Date: 14 Dec 2013 23:02 Title: Through Thick and Thin
trekfan, what an excellent short story.
You build up Harmony guilt and angst, as we see how she views her parents and siblings over the Christmas meal. So when Beth asks the bombshell questions, I want to know as much as the other Harrison family what she was worry about.
The announcement surprised me but in its own way made sense. The scene when the junior siblings stop the in-fighting to join her outside and try to show what ever decision she made, they still family and will support their big sister.
Then the final moment when her parents join them outside and Hank gets over the surprised and confirms his love for her feels so real and while hard earned it’s a excellent piece of storytelling.
Date: 02 Jan 2013 21:35 Title: Through Thick and Thin
I always love Hank and Bethany. And, of course, it's always good to see them again. It doesn't surprise me that Hank made the right call in the end, at all.
Date: 02 Jan 2013 02:54 Title: Through Thick and Thin
Intriguing with detailed characterism. Indeedy.
Date: 01 Jan 2013 02:27 Title: Through Thick and Thin
That's what I love about your stories; lots of raging emotions and emotive stuff. At least it didn't descend into fisticuffs! I thought you portrayed our character's inner thinking very well; that fear of going your own way but wanting your parents to support it is something I'm all too familiar with. At least Hank is an understanding type and amazingly, your story had a happy ending! So well done!
Date: 01 Jan 2013 00:31 Title: Through Thick and Thin
That was really well done. A good portrait of how a family handles difficult news.
I like that Harmony's parents would argue, but her siblings offer nothing but support, even injecting some levity and humor into the situation. And that in the end, all of her family rallies around her. She'll need their help and understanding even more now.
A nice look at how a family comes together offering love and support to one of their own, no matter the circumstances. Well done, trekfan.
Date: 30 Dec 2012 00:57 Title: Through Thick and Thin
Acceptance of that sort of situation is not easy. And I'm glad the folks fought (although possibly at least an inkling of what they were yelling might've enhanced the piece) - because they should. It's shocking, no matter what century you're in, and girls get the brunt of it, no matter what.
I liked very much that the boyfriend is not there - this is Harmony standing up by herself. It's a part of breaking away, in some ways, as she expands her family and begins to create responsibilities for herself.
And I'm glad, overall, that it happened. I still believe that people will do stupid stuff, regardless of the era and regardless of the level of technology or medicine out there. And unplanned pregnancies are going to be with us a long time from now, I feel.
Date: 29 Dec 2012 23:46 Title: Through Thick and Thin
Okay, that was just beautiful. The only criticism I have is that it was confusing when she left the table and went outside ... it wasn't immediately clear that she had done that. You still have time to fix it! Other than that minor quibble, this was really authentic and lovely. Love is often messy, and you nailed it. Well done.
Author's Response:
Thanks for he heads up, kes. I've corrected that and I'm glad you found it to your liking. I felt like I was going out on a limb here so it's comforting to know I did all right :)