Beautifully written as always. Managing to tug at all our emotions, which is the sign of an excellent writer. Never mind about the continuity errors, it was only after the 2nd reading that I actually noticed them, such was my keenness to read this long anticipated chapter.

Ripp. Oh wow. He's grown up so much, yet he still feels he isn't strong enough. But those last scenes, where he's holding up Johnny. That's a genuine strength there. Just being somewhere where he is needed, something he never had before.

The hot tub scene *snerk* oh wow, Johnny really came out of his shell there!!!! Almost made Ripp speechless.

This virus has me thinking though. And IMHO, it stinks of Circe. After all, she's been working quietly in the background there, along with poor Don. Oh, and stringing along Vidcund too. I'll bet she was also extracting valuable information out of him.

All through the series, the underlying feature has been the flowers... more so the snapdragons. Could they be a 'cure' for the virus.... or the cause. (there are so many avenues to go down). Although I'm STILL not ruling out Circe's involvement. She's mean and smart enough.

Keep up the good work. Looking forward to what happens next.