Yeah, I'm working backwards. Direction is relative, right? Okay, not really.
I like how you picked up from the tension in the previous chapter and had an entitled Caleb adopting his controlling posture even when seeking Ryan out. Talk about not being able to readily teach an OLD dog new tricks. Caleb has one dynamic and his irrational dislike and jealousy of Ryan comes shining through, even when Caleb is beginning to be aware of all Ryan has done for his daughter and grandson.
I'm still not sure which moment has had the most resonance with Caleb. Is it that Ryan made sure Seth didn't die afraid and alone? Is it that he's devoted himself to protecting Kirsten and her unborn child so that life can continue and there's something to celebrate too- something personal for Caleb? Is it that Caleb wouldn't have the oppoortunity to be with Kirsten and his unborn grandchild if Ryan hadn't risked his own life so many times and dedicated himself to caring for her and the others who have also supported her? By showing so much trust and demonstrating so much responsibility, does he earn the least bit of trust, respect and grudging acknowledgement in return? I do have to wonder, jaded person that I am, if Caleb is really seeing Ryan for who he is in light of such dire circumstances so that real priorities take precedence and selfish feelings are of little consequence, or if it's to appease and placate Kirsten. Hopefully, it's the former. The very fact that he's admitted weakness and uncertainty to Ryan is shocking in itself. That means he's conceding to Ryan's better judgement- at least in these matters. When zombies and crazies roam the planet!
Easy there, Summer, our boy is healing. Be careful.
You've hinted at the dynamics in the various pairings here so we're getting more couplings too.
Emily, don't fall for Caleb, please! I'm happy that we've got the best nurse in California- or in fanfic- on our side. Is she getting double pay now? I hope her personality is similar to the one we've come to know already. I'm wondering if she made an appearance in the third, but earlier story now... (Yeah, I'm still trying to get there!)
You've given us another great couple of chapters that have clarified and furthered relationships and allowed for some actual character growth and changes in perspective too.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2006-11-21 10:22 pm (UTC)I like how you picked up from the tension in the previous chapter and had an entitled Caleb adopting his controlling posture even when seeking Ryan out. Talk about not being able to readily teach an OLD dog new tricks. Caleb has one dynamic and his irrational dislike and jealousy of Ryan comes shining through, even when Caleb is beginning to be aware of all Ryan has done for his daughter and grandson.
I'm still not sure which moment has had the most resonance with Caleb. Is it that Ryan made sure Seth didn't die afraid and alone? Is it that he's devoted himself to protecting Kirsten and her unborn child so that life can continue and there's something to celebrate too- something personal for Caleb? Is it that Caleb wouldn't have the oppoortunity to be with Kirsten and his unborn grandchild if Ryan hadn't risked his own life so many times and dedicated himself to caring for her and the others who have also supported her? By showing so much trust and demonstrating so much responsibility, does he earn the least bit of trust, respect and grudging acknowledgement in return? I do have to wonder, jaded person that I am, if Caleb is really seeing Ryan for who he is in light of such dire circumstances so that real priorities take precedence and selfish feelings are of little consequence, or if it's to appease and placate Kirsten. Hopefully, it's the former. The very fact that he's admitted weakness and uncertainty to Ryan is shocking in itself. That means he's conceding to Ryan's better judgement- at least in these matters. When zombies and crazies roam the planet!
Easy there, Summer, our boy is healing. Be careful.
You've hinted at the dynamics in the various pairings here so we're getting more couplings too.
Emily, don't fall for Caleb, please! I'm happy that we've got the best nurse in California- or in fanfic- on our side. Is she getting double pay now? I hope her personality is similar to the one we've come to know already. I'm wondering if she made an appearance in the third, but earlier story now... (Yeah, I'm still trying to get there!)
You've given us another great couple of chapters that have clarified and furthered relationships and allowed for some actual character growth and changes in perspective too.