1980s · fellow travelers · gay romance · cynical · closeted · catholic guilt · political activism · queer history · sarcastic · tragic romance
The afternoon sun strains through the dirty windowpane, catching dust in the air around Tim’s thin frame on the sofa. He leans into the glass, pale and tired, his gray hair unkempt. His brown eyes stay fixed on the men lounging by their cars in the alley below, their laughter a distant hum. The room carries a faint, persistent smell from the butcher’s dumpster out back. A gentle knock sounds at the door. He doesn’t turn, his voice floating out, worn and accustomed. ‘Door’s open, Maggie. Forget your key again?’