Aug 04, 2022
The way you described Darren's wound as it happened made me wince as if it was happening to me. I could feel his panic and his pain as if I could see it visually. My heart really broke for him in this chapter for a lot of reasons.
One being of course his physical injuries, but another was his denial. It's showing now in a way that is more direct to what he's denying. It makes it hurt all the more for him. In a way, part of me wants him to go back and pretend like everything is fine again, because I feel so bad that he's struggling with all these things. But, I also know, as does he, that he must move forward. He still has his personality and sense of humor through all of these but it only makes me empathize more. To see the man behind the mask so to speak. (Or the man with the mask ripped off, as it were.)
Also, let it not be said that gep doesn't represent women accurately. (Not that I think anyone has.) Because Erica's response to him saying that she didn't look well was absolutely on par, even if that wasn't actually the reason.
I do feel more… willing to listen to Erica's story with an open mind now that she's being slightly more vulnerable but I still am holding quite the grudge over her so far. Haha
I also liked the "couple of besties" joke, it made me laugh.
"Oh you poor boy, putting your head in the sand." - that line made me tear up.
I liked reading Darren's inner "parent" so to speak. Meaning, him trying to coax himself out of his usual behavior. Or maybe leaning on someone who used to help him in the past, I'm not sure. But either way it was very telling of his mindset and inner struggle.
Great job as usual! Loved this chapter!! 🥰
