He pauses. Tries to smile. Can’t.
“Is Chance straight or gay?”
“Gay according to his f*******: page these days. He hangs with a lot of bearded men. Bears without shirts on. They’re always hugging. They smile a lot. Does it really matter if he’s queer? Nothing matters in the end, if you think about it.”
“I guess not. But…I’m not surprised if he’s queer. I’m really not. He was all over you, if you remember.”
He says nothing. Closes his eyes.
Why do I bring up the affair? “I’m sorry for saying that.” A quick pause. There’s not enough time left for us to be sorry for anything. “Does he know about your condition?”
“I don’t lie to him. I won’t. I never have. Of course. It’s why he’s flying in to visit me.”
“Because you might not see each other again.”
“I’m afraid that will happen.”
4.
