It's hard to understand why some people feel the need to hurt themselves, especially when they seem to have everything they need or want out of life. So how do you help someone bent on a path of self-destruction?<br><br>And what can you possibly do when it's someone you love?<br><br>This short but powerful story is about a young man who discovers his lover is a "cutter." Simply asking him to stop doesn't solve the problem. As much as he hates to do it, he lays down an ultimatum that will hopefully save their relationship ... and his lover's life.

Afflicted

Outside the restroom, footsteps rang off the concrete floor, heading our way. Without releasing him, I backed into the nearest stall; he laughed again, letting me pull him along. When he latched the stall door, locking us in, I stepped back and picked at the bottom of his shirt. &ldquo;Take this off.&rdquo;


The stall was cramped. He turned, bumping against me; I caught the hem of his shirt, tugging it up over his flat, hairless stomach. &ldquo;Wait,&rdquo; he said.


I raised the shirt higher, exposing pert nipples that hardened in the restroom&rsquo;s cool air. &ldquo;What are you doing?&rdquo; he asked with a shaky laugh, trying to smooth the shirt down. &ldquo;Wait…&rdquo;


Chapter 2