Oh, the joys of mending broken bonds. These introspective moments for Stolitz and Agratta are well handled. Both are departing from who we've seen them as, but the slipups and backslides, as well as the gradual nature of it, gives it that much needed sense of believability. Theirs isn't an easy relationship to fix, nor are the flaws in their personalities, and you do a fine job of presenting the sorts of small steps that need to be taken to make those necessary changes. Steps that sometimes rely on some pretty unhealthy crutches.
Oh, and it's a popcorn texture on the ceiling, not stucco. Stucco is used on the exterior of homes. Aren't you just *so* glad to know a pedant who works with contractors on a daily basis? ;)
You know, I'm also a pedant who works with contractors in the construction business on a daily basis, so, really.... I should already know that :)
I appreciate the feedback as always. The sense of believability is important to me, even if it is an inherently unbelievable story about demons in a monogamous relationship. Progress is, as has been told to me, many times, not a straight line, and fixing these deep-rooted issues overnight would very much not be a believable story.
And thank you for the support Jenn. I was actually really concerned that the story would come off as beating up on Agratta unfairly when the failure of their marriage is a two-way affair. It looks lop-sided because the story is largely from Stolitz's point of view, but he's no faultless victim.
Oh, the joys of mending broken bonds. These introspective moments for Stolitz and Agratta are well handled. Both are departing from who we've seen them as, but the slipups and backslides, as well as the gradual nature of it, gives it that much needed sense of believability. Theirs isn't an easy relationship to fix, nor are the flaws in their personalities, and you do a fine job of presenting the sorts of small steps that need to be taken to make those necessary changes. Steps that sometimes rely on some pretty unhealthy crutches.
Oh, and it's a popcorn texture on the ceiling, not stucco. Stucco is used on the exterior of homes. Aren't you just *so* glad to know a pedant who works with contractors on a daily basis? ;)
You know, I'm also a pedant who works with contractors in the construction business on a daily basis, so, really.... I should already know that :)
I appreciate the feedback as always. The sense of believability is important to me, even if it is an inherently unbelievable story about demons in a monogamous relationship. Progress is, as has been told to me, many times, not a straight line, and fixing these deep-rooted issues overnight would very much not be a believable story.
A very touching scene in the end, and I really enjoyed this one and Agratta’s chance to say her piece. Thank you for another chapter!
And thank you for the support Jenn. I was actually really concerned that the story would come off as beating up on Agratta unfairly when the failure of their marriage is a two-way affair. It looks lop-sided because the story is largely from Stolitz's point of view, but he's no faultless victim.
I feel more sympathy and understanding for her than I did before!