Here and there...

I'm through chapter 7 of NWFO and the word count, which got up to 145,200 is down to 144,400. I'm finding a lot of repetition--or really, being overly emphatic about a detail-- that needs to go. Much of which I'd left in because I wanted to make sure I had those points made, but now it's cut and slash.

It helps that Brendan's now fully aware of his second identity as a lad of the South and keeping to it, as best he can. Mainly because by doing so he's helping to protect his family. He's still torn between the pain of being cut off from those in Derry and the joy of knowing he can rebuild his life in a way he chooses, without interference from anyone.

He thinks.

But his aunt and uncle are still not being forthright about his status in the country...at least, not beyond the acknowledgement that he'll need to get another extension on his medical visa and they aren't sure if that's possible. He's been in Houston just over six months, during which a new Visa law was passed regarding immigration. I'm still trying to figure out the limitations on that, if any, regarding coming to the US for medical treatment.

Meaning his situation is still up in the air, somewhat. Especially since the paperwork was handled in a less than legal manner, for US Customs purposes. That's why his aunt and uncle want him to stay close to their home and not do anything that might cause trouble.

But our Brendan, he goes his own way.