20 Comments

Finally!!

Yay for them, although oof, tough choice for Wild in what he said. As Julie notes, as a reader knowing something more than a character can be very satisfying and also build extra tension. Made me sit and think what I would have said had I been in Wild's position.

Deftly done yet again, Ben!

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PS, I really smiled at this line: No one in the history of road trips ever pulled off to the side of the interstate for something good

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Thank you, Nathan. You’re too kind. So glad this chapter satisfied.

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Finally.

I really like what you did here. Wild and June can't lose something they don't have--the future and the past are impossible to lose. So they held onto and celebrated the present moment. I loved seeing them so happy together.

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Thank you, Ann. So happy, you’re happy. 😊

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Loving this new development. And a sigh of relief that he took the leap in spite of what he knows

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Thank you, Teyani. 🙏

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Oh, wow. Another fantastic chapter. I agree with Julie. I like that we know what June doesn’t and understand the choice Wild has made. Can’t wait unfolds.

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Thanks Holly!

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I love your choice in letting us see Wild’s dishonesty with June. As a reader, it can be very satisfying to know more than a character. I can understand why he did it, and feel for him that he decided to carry that burden. In terms of plot, I can wonder whether he’ll ever come clean or continue to let it play out this way. Then there’s the question of how someone might live, knowing they only have years to live rather than decades. Another facet of mortality to ponder.

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Thanks Julie. This has been the most challenging thing to untangle as I begin to wrap the novel.

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100% agree with all this, Julie.

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Great chapter!

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Thanks Brian!

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"but June and Wild enjoyed the ecstatic pleasure of holding hands" I just melted at that. What a gorgeous chapter. I couldn't have stood it if they'd never touched. But wow if this doesn't throw up questions of consent and ownership around one's death date! Ethicists would need to open up a whole new line of questioning... I really appreciate Wild, as a character, Ben. He has a real depth, and he and June are the most perfect cocktail (so, obviously, one of them has to die!! 🙄)

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Of all my readers, dear Chloe, I knew I wouldn’t have to apologize to you for killing off June! This question of to tell her not to tell, has weighed heavy on me throughout the writing of the rest of the book. I really hope I’m getting it right. Thank you for reading, friend.

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It’s so complex. I’m usually quite quick and resolute with my opinions around death stuff, but this one really has me stewing. You’re getting it so right.

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God I felt so much relief and tension all at once. Brilliantly executed Ben. You upped the stakes big time intermingling intimacy with truth. Yikes. I better buckle up.

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Thank you, Kimberly. 🙏

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The big question: Was Wild honest with June about when she will die...

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