empath

Welcome!

Things are in motion. I too wonder how Joshua's aunt and uncle's connections will be brought to bear. Fortunately, Jordan and Cameron's families are connected as well. I'm interested to see where you take us @Paladin. Will this be a big battle or a sudden collapse? As of yet, the opposition remains in the background.

Thanks for dropping a comment @CincyKris! This chapter is a turning point in many lives as well as in the story.

Truth. Unfortunately, child exploitation isn't a unique issue as @Paladin and others have stated. I wish it were fiction, but the horrors and devastation are very real and far too commonplace. Thanks for bringing visibility to the ugly truth my friend! I look forward to the adventure.

Hey @Tris. Although a generation behind, I can also relate to John Renkin. The eighties and nineties in a rural, Midwest community certainly did not create an environment for a young gay kid to understand the world or himself objectively, especially as a pastor’s kid. Internal homophobia is a real thing, and it makes it really difficult to live honestly or joyfully.

The seagulls... Were they just seagulls fighting over a fry or a metaphor for the raucous and ugly battle to come? Joshua's life has been full of death and abuse. Trust will not be easy, even for the two men he now sees as surrogate fathers. He fears losing them like he has everyone else, but he doesn't want to disappoint them either. What a heartbreaking and anger inducing start to part 2, but there's finally hope for Joshua and for Jordan. Cameron has his work cut out for him as he tries to hold their forming family together. This vacation certainly isn't going as planned, but hopefully they each find the peace to cherish what they've found.

Good question, and point @Cane23. ❤️

Love everything about this @Onim!

A beautifully written love story that surprised me with tears and left me wanting more. Fortunately, this is part 1. After reading it, I will definitely be reading any and all future parts @Paladin shares.

Well written, well paced, and well where's the rest of it!? 😉 I will wait patiently, but know I'm excited to read on when you gift us with more.

Lol. Missed opportunity. 😉 I'm still stuck on Joshua's untold story, and I don't think one more chapter is going to tell it.

Lol... Risotto will never be the same.

October 17th, 2024 While it was his birthday, it wasn’t a happy day. He was only sixty-eight but felt as if his life was over as he looked around the office that had been his home for over four decades. The man had a house, a very nice house, but he spent as little time there as possible. The fifty-sixth floor corner office was the only place he was even remotely happy. Perhaps more than most men, John Renkin felt worthless and lost outside his professional domain. The investment s

I share your hope.

I really had no expectation that anyone would be willing to read this no-holds-barred story. Your praise is humbling and encouraging on many fronts. More on the way. Be sure to follow to be notified when new chapters and stories are shared.