I should have reviewed this the first time I read it. I believe someone else has already said this, but this is an excellent reason to explain why Teddy was staying with Mark even though he still had his own place (that was paid on). The overwhelming feeling of scary loneliness, and the difficult time adjusting to freedom - it's such a real emotion and I'm sure many paroled convicts feel that way. It makes me wonder how McCormick dealt with this same issue. It's assumed he had Flip and Barbara Johnson to fall back on after he was paroled (although, according to "Strangle Hold" they never even came to visit him in prison). But, also gleaned from "Strangle Hold" was the fact that McCormick did have Katie Murphy to help him out.

Great story and great writing (of course).

-ck

you gave really more heart and soul to teddy and mark - time to watch crystal duck one more time - i see teddy with other eyes now - knowing more about makes a episode better - thanks

Well, now I'm sorry I waited so long to read this one! It was a wonderful story, and I'll never get tired of your early pieces. You write Mark with just enough of a harder edge to make it that much more believable that his time inside isn't all that far gone. And of course, Teddy is so 'Teddy'.

LML already shared my favorite line - making things okay for right now - sounds like a beautifully plausible explanation for the budding friendship.

I'm so glad you shared this with us!

What a beautifully subtle story-and one that showcases the caring side of Teddy. Not showy, no grandstanding, and beating around the bush but finally getting to the point...Teddy wanted to make sure his friend was okay and that the 'rumors' weren't true (at least the spin on the truth that he'd been apparently hearing!).

I loved Mark's subtlety, too..."McCormick sighed slightly. 'Like what, Ted?'" No eye rolling, no overplayed outrage at the implication...he knows what's what, and knows how his arrangement could be spun. But Teddy is pure innocence-sticking up for a friend, and he knows that, too.

This was like comfort food. Favorite characters, IN character. Gotta love it!

THANKS!

Georgi

Cheride,

It's nice to be reading a story of yours again as always.

I loved this story.

You know I always love the way McCormick is with his real true friends.

Mark treats them as they should be teated with respect.

He did it with Flip,He does with Hardcastle most of the time and now with Teddy.

Mark would do absolutely anything for a real friend of the shirt off his back even.

JeanneZ84

I like your Teddy-just as goofy as always but edgy, as well. And his eternal waffling and goofiness provides a perfect foil to the newly-practical McC who's found his niche and is sticking to it.

"And that makes everything okay?"

"No." McCormick shook his head. "No, it doesn’t make everything okay . . . but it makes right now okay."

A nicely nuanced point. It's no surprise that your Teddy wants to hang out in Mark's comfort zone.

Thanks for making the inside of Teddy's head such an interesting place!

Teddy's one of those characters you just have to love, and no one does Teddy better than you do. This is another fine example of nailing not just the subsidiary character, but the main character as well. The dialogue is spot-on and the actions and thoughts are perfect. Even the touches of humor are totally "them". And I'm completely convinced that Teddy's latest idea is a winner!

Worth waiting for, and, as always, leaves us hoping for more. _Soon_, please!