondering what it would be for Jacob to get his own justice; will his father come back into the story? Would he be the same hater on his son as before, or will he have repented and seek forgiveness? What will help Jacob heal from those horrors? I’m hoping there’ll be several more chapters of this story, because it’s compellingly interesting to me. Thanks, Jeff, for all three thus far. Griz

Each chapter you write is setting a higher and higher bar, Jeff; not just for the readers, but for you, too. Damn, #2 is a good chapter. Gavin is in an interesting position, being privy to thoughts and comments from both Tyler and Jacob. That in itself must be difficult. I like reading his reactions to the boys, though. He seems wise beyond his late-20s/early-30s, but his wisdom seems to be exactly what everyone in this story needs.

I’m a few days late to the round-up, but damn, this is a good story. My initial thought: just how many bullying gay-bashings are due to the aggressor actually having strong feelings he’s incapable of managing, so he fights others for his own relief? Probably more than I/we realize. A good story so far, Jeff; I look forward to more. Griz