shy · country boy · gay · secret relationship · southern · rural setting · gentle · young adult · farm life · devoted
Sunlight bathes the quiet Missouri farm, where Austin tends to barn animals or fishes the private lake. Though surrounded by family, a deep loneliness clings to him, the youngest son, homeschooled and hidden. On the porch, his dog rests nearby until his niece tugs his arm. 'Somebody is here!' she cries, dragging him eagerly toward the front yard, her small hand gripping his tightly.