I love the self-analysis in this chapter. :) The fact that Nick's fear over the fate of Brian's voice is the reason for his acting out makes perfect sense. What I really appreciate is the way you brought this information in. At this moment where we expect Nick to be storming off in a self-centred huff, instead it's the underlying significance for him of Brian's voice ceasing to be something to rely on that drives Nick to act in whatever way he can to deny how severe the problem is. I like how he's fully aware of his actions, and yet the meaning for him is too powerful.
This chapter was also great for moving beyond self-reflection into a taking of: the argument served this purpose for Nick; as did talking to Kevin for Brian.
I also appreciate your attention to detail, from the physical indications when Nick has a nightmare to the characters' inner monologues and interpretations.
The dream scene is like a clue to a problem we don't fully understand. It was such a teaser--we got a slightly longer glimpse without learning very much more at all. ;)

And 'despondent'! That was classic and ironically accurate at the same time.

Please update again soon!

Author's Response: I really appreciate your reviews - the depth you go into in them is really helpful! I've always liked stories whose dimensions are deeper than the actual what's-happening-now. There needs to be roots that reach deep in the characters and something as seemingly insignificant as a sigh can become suspenseful. I feel like Nick is acting the way a child might and I've employed a lot of what I've studied before about child psychological reactions to trauma to his character to try to flesh out the way he's acting and the purpose that drives him to do things like make fun of Brian's therapy or run away. Rebellion. Brian's character is dealing with a weakness he can't control and a friend he just doesn't understand because he doesn't know the depth of the rebellious side that Nick's facing. This first half of the story is really focusing on Nick's issues, the next half will be focusing more on Brian's. We're reaching a turning point here in the story. ....as for "Despondent"... dude, I could so picture Nick saying that in a really grumpy sort of voice! haha And yes, also ironically accurate in the way that Nick's misplaced words often are. ;)

Did big bad Lou touch baby Nick in his special places and he has PTSD? This is when I start carving a plastic spork into a jailyard shiv, right?

Author's Response: