Wow. My throat got all tight at the end there and I just managed to hold onto the tears. That was so sad and brutal and beautiful. You are one talented writer. I feel so sorry for Sam, but I also feel sorry for John. His frustration, and his desperate need to train his boys really make me feel for him. He is doing what he thinks he has to do. And he went totally overboard with the whipping, but I think he is at his wit's end. His job is to protect his sons and the only way to do that is to train them to protect themselves.

I think you should continue this story, and have John feeling a little conflicted. Although he would have to steel his resolve in the end, maybe he could make some peace with Sam and/or Sam could decide to accept the training. Because, he did excel in the end (hence his mad skillz on Spn) so his Dad must've figured out how to motivate him without beating him senseless (at least not too often because those injuries would interfere with training!). How did that happen?

Anyway, much love to you for sharing this beautiful, painful story with us. I cannot say how much I love it. I will have to read it again tomorrow when I have more time!