Tourist season at Lake Wallenpaupack means a break in the monotony of Alexi’s life. They’ve been secretly advertising the ice cream parlor they work at through the Foodspotting app, hoping that will bring even more customers. One such customer is Eli, a recent addition to the area with a bright and open disposition that Alexi is drawn to immediately. And since Eli is demisexual, Alexi welcomes him into their friend group of other queer twenty-somethings.<br><br>The more Alexi gets to know Eli, the more smitten they are. If only they didn’t have crippling self-esteem issues, problems at home with their dad, and enough emotional baggage to fill a freight train. They’re desperate to get out of that rut so they can have space in their heart for someone like Eli. After years of playing a passive role, making the first steps towards change might prove too much for them.

#IceCreamSundae

“So, let’s look at your situation as though Adam and Even had never taken a bite of that fruit. You’re young, you are generously and selflessly taking care of your father, and you clearly care very much for other people if everything you’ve done is to keep them from suffering.” Sister Deborah reached out to gently touch Alexi’s arm again. “Though you must also care for yourself, to prevent your own suffering. The path to forgiveness won’t move under your feet for you. If you feel you have wronged people, then you must reach out to them and reconcile. At the very least, if they do not forgive you, He—” she gestured upward with her eyes and hand “—certainly will.”


Chapter 32