an interesting solution to that problem. It is fascinating that the nurse "didn't bat an eyelash" which suggests that Stacie may be inter-sexed.

"Treat everyone you meet as though they had a sign on them that said "Fragile, under construction"

dorothycolleen

... how come nobody loves Dad? It's the main thing about this story that shakes my suspension of disbelief - how easily he's cast aside, and for so little reason. Maybe there is family history you aren't showing us, but if there is, we need to see it, or the events of the story don't seem to follow.

SPOILERS BELOW

When Stacie comes down to dinner in a dress, Dad is naturally shocked, so he yells. After his initial exclamation, he utters three sentences after being taken by surprise by Stacie's dressing. There's not a hint of a violent response – he doesn't shout, or raise a fist. After his first exclamation, he doesn't even raise his voice. He just speaks "sternly." And when he sees his words have no weight with anyone there, he retreats to the pub where he goes "on occasion to laugh and joke with his friends," rather than continue a confrontation in what is supposedly "his house."

He doesn't sound particularly violent, abusive, or dictatorial, and he seems quite capable of keeping a firm grip on his temper. And yet as soon as he's out the door, his wife is running for the hills with both children and talking divorce. To quote Jubal Early, the psychotic bounty hunter and part-time would-be sage from Joss Whedon's Firefly, "does that seem right to you?"

Mom's initial response after Stacie's revelation seems right. "Honey, we are a family, and there is nothing we can't work out." But the next sentence out of her mouth makes the first sentence a lie: "I know your father isn't going to say yes about this." Why not work with the man a little? You'd think she'd want to talk this out with the man she's been married to for at least fourteen years, and try to get him to see sense. She must have loved him once. Isn't that worth a little effort?

Instead, her words indicate that she believes him to be totally inflexible, which makes no sense at all after only three sentences and a shocked exclamation. After all, as far as Dad knows thirty seconds into the situation, this is a response to being teased about looking like a girl, which is no sane reason for a person to change their gender identification. Stacie never really gives us any other reason to want to be a girl, other than that he looks like one and he's teased for it. Oh, and now he won't have to deal with "being rejected for dates by any of girls (sic)," sparing himself hurt feelings. Maybe with some consideration and some thoughtful conversation between Mom and Dad, they could bring Stacie to someone to talk about what's bothering him. He could get past the pain of the teasing and thoughts of suicide and talk about what he truly wants, instead of instituting a gender change because it's convenient.

When Dad comes home to find his family gone, I think he's more likely to cry than get angry. After all, if "all you need is love," it's gotta hurt when the people you thought loved you abandon you after one argument at the dinner table. On the other hand, he's probably better off without them. It's pretty clear they don't really love him at all. And that's sad.

Randa

comments seen here. But then not all stories need be slow, deliberate, step by step *Russian novels*... like I seem to be stuck writing. Ask Itinerant.

-- GRIN --

I think Barbara left us a clue in the brief lines about the father going to the bar and that his driver's license was revoked. That and the mother's internal *warning bells going off* suggests that sometime(s) in the past when he's drinking, probably when he left home angry, he had/has been violent. It must have been long ago that the kids had no memory and that she had forgiven him.

The revoked license implies a conviction for drunk driving in the recent past or conviction for reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, arguing with a police officer or so on. It seems obvious the wife has reasons to fear him under these circumstances. That she talks about filing for divorce and a restraining order so soon after fleeing with her children implies she nearly did so in the past but backed off. Or so I gathered from my reading of the story.

I liked the overall tale as it stands but as a reader I still have some key questions, Barbara. Obviously no story can answer all questions and it good to leave something to the imagination of the reader but IMHO we are missing one or more key pieces of info. As a reader I want to know the motivations of important characters, IE the whys behind what they think and do. We are lacking important back story or it was mentioned but somehow many of us missed it.

I am happy you intend to write more of this one. Perhaps our confusion will be cleared up in it. Ultimately it's your baby so do with it as you will. That a number of us asked so many questions and commented shows you have generated strong interest in your tale. I hope our feedback helps you.

As grating as even I sometimes find it to be, I still treasure reader comments as they often find things I've missed. I am glad to hear you intend to get back to some other stories of yours as well.

I look forward to more of your work. By the way if I seemed at all critical it is because you have the same first name as The Evil BlondeTM, AKA my younger sister. Naturally I am inclined to see you as a mortal enemy or possibly the antichrist.

-- snicker --

John in Wauwatosa

P.S. Go Pack Go!

ALISON

' and I for one,wish to see her tell it as she sees fit.If for some reason you don't like the story,you can always write your own.
Meanwhile,the story belongs to Barbara,no one else!!!!