Three young men from very different homes, just coming into their own sexuality, bond at a time when information about homosexuality is scarce to the average teen. Their strong connection cannot survive high school and heartache, however, and their triangle collapses under the weight of prejudice and a need to escape.<br><br>Ten years later, Tucker is bitter and hurt by all the tragedy in his life since those long ago happier days. Reclusive, somewhat animalistic, and completely content to stay that way, he’s brought up short by an unexpected confrontation with the past and feelings that won't stay buried.

Fur, Feathers, and Claws

“A lot of these animals were born and raised here,” Tucker said, his breath close enough to fog up Chad’s lenses. “They don’t have the survival skills necessary to handle something like this on their own. This is not normal upstate New York weather, either, in case you haven’t noticed, and the little ones, especially, will be really nervous, as nervous as…” He couldn’t do it. “Just come on.”


They reached the area where some of the more cuddly creatures resided. Chad gasped as Tucker scooped up a rabbit in one arm and a skunk in the other. “Just grab something,” Tucker instructed. “Gently!” he stressed. “If you hurt any one of them…”


“That’s a…a skunk,” Chad stammered.


“Good. And the thing with the long, floppy ears and the cotton tail is…?”


“Two for two. Old MacDonald or journalism school?”


“Oh, my God! He’s been de-scented,” Tucker said flustered. “He’s no more dangerous than a cat.”


Chapter 70