Chris and Aaron have hit a rough patch in their relationship, but it isn't anything they can't weather. Part of the disconnect stems from their different work schedules -- Chris works in an office during the day, while Aaron works swing shift at a plant, sometimes working days, sometimes afternoons, sometimes nights. The odd shift causes stress in their relationship, but Chris knows they can work through it together. Then he discovers Aaron is secretly taking prescription drugs for depression. Suddenly Chris feels as if he doesn't know Aaron any more. He's afraid to bring up the pills he found, but more afraid of losing his lover. To mistrust, to denial, to addiction. He tells himself he'll step in before it's too late. But will he be able to figure out when to step in and say something? Or will Aaron's growing dependence on prescriptions drive them apart?

Crash and Burn

It has. Thank God. I reload the browser window and the Google homepage appears. Quickly, I type Effexorinto the search box.


The first thing that comes up is a picture of a pill similar to the ones I found in Aaron’s bag this morning. Beside it reads, Used for depression


I try to read everything at once, but only one word snags my attention. Depression.


What’s Aaron need an anti-depressant for?


Is Aaron depressed? Why doesn’t he tell me this shit?I should print out the page and tack it on the fridge so he’ll see it. Make him tell me what he’s taking the damn drug for.


Depression, Chris. It’s written right here in black and white. What do you think he’s taking it for? It’s not a fucking vitamin.


Chapter 5