Cane23

This amazing short story deals with topics of marriage, friendship, betrayal and disappointment. On a road to nowhere, running from a painful memory, Mark recalls past eight years of his marriage. Nevertheless, what seems like a bitter end, actually presents a new start, no matter how painful revelations are. @Salerion deserves high prizes for his first story. I'm eagerly waiting a follow-up, interested in Mark's life journey.

@Superpride brings this charming story of love, family and redemption. Todd is artist, working in a local grocery store for minimal wage. He is openly gay, pursuing his own dreams, doesn't want to be shaped by his father's expectations which makes them more and more estranged every day. Barrett is Todd's brother's best friend. Dealing with his own sexuality he is still wearing a trauma of foster child, left by his birth parents. Todd and Barrett meet in local gay pub... With assumptions made on some events from the past; personal issues and family/friends around - is there a future for Todd and Barrett's relationship?! Read this beautiful story and find out!

Amazing! Instead of making melodrama, this short story brings the essence of the Mark's feelings. I'm glad how he ended things with Tim and David - without playing victim or allowing them to manipulate him - just clean cut and good buy! Looking forward for the follow-up story, as I would like to read about Mark's healing! I'm glad I've given this story a chance!

Parents are not the ones that brought us to the world, the parents are the ones that took care of us, looked after us in happiness and sadness, who were there for us when we needed them the most. Everyone in this story made some progress in life except Dillon and Channing. They are sticked to their habits and patterns, hiding behind work and promiscuity. Does it mean @Superpride plan a sequel for those two?! 🤔🙂

I didn't like the comment Caleb made about Quinn. Sounds malicious! Orion has history with Quinn and can think of him whatever he wants, Caleb judges' size or looks is a high school brat thinking. At the same time, Quinn is still paying for his high school immaturity!

Oops...you did it again! 😁 Well...Carter's stupid diversion at least brought Jeremy out of self-isolation! Who kidnapped Elena? Dexter?! Might be...but, then again - Elena's thoughts are very intriguing 'Don’t trust him... don’t fall for the lies'. Why would he trust Dexter anyway, not that he showed himself trustworthy and friendly with Carter! Hm... 🤔

I believe the healing is process. It's not easy - there is anger, disappointment, sadness... If it is not treated, it can lead to depression, so, there is a heavy journey for our protagonist. Doesn't matter how long this story is, it is outcome I'm interested Finding happiness again, starting a new life, finding new friends...and maybe even new love (some Gary 😉).

Oh, I lve your interpretation!

OMG...this was not what I expected!!! I thought he will find new love in Dave... OMG, I've been blind - Dave and ex...!!! I'm really angry. I mean, one cannot control the heart, it feels what it feels. But cheating, lying and, above all betrayal!!! Playing this little charade all time long!!! No wonder Dante put tritors in the ninth circle of hell!

Interesting that the one who has made the most progress dealing with his issues (Todd), sees the need to have professional help while the other (Barrett), who is total emotional mess, with sexuality, commitment and other issues, offers to help Todd, but doesn't even think about looking for some help for himself!?!? At this stage, even daddy came further in dealing with his issues than Barrett, as I strongly believe that admitting one has a problem is already halfway to the solution! Everything seems going in good direction, but Barrett is still, potentially, 'troublemaker'!

Or the title for the story! 😜

A million dollars question!

Now, I'm really wondering - how much does she really know about Bruce and how much is being Bruce's wife actually the role of her life?! I liked her 'human face' in this chapter. Actually, she is very intriguing character! Then, heat breaks the thermometer, guys are hot and...🔥🔥🔥 Finaly... 12"!?!?! Twelve?! As 30.5cm!? 😱

Nah, just pissed! Seems that stupidity is contagious in Todd Father's company! I mean...what kind 'Angel of Patience' one has to be to answer the question "Like?" If they were not in hospital, Todd would have probably punch him in the face! He was so shocked with moronic question that all he could come up with has been - We've been making sauce together!

As master Shakespeare put it nicely - Much Ado About Nothing! Which is, probably, the best outcome. They are focused of new step in their life - living together. Yes, there is going to be many challenges, but future looks good for our guys.

As well as explanation: Like, you are moron Barrett... 🤪

WOW, this chapter brings so many resolutions! Where to start...?! Probably with two weeks of ghosting! Ok, I know - it's nice that Todd and Barrett are back together but two weeks 'radio silence' is unacceptable! No excuse no matter what. I don't say Todd should be angry indefinitely, prolonging unnecessary drama but, if he forgives it too easy, partner might take him for granted - running from problem might became a pattern and who wants such relationship. Anthony is priority now but there is still lot to talk between Todd and Barrett. Communication is the key guys! Poor Anthony - his eating habits were disaster waiting to happen. If there is something good of this, I believe heart attack is going to be turning point for everybody. They will see life is too short to live it angry, family estranged...or make it even shorter with unhealthy habits. There was no point talking to father, but this moment he feels he might lose his child, might change him...and seems to me this change is already happening. Nothing goes fast or overnight, but it's happening. Dilon and Jenny are siblings! Nice! For a few chapters already I'm rooting for Anthony and Jenny. 'New' Anthony might have some chance... 😁 As for Dilon, he has shown some maturity deciding to tell his mother Todd is not his boyfriend. Thus, he avoided some more unnecessary drama! I'm really anxious to find out what is going to happen next...

Seems like Cottontail's brother is leading a personal crusade against Jamie. What's the problem, is he disillusioned former lover or what? Jamie might have his own issues, but Cottontail has to get rid of his brother's toxic influence asap! He might be the one 'feeding' Cottontail's insecurities regarding his looks...

A fresh start for Orion and Quinn, I like it. Quin didn't know about Orion's injuries...it's not excuse but kids can be such monsters in school.

People usually use children as an excuse to stay in such marriage. There are no children here (are there?!). I've heard saying - better a good divorce than a lousy marriage! What's the point living in a farce? Interesting start of a story. 👍

Agree, seems that Cynthia has been more sympathetic than aunt. Maybe she's in shock too, we'll see!

The saddest chapter yet. It is realistic but, honestly, as Barrett himself, I hoped for some better outcome. Well, life is not a fairytale, and this story is not Spanish telenovela where poor orphans find their extremely rich parents - live and healthy in some large mansion. On the other hand, when emotions calm down, Barrett should accept that something good came out of this search - he has aunt and cousin. They are his family and, maybe, there is possibility to reconnect. As for the Todd and Barrett's relationship, as long as Todd is patient enough to listen Barrett's story, everything should be ok.

I'm not so much surprised by Jeremy's eight months absence. This is sort of noninstitutionalized rehabilitation. He had to deal with his emotional pain @vanalas has mentioned at the beginning of chapter and everything that goes with it - depression, anger, violent outbursts etc. He had to do it not only for himself, but to protect people around him, his children at the first place. Laura's hysterical breakdowns are selfish and doesn't have anything with Jeremy's benefit. Any 'normal' mother would support her child in fight against his demons, no matter time necessary to win that battle. I'm surprised Carter has broken under the pressure to bring back Jeremy. He might think that it is enough of Jeremy's absence and that he is needed at home, but the real question is, how much time Jeremy needs to heal, not what others think. I can only hope that Carter's idea to bring back Jeremy is not something drastic (as @VBlew has mentioned), because both of them need a fresh, healthy start - not some dramatic event that will put Jeremy under stress!

Another adventure at sea and I'm already hooked! Orion seems like a great character, not only survivor but brave and intelligent guy. Due to his diving and other exciting jobs he does, I expect a lot of excitement in this story.

Sorry, his hobby! 🤪