Camp Mendinghell Part 5/?

[shouldsleep]

Rated: T           
Disclaimer: I don't own the O.C. characters or actors. This is a work of fiction and not meant to infringe on any copyrights.
Summary: This is an AU in which Ryan meets the Newport kids at a tough love wilderness camp.
Unbetaed: (Because I don’t have one.)

Comments

[beachtree]

I made it back- finally.

I notice some different formatting in your writing in this chapter, or maybe I'm just more aware or borderline awake? Either way, I like the use of the single declarative sentences that are set apart for emphasis and introduce explanations in greater depth. It's very effective and commands attention.

The first sentence is, in itself, an engaging introduction that sets the stage for what follows. Ryan is, typically, alone- both in the literal sense, and with his own thoughts. As usual, he has no confidant, and no one who could relate to him or his unique position and perspective. He's left reliving and replaying events, thoughts and feelings while trying to cope and to calm himself enough to turn his mind off.

Again, we see the sharp, striking contrast between Ryan and the others. While he would be no stranger to hardships and traumas in many forms, handed out consistently enough to be the norm, Seth is learning what hungry really means. Even if the care packages offer some reminders better left alone, everyone else has received some sort of acknowledgment, some thought from at least one other person, and contents that range from impersonal- but still welcomed, desirable, and outright luxurious- to those assembled with real thought, care, and personal touches. As you so aptly and sadly noted, Ryan has no one who cares and just plain no one. Even if he did have someone, would there be means or interest?

That particular moment is painful for everyone, particularly for Ryan. Awkward would be the low end of the scale. It shows just how wide the gap is in percpetion and experience. Anna's own reflections are probably echoed by the others, who just wouldn't consider that Ryan wouldn't recieve something. It just "has" to be lost or late.

The symbolis of falling or immiment disaster is very telling. Certainly, it applies to actual heights, especially with the reference to Dawn's own brutal fall and the disastrous consequences. Still, there are many ways to lose precarious footing and plummet towards a painful impact. In Ryan's life, there are dangers posed by an out of control descent, and any number of other perils that could lead to the same sort of injury and tragedy.

I like the camaraderie between Luke and Ryan and that exclusive sort of honest connection and trust. They may just be getting to know one another, but there's a good foundation despite the circumstances and lack of history. If only Luke had any idea just what sort of a risk Ryan would be taking with A.J. and how that could compromise him...

Time's up, huh?

Thanks for the update!

[shouldsleep]

Any differences in formatting were unintentional, but I'm glad they were effective.

A thoughtless gift is better than none at all, but hopefully it sheds a bit of light on Oliver's family life- not that it's an excuse for his rope-cutting, horse-killing behaviour.

Thanks for reading, hope you'll tune in for part 6!