Hey Sandy - I just got caught up with this story, and it was great to read three chapters in a row and get some of my questions answered about how they met, etc. This is a very intriguing, complex premise and I appreciate how difficult it must be to write - you're doing a terrific job. It's a Catch-22 situation - if Ennis got angry with Jack, it would only reinforce and validate Jack's feelings of worthlessness and guilt; if Ennis is understanding and patient, it makes Jack feel even more guilty and undeserving.

Poor Jack. My heart breaks for him. No one goes to prison for four years and emerges as the same person and I understand his need to talk to Rufus - as much as Ennis loves Jack, he can't really know what Jack has been through. And poor Ennis, too. No one can see the love of their life sent to prison and know they are suffering, feel the pain and frustration of being unable to help, and not come out of that experience a changed person also. Little wonder that Ennis must've thrown himself into his work. I'm afraid it isn't as easy as just talking it out. I'm interested to see how the story evolves!

Thanks,
Marie