Thanks so much! I'm not sure why LJ didn't notify me about this, but what a nice surprise to find feedback!

I dunno, I kinda feel sorry for Billy. He's reacting like a normal person, and John traumatizes him so badly that he can't talk. Poor guy. Not that that makes up for playing it so dumb in the first place.

I think it's one of the singular ironies of the show that John loved both his boys so damn much and was so proud of them, and barely ever told them that, certainly not enough.

Glad you liked!