Feral Sephrian

Joshy grew up watching his Bible-thumping dad and his ballet-loving brother Leon argue and shout at each other for years, but never really knew why. When new neighbors move in down the street, suddenly Leon spends time with their son, Kalil. Once again, Joshy is completely in the dark about his brother’s actions and is taken by surprise when both Leon and Kalil run away together. The rest of his childhood and adolescence are spent wondering what became of the pair, until one day ...<br><br>Leon was different from day one, and even though it caused friction with his dad’s narrow-minded views, he never gave up on what he truly was. Exploring his sexuality generates little more than confusion and frustration, until he meets Kalil. They find out they have more in common than people expect, and Leon helps Kalil come to terms with that. Both yearning for freedom from the oppression of their parents, they hatch a plan to escape to New York, where a new life and new opportunities await.

Lost and Found

Right on cue, Joshy came running over. “Hey Joshy!” I said. “Do you want to go to the park with Eman and Jessenia? Kalil is taking them to play with the new puppy.”


Joshy bounced up and down with excitement. “Yeah! Yeah! Mama says you have to come with, though.”


I smiled to Kalil. “I think I can manage that.” Kalil smiled back and my heart melted. Crisis averted; we were friends again.


The whole ride home I thought about the future. Based on all my research, New York was the best option for me. I had to build up a reputation as a dancer, which I couldn’t do here, so I would have to apply as an understudy in a dance company as soon as I got there. I was vaguely aware of Joshy talking non-stop beside me and the answers I gave to prove I was sort of listening, but in my head I was already choreographing my audition routines. Kalil and I would have to film one at some point before we left.


Chapter 21