Lacuna Rambles/Thoughts/Gif Reacts #3: Respect is Earned 👀

In light of "Never Can Say Goodbye" publishing, which features J. Corvin's POV when the MC had to 'depart' Fernweh, I wanted to mention an important character detail.

Have any of you noticed that the Fernweh Gang refers to the TFS grandfather quite differently? This was further hinted at in a line from J's writing. It's below:

"[Grandfather_Name], let [Name] go!"

J isn't looking at your grandfather with anything resembling respect, only a quiet anger that's moderated by their care for you.

There is a certain trend that becomes apparent throughout Book One when the MC's grandfather is mentioned in conversation.

B doesn't tend to talk about him much, almost as if avoiding the subject, but when it's necessary, they are typically respectful with a 'Mr.' B still tends to ask after you or about your feelings rather than pry too much about your grandfather. This suggests that B knows more about the MC's time outside of Fernweh--the emotional impact.

S consistently uses 'Mr. [Surname]', possibly to either show respect or that they still default to what they learned from interacting with him as a child/teen. Due to the friendship that is hinted at in Book One and in Patreon writings (here and here), S kept hold of the image of the grandfather they saw caring for the MC, so the 'old' him or at least before the absence. Keep in mind the Dorrans were close to the TFS grandfather with Mrs. Dorran reaching out, bringing casseroles, and helping to shop for the TFS Dog. There's a history there, one that S prefers to remember fondly.

R uses '[Surname] Senior'. They choose to only refer to him in relation to the MC themself, placing emphasis on your family name rather than the grandfather. It's a tiny thing, some might say inconsequential, but how R often bends or shapes things around the MC is very important to them as both a lover 🖤 and a best friend. 😌

J always refers to him by his first name. 🙃 So, J. Corvin the very well-mannered, courteous, and gentle detective of Fernweh who grew up on a farm with dutiful (strict) parents only uses the first name. That… that seems like a disconnect, right? Well, if you want to know the exact moment this changed—why J changed how they view the MC's grandfather—then read back through 'Never Can Say Goodbye' because that's the night 'Mr. [Surname]' became '[Grandfather_Name]' to them.

Oh, I ended that on an angsty note. Let's just say you don't want to know what Ms. Verner would call the TFS grandfather (here and here). She can hold a grudge. 🥰

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This is a character detail that can speak volumes, if you notice why! 💚I hope you enjoyed it.