Sum Off - I saw the post earlier today but just found the time to read it. I think this is a brilliant piece of writing. You do a very good job sketching the characters and giving great attention to intricate details which makes you gifted story teller, IMHO Not sure if it was your intent for your readers to feel such but I came out of the story with a sense of disgust at the lifestyle of the characters. I'm one who tries not to judge people but you've done such a good job exposing the nature and moral character of the people in your story that for a brief moment I could not resist seeing them as a family of losers. Again, that was a momentary judgment, and I realize there might be more to come in the second part that might make me feel differently. But a fantastic job there with putting such difficult thoughts and emotions into words. Great job and keep it coming. Best wishes.