Comment from tfawcus

Exceptional

'Want to hear how? No? I don't blame you.' I seem to remember you using this in a previous chapter. A nice touch of humour, but perhaps once is enough. It may be, of course, that I read this chapter earlier but didn't review it. Anyway, you have scaled back the scientific detail in a way that makes it digestible, especially when combined with the wordplay that follows between Brian and his big sister. Good to see Daniel and KImi brought back in before the end, and a good foreshadowing of possible future events for Brian and Julia.
A good chapter.

 Comment Written 09-Nov-2024

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reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024

Thanks very much, Tony, for your thoughtful review and the 6-stars. Much appreciated.

That was one of the real challenges in writing this story--to make the science understandable enough and interesting enough but also sound authentic. I did a lot of self editing, and my wife helped a great deal in this effort. She was a good sounding board.

Comment from T B Botts

Excellent

Hello Jim,
this was a pleasant chapter. Its always good to get with friends we haven't seen for awhile. Even so, there is always something that seems to be missing when you've been apart for long periods. Nonetheless, it's a tearing all over again when you have to part. Well done. It's been a fun trip with you on this. I look forward to the next and last chapter.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom

 Comment Written 10-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 11-Oct-2024

Thanks, Tom. This has been a fun trip for me as well. I drew a number of aspects of this story from my own personal experiences with addiction and depression. Although never addicted to painkillers like Brian, I've had some lesser addictions in my life, which I could draw from. And my wife also gave me the kind of support Julia gave him through some of the rough patches in my life.

I'm hoping the last chapter will leave folks satisfied, yet begging for more.

Comment from Pearl Edwards

Excellent

It is always good to catch up with old friends and you showed that well, Jim. I have no idea if the science aspect in regards to Brian's new drug is real or not, but I keep wondering.
Great chapter Jim.
Cheers
Valda

 Comment Written 10-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 10-Oct-2024

Thanks very much. I wonder about it too, Valda. I hope someone is working on something of this nature, because the world could sure use it. I've told them how to do it, now they just have to make it work :-)

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Everything feels very realistic and natural here. It sounds like you had college friends who visited and had some good times with you. I especially liked Fran's reaction. Being the surrogate parent for Brian, naturally, she feels bad for not being there for him during the addiction with Dipraxa.

 Comment Written 10-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 10-Oct-2024

Thanks so much, Helen. Yes, one friend in particular we used to have great times with. He's the only one from my college years I still communicate with.

Comment from lancellot

Excellent

This is a very nice chapter. I see all or most of the characters, family and friends of Brian's are returning for the end of the story. And they all appear to be happy in their own lives. Brian is open and honest. That happy ending is in sight.

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2024

Thanks, Lance. Predictable, I know, because that's my bent to have everything work out to a happy ending.

The epilogue may surprise you, though, and the path forward from there may be an interesting one if I decide to write that sequel.

Comment from Carol Hillebrenner

Excellent

It looks as if the Kendrick family may have been inspired to add more to their family than a cat. The drug testing will undoubtably go well and
Brian will need to move on to his next project.

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2024

A cat just doesn't quite cut it, eh? We'll see.

Comment from royowen

Excellent

You are always clever enough to weave your way out of a sticky scribal situation. You must be an avid reader and thinker, (in a good) you understand religion to the point of being a good apologist, or theologian, but have no, or little, understanding of the relational side of wisdom, it's the dimension of an understanding that goes beyond the practicalities of religion. It's the part that only God can engineer, and the human submission of the soul, mind and heart, that can be in part, or holistic in dimension, God is a freedom fighter. Christ is our advocate. Well done, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2024

Thanks very much, Roy.

reply by royowen on 09-Oct-2024

Most welcome

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

I hate for this story to end, but I can't wait to read the ending. I know it will be good.

I wish they lived closer to us because we really enjoy their friendship. (You can omit 'to us' because it's understood.)

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2024

Thanks so much, Barbara. I appreciate the edit too. I changed it.

Comment from jmdg1954

Excellent

I couldn't help but think of cousin Eddie and his RV parked in the Griswold driveway when Daniel told Brian how they were coming to visit.

A quick moving chapter getting ready to tie odds and end.

I'm looking forward to the conclusion to see how it all settles.

Cheers my friend,
John

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2024

Yeah, we've had friends do that a couple of times when they come to visit too. I'm happy you've been along for the ride, John.

Comment from Debbie D'Arcy

Excellent

Well, this is all coming together nicely and I can't see anything upsetting the apple-cart now so I can breathe a sigh of relief:)) Unless, of course, you decide to end the book on a cliff-hanger in preparation for the sequel? But this is another excellent chapter. The dialogue, as ever, is very credible. And you tie all the elements of the book and its characters neatly together here. I'll be waiting for you on Sunday. Well done! Debbie

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2024

Cliff-hanger? Me? We'll see about that.

Thanks so much Debbie. You've been a wonderful supporter throughout. I hope you'll enjoy the conclusion to the story on Sunday.