Comment from Wendy G

Excellent

Raffi is a wise and astute counsellor. Brian acting out that joke was a bit risky, as many girls would show disdain at "boy humour", but it worked, and I think they will be good for each other, and extra support is a good thing for both. They both need an understanding friend. Well written.
Wendy

 Comment Written 14-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 15-Jul-2024

Thanks, Wendy. I'm not sure how common it is for a therapist to share private details of his own life, but it sure gives credibility to what he says if the kids can relate to him via a similar experience.

Comment from royowen

Excellent

It seems that Brian is in a better place than he was, he needs someone else in his life besides his sister, although she is truly vital as his protector and ex officio parent, now it seems he has Julia as a possibility, beautifully written Jim, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 14-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 15-Jul-2024

Yep, things are definitely looking up for Brian, especially since meeting Julia. She is certain to fulfill several rolls in his life.

reply by royowen on 15-Jul-2024

Good post Jim

Comment from Dolly'sPoems

Excellent

It is cathartic to be in the company of others who understand your situation and can identify with our weaknesses. We can gain strength from these situations and I suppose this is why these group therapy sessions work. I recently had to take pill to sedate me for a medical procedure. I felt myself losing control of my senses and entering a world of calm and peaceful tranquility where nothing mattered. It was a strange sensation and I eventually had some restful sleep. As I am a bit of a control freak I hated being out of it. I would much rather be alert and full of energy. But I also understand the attraction in these drugs, especially with painkillers. You brought some humour into this chapter and enjoyed the ride Jim, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 14-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 16-Jul-2024

Hearing your take on it was interesting, Dolly. People absolutely do respond to the same stimuli differently, and it's a factor of many different things, not the least of which is your personality. For so many people, some strong drugs tend to break down those differences and many different personality types can become addicted to them. That's what's so frightening about them. Folks have already told me a few horror stories in this regard.

Thanks for your wise words and support, Dolly.

Comment from lancellot

Exceptional

A very interesting chapter. I'm not sure I completely agree with Raffi's logic about pleasure not being the opposite of pain, but I can see the point trying to be made. This was a well-crafted chapter; it gives the reader pause, and makes the readers think deeper about what Brian is going through.

 Comment Written 14-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 16-Jul-2024

Thanks very much, Lance. I appreciate your comments and the 6th star too.

I think the idea of pleasure and pain being opposites of each other is mostly one of semantics. If you were to suddenly experience a sharp, unrelenting pain, I think your first thought would be to just make the pain stop rather than to make you feel extreme pleasure right about now. I think most people start by just wishing the pain would stop, but when they find something that can do both, how appealing that becomes--but with a risk.

The pleasure part of painkillers complicates the issue, and it would become more straightforward if it was removed from the equation of pain. That's the point of this passage because it becomes very significant later in the story.

Pleasurable and painless are both listed as antonyms for painful.

Comment from Tom Horonzy

Excellent

An add on star directing the lost makes for a good read and then it pauses.
I can wait knowing you always deliver
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 Comment Written 14-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 14-Jul-2024

Thanks, I guess. I couldn't quite grasp what you were saying.

reply by Tom Horonzy on 14-Jul-2024

Neither could I
🙄 but you got a review stroke count 😎

Comment from Pam Lonsdale

Excellent

"But pleasure isn't the opposite of pain. No-pain is the opposite." I love that.

Oh, yea! Julia can talk and has chosen to do so with Brian. I predict they will become very tight and help each other to heal. At least, that's what I hope for, but these things have a way of going sideways.

I'll be around as much as possible to review your book, Jim. I'm really enjoying it, as I've told you a million times:-)

xoxo
Pam

 Comment Written 14-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 14-Jul-2024

Thank you so much, Pam, for your great review. You have a way of singling-out and identifying my favorite lines. The one you quoted at the beginning was one such line from this chapter.

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

I am glad Brian went over and talked with Julia. I am positive she needed it. I am curious what's going to happen next. I know something is because it's running to smoothly. This is a good write.

 Comment Written 14-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 14-Jul-2024

Thank you, Barbara. Both of them need some good things to happen to them since their recent overdoses. Perhaps they will find them in each other.

Comment from Wayne Fowler

Excellent

Nicely written, of course. You write so very well.
A burgeoning romance brewing? Burgeoning, that's a ridiculous word for swelling.
Best wishes.

 Comment Written 14-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 14-Jul-2024

Thank you very much, Wayne. You're very kind. I like that word, burgeoning. Yes, it's beginning to burgeon.

Comment from BethShelby

Excellent

Brian got some good advice from the leader. He also got an idea of how to break the ice with Jusia. I'm sure the two of them could be good friends. I enjoyed this post.

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 Comment Written 14-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 14-Jul-2024

Thanks, Beth. Perhaps even more than good friends. We'll see.

Comment from Rachelle Allen

Excellent

This is delightful. I like that they're helping each other and will love watching how it helps them both (hopefully) come out improved on the other side. You've laid the groundwork nicely - a very firm and solid and authentic foundation. I'm looking forward to the next chapter. xo

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The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 14-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 14-Jul-2024

Thank you, Rachelle. Maybe their relationship will be a synergistic one, and they will come out even stronger together than each one separately.

reply by Rachelle Allen on 14-Jul-2024

That's what the Happily Ever After in me is anticipating. xoxo