When Terry turned eighteen, he became homeless, abandoned by family and friends for being gay. Though it took him years, he has found his feet again. Then, a man from his past knocks him right back down, dredging up a memory of the time Terry stood by and did nothing as that same man was assaulted for being gay, driving home to Terry that he will never be worthy of friendship or family.<br><br>Ishmael is shocked, angry, and hurt at seeing Terry so many years after high school. After Terry’s apology, however, Ishmael realizes that Terry is hurting and scarred, too. He and Terry become cautious friends. Ishmael wants to help, but Terry is reluctant to trust anyone with his pain, let alone love.<br><br>Can Ishmael and Terry get over their past for a future together?

Remember Me Not, My Love

One day after we had finished our lunch, he turned to look at me. Usually we sat facing forward with our meals between us on the bench. His eyes had a curious light in them, and I could tell he wanted to ask me something but wasn’t sure how to go about it.


Finally, he asked, “Terry, how much do you weigh? Any idea?”


“No idea, actually. I mean, I know I’m not as big as I was in high school, sure, but that’s about it. I was never that big, anyway.”


“Dude, you’re almost skin and bone.” Well, I didn’t think I was thatbad. But I could have been, I supposed. I didn’t pay much attention to what I wore since I didn’t have many choices. It’s not like anyone cared what I looked like. My work pants were very loose and I used the last notch on my belt to hold them up. I wore the smallest size employee shirt the company had, which was still roomy on my slender frame. Maybe I looked like a coat hanger, or something.


Chapter 6