And...the plot thickens.

1. I really enjoyed Nancy and Murray’s interaction—he’s the grumpy old cynic and she just wants to learn hehe

(And NO how dare you slander Alexei even if Murray’s pretty incredible too)

2. Dipping into Mike’s vision of the future is so funny but also really really touching. I mean come on! It’s sweet! The part about him being ripped in the future did make me chuckle.

3. Ah! the whole hassle of legal guardian vs. father. vs. uncle Jim (haha thank you Joyce) belies a deeper turmoil to Hopper and you’re just..so brilliant with the way you choose to portray it. Amazing amazing amazing.

4. GOD STEVE IS A SLUT (but a cute one good job)

5. Pardon my unacceptable lack of commas

6. Cannot wait to see more Billy and Max interaction ngl I love it

Yes! Yes yes yes yes!

Aside from a few minor grammar/spelling issues, your story is absolutely fantastic. I love the way you’re beginning to unpack the trauma that Neil is inflicting on his kids — as horrible as he is, the way you describe Max and Billy’s relationship is so...heartbreaking yet warming at the same time. On one hand, what they have to go through is awful as are the ways they’re trying to cope with it but on the other hand, I am LOVING to see this more protective side of Billy towards his sister. This is not to say, however, that you show a sanitized reality—their lives are still quite messy: both indulge in unhealthy habits at too young an age (e.g. Max’s smoking and Billy’s relationship with Mrs. Wheeler).

Anyway, I was gonna wait until I read up to the last updated chapter to give a full review so far, but I really just wanted to highlight this chapter and your phenomenal work with depicting this very messy family.

(Apologies for any typos; I’m writing from my phone.)

Impressive

Cool first chapter! I like it a lot already!