I really love this story. I know I haven't been reviewing lately, but I have read all the other chapters and they are all beautiful. This story has developed very much and this chapter proves that, but I think that it has developed at a perfect pace. It is not dragging out, yet it is not flying by. It seems very planned in the way that it is paced, but the actual writing flows very naturally. I think this chapter has to be one of my favorites so far. It very clearly shows the reasons that Mikey has low self esteem and why he thinks he deserves what the other kids do to him. It also shows that he's trying to do good for Gerard and Frank. It was brave of him to go into the classroom when he knew the kids were going to laugh and hurt him and do all the things that they did, but he did it because he felt like he'd fail and disappoint Gerard and Frank if he didn't. I also like when Mikey says that he doesn't know what to believe when it comes to his worth. He wishes that he could be liked and he wishes he could be free of his stutter. He wishes he could be all the good things that Gerard and Frank tell him
he is, but well, Gerard and Frank are Gerard and Frank. 2 people. His classmates and his teacher are more than 2 people and they all hate him. He can't help but believe his classmates. I also thought it was clever to make his teacher someone that hates him. I know you mentioned it before, but now that we see what she's like we get to know that people really do hate him and not just the hate where a few rumors are spread about you, but the kind where no one person will stand up for you and everyone wants to see you hurt. It's a genuine hate. I also like how Mikey doesn't want to tell anyone that Gerard used to hurt him. He still believes that everything is his fault, but he's getting better. That also shows that he's trying just like Gerard is. I really like this chapter. It's beautifully written and the readers feel what the characters feel. I look forward to reading more. It's one of the only stories I look forward on Ficwad.
Author's response
Thank you so so sooo much; I'm really glad that you liked it and reading your review has genuinely left me smiling!
I'm pleased that you don't think this is dragged out as that was one of the things that was sort of worrying me with this story. I have planned this story, something that I've never really done before, and I'm glad that that comes across.
The purpose of this chapter was to give a kind of glimpse of what life is like for Mikey and I'm glad that you got that.
Your interpritation is spot on; Mikey is getting a little better, but he still believes that everything is his fault and doesn't want to talk about what used to happen to him, somethig that he really does need to do.
Thank you ever so much for leaving such a lovely, helpful, detailed review; it really does mean a he'll of a lot! :)