There are a few of L.M. Lewis's stories that I read repeatedly and have marked as "Favorites." This is one of them. "Rehabilitation" is another, and so is "Ictus." They have a theme - "McCormick in a dire medical situation" (to paraphrase LML's own words).

But as to this story. . . There is so much to like. Mark being forced to remember/relive something that he had pretty much believed he was "over" (although I doubt that, especially given his extreme reaction). His refusal to see himself as a victim and his determination that he should go it alone is fairly despairing for a guy who is often an optimist, but now has to to be a realist.

One thing that has always stuck with me in this story is Hardcastle's inability to really see where Mark is coming from. McCormick doesn't need to say what happened (like he'd said to Father Atia) as obviously Milt knows (because of Frank's case). Yet it seems Hardcastle doesn't view the assault as an individual act that Mark had to endure but more as a "failure of the system" that was compounded by the victims not reporting the assaults. It hit me as a somewhat callous response, unless that was the only way Milt could "deal" with it, even though he did say he could handle things without falling apart.

Anyway, I don't know who will see this review, but I thought it was time I posted it.

-ck

Okay...you had me crying in this one for poor Mark. This story, including its prequel Sins of Omission, handled a difficult but important topic with such care and sensitivity through each character's responses. And then the perfect bit of humour at the end had me laughing through the tears at Mark's "confession"! Totally awesome.

very tastefully written

It's taken a bit of time and countless visits to the story, but I think I can pinpoint my single most favorite scene. It's the beach. Mark's sorrow is just so terribly palpable. All that hard work stuffing the past down deep and away from the here and now all comes to naught when the consequences of something totally outside of his control reach out and slam him full in the face. And there, standing right beside him, is Hardcastle, subtly but undeniably mirroring that misery and bearing it right along with him.

The mood, you maintain throughout the story. But the language in that scene in particular, about the ocean and the stars, and then the mundaneness of going back up to sit across from Hardcastle at dinner, pretending everything's okay...that is painfully brilliant.

It's going to be a long time, I think, before I'm done fully exploring this one. And even though I already favorite-d "Blood", I have to say that its depth expanded for me quite a bit more after having read "The Things We Don't Talk About."

I worship the keyboard you type on.

This story handles a very emotional subject with great sensitivity. This topic demands alot of the characters and I liked the depth of emotion you gave them. Well done.

Mark was sure going through a rough time in this one.

THinking of just the possibillity he could have a disease like Aids must have truly been horrible.

He was very concernened for the Judge as well.

Hey!The Judge never got told Mark told Frank to Fuck Off and I think he should find out because Mark shouldnt have said that.

I would like to see what The Judge would say or do when he finds this me how here do a sequel to this and put that in it would be interesting.

JeanneZ84

A *very* good story, I think! The plot-idea was great, full of angst and suspense, and I loved the scene, when Mark explains to Frank that he doesn't want the Judge to feel guilty NOW. *sniff, sniff* Thanks for the read, I truly enjoyed it (as I have all of your stories I read so far!).

Terrific story, very 'in character' with a great mixture of suspense and angst. Loved it!

Bravo! Superbly written, intense, honest and, above all, realistic. To hide ones head in the sand and pretend that "bad things" don't happen to good people (or convicts) is to ignore reality, yet you handled it in a tasteful, subdued fashion which in no way lessened the impact. Kudos!

I don't know; this is maybe my sixth or seventh reading, and I _still_ can't pin down a favorite part. Everything about this piece resonates with a depth of emotion from all parties involved, and it's really just amazing. From Mark's immediate desire to handle things alone in order to protect Milt, to Frank's stubborn refusal to let him make any permanently stupid decisions, and Hardcastle's uncanny ability to put things together and then just quietly offering unwavering support.

This is an honest and moving depiction of a very difficut suject, and it's truly beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

This is an amazing story-thanks for the honesty and truth of it...

I like how believable it was-Mark and Hardcastle's behavior was just right-a really good read-thanks!

This is a wonderful story and so well written. It made me go and read you other 58 (or so). I love the way you write and thanks so much for sharing your talents with the rest of us.

I look forward to your next story.

IceBear

LM,

You handle a sensitive subject here with delicacy - but, then, I wouldn't have expected anything less from you. As always, you take these two characters and, keeping them true to cannon, give them a depth and humanity a one-hour action-show format just wouldn't permit, no matter how well the actors portrayed their roles.

In your hands, H&McC are fully H&McC. You capture the essence of the characters and their friendship, sometimes with poignancy and sometimes with humor, but always with warmth. Thank you for another fine read, as well as the friendliness you’ve shown me in our occasional e-correspondence. I look forward to all of your future tales.

Pony

LML:

Just wanted to say again how much I enjoyed this story. I found it so true to Mark's character, that he would go back to prison rather than hurt the judge.

I loved the bar scene, and his lamenting the fact that he couldn't even get arrested, and wondering where all that understanting was when he needed it.

Lori