Reviewer: Naoru Signed
Date: July 18 2022
Title: Chapter 32: Chapter 32
Okay so the Leah chapter is here and is every bit as glorious as I have expected. It tell us that Leah, after losing her mother at such a young age and then "losing" her friend, one to a disease and other to what she perceives is a disease, has some horrible trust issues and in general anxiety over diseases so is no wonder that a small person, genetically made to adore her and love her unconditionally who is virtually immortal is a dream come true for her. Despite looking the most confident of the group she is actually the most insecure, and her possessiveness makes a lot of of sense now. She is terrified of losing the people she loves.
And with that it also comes the weird relationship she has with her father where apparently they see each other as equals and compete fiercely over anything and everything which...could be good if you see it as a sign of respect, and I'm sure Leah sees it this way but to me competing with your child like that is just...not good parenting. You are essentially bullying them, and telling them you are not and will never be a parental figure to be trusted, but a rival and for a girl that lost her mother I say she needs a parental figure more than a rival.
I think is interesting that it gives the society of shrinkie haters an extra dimension. They see shrinkism as a tragedy or horrible disease, to the point a mother would be willing to kill her own beloved child over it. Reminds me of people that would want a dead child rather than an alive gay or trans child and it makes them seem more real in a very sad way. The toe jam revelation says a lot about them and how they are and behave.
Also, I'm kind of happy Leah did what she did with whatshisface because I really, really, reaaaaally didn't care for him. As a love interest he is like bland and uninteresting. I'm sorry because I love all your characters and I know you put a lot of effort in writing them!But I really hopes he never comes back. Also, I LOVED that Leah heard Anabelle singing and I dont know if I want her keeping the recording to herself or if I want her to share.
Also like someone before me commented I dont want anyone to get their just desserts. For me the ideal endings are Anabelle imprinting in one or all of the girls and remain more or less herself and actually learn to love one or all of the girls, or for the girls to organize a coup and throw over their parents. That would be fun. But then again I have always vouched for the imprinting ending
Author's Response: Really interesting comments Naoru.
Annabelle really is a godsend for Leah. She seems to check off every item on her list, so it's no wonder that she views her as hers by right. And yeah, all of the BSA Founders have...interesting ways of parenting. They do truly love their children (yes, even Mrs. Gates) they just have very warped ways of viewing the world and that features into the morals/lessons they wish to instill into their children. Yeah, HDD is a not so subtle metaphor for (insert marginalized group), they believe they are doing the right thing by eradicating them because of how society treats them, without maybe considering how their own actions are a symptom of said treatment.
Hahahaha I think the Oliver hate is very funny. Personally, I like Oliver but I also have the advantage of having his and Annabelle's past history in my head.
As for the ending...we'll just have to see.
Thanks for your comments Naoru you gave me some good insight.