372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JXtqdOoYl
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ421Eq5xO9w
The next day, Jessy doesn't show up to school all day, nor the next day. I'm worried to death for him. Also at the end of class, I will question Amy in order to obtain his address. She gives a little smile which immediately makes me think that she is going to rush to find Chad and tell him but, honestly, I don't care. At this moment, I don't care about my reputation, all that matters is this boy who has already indelibly marked my life and for whom I worry so much. I have to struggle for a little while and make up a crazy story, but in the end, I leave the school with the coordinates in my pocket. Immediately, I went to his house. He lives in an old two story house which has retained its incredible charm, despite the renovation work it has undergone. The paint, a light yellow, was redone recently. It’s just the kind of well kept house my dad likes. This thought makes me smile. A covered terrace, where a bench and two armchairs have been installed, shelters the entrance to the house. I climb the three steps and ring the bell. I don't have to wait long before the door opens for Jessy.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoCOjBLmei
— I’m not in the mood to worry, he told me point blank.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0OixMXCFb
He looks tired, preoccupied. Despite his obvious bad mood, I'm happy to see him. These last two days without seeing him seemed like an eternity. His mother comes up behind him. I can only glimpse it briefly.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeO9oEDbPyw
— It’s for me, mom, he tells her.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMXrRt78bk
Understanding that he doesn't want to talk to me in front of her, I decide to play on it and, leaning towards him, I whisper to him : 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQ3gkBhI3U
— I'll stay until we've talked, and it's too bad if your mother asks me what I want.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRXHmb1NLB
His green eyes stare at me, trying to see if I'm bluffing or not, finally, he gives in.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4R3aJHo5u
— Very well, I’m coming.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHC4X2yPFQ
He grabs a denim jacket before following me down the street.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoT7SLkMI5v
We walk aimlessly, following the roads that pass before us in complete silence. I don't know how to start the discussion, I'm afraid of offending him, or of upsetting him if I question him too much.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqnl5AZFfQ
— So ? You wanted to talk to me, go ahead ! He says in a bad mood, as we arrive near an abandoned factory.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpUmd2uDrP
Intimidated, as always by his presence at my side, I take it upon myself to get started : 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPBMoOGk2T
— You haven't come to school for the last two days...372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3P8riD04q
— Oh yes, you noticed, well done ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJebEaz58wZ
— Don’t be sarcastic, please. But you let me down for the presentation ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6tl4lmgYI
— Oh, and you probably want an apology ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJqBWQXK9c
— No, I don't care about this duty.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPcOxGk1Sq
I use a calm tone so as not to annoy him further.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46qAI23eDL
— Why did you come to see me ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqJUEfkIF1
He stops walking.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiIfVuGMXR
— I was worried about you.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkI1FHTXXOE
— Well then ! Instead, admit that you want details so you can tell your friends everything afterwards ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdubXfhOZxe
— I don't plan to tell anyone about it.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9KZrW7d6a
He examines me for a long moment, seeming to search deep in my eyes if he can trust me.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOryDLwsk1
— How long have you been HIV positive ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaniOxLY05C
— It's been about a year now.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaY6HTLZ2f
— And how did you catch it ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESrctOQXVx
— One evening at a friend’s party, I met a girl…372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeP5JXPA4y
— And you slept together ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioL3EJ5Fio
— No, we watched cartoons ! He said, really angry.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOFpt92WNt
— She didn’t tell you she was HIV positive ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQyihn7aQ6
— She didn't know at the time... A doctor called my mother a few weeks later, Haley had taken a test which came back positive. She had informed the doctor that I was one of her partners. I had to go get tested myself and that’s how I learned that she infected me.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKmgDKBQN0
— Just for one night you spent together.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmsfxSCvFO
I whisper this sentence as if to myself.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUyuocsQo5
— Not one night, just a short moment and a lack of condom and this is the result. A word of advice Meg : When you decide to do it with Chad, don't forget the condom otherwise you'll end up like me, a walking corpse ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgw7QQIFMuf
— Jessy, stop saying that ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGeeGTxqYH
— For what ? It's the truth ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviOy3FroO2
— No, you are in good health, it doesn't even look like you have this virus so you have to be optimistic.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtQi98WOnz
— As if that could cure me ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVabS2O7ZNW
— Yes, it can help you hold on until the doctors find a cure.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuGdEDHsa7
I spoke more firmly than I wanted. Jessy looks at me, surprised.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIeJY3yuMH
— You're right, you have to be positive and enjoy life, right ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmh2VFd8LF
Suddenly his gaze changes, it becomes darker. He approaches me and takes me by the waist, holding me tightly against his body. I pull away from him immediately, not out of fear of illness, but as I would with any boy who did it this way.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWK6QUidWh
— Hey, weird ! You don't want to kiss me anymore ! This surprises me greatly ! Go find your fantastic and healthy boyfriend and leave me alone ! he shouts as he walks away.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcInXDsaEl
— Jessy, you’re wrong, that’s not it ! Come back ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfZyveppCi
My words are lost in the silence.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKYIiIsAAi
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO64Va83vvF
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwYI0qlH18
The next morning before classes, which start later today, and where Jessy will certainly still be conspicuous by his absence, I am sitting in a corner of the snack bar. It’s a café where all the young people from high school like to meet for a drink, listen to music and chat. The room is quite large, with its light green imitation leather benches, its silver metal tables and its fifties decoration all in pink and blue. I found Chad there, who is having fun around a pinball machine with his friends a little further away, while I read Jessy's book. In fact, this is the third time I've devoured it since he lent it to me. The story of this man who fights alone against everyone to obtain his freedom after having been condemned in advance by public opinion now takes on a whole new meaning for me. Between these lines, it is Jessy’s life that I see. I can't stop thinking about him, and it drives me crazy. I'm dating Chad, I like Chad. So why do I only think about Jessy's lips on mine ? Why am I so worried about him ? How come I miss him so much ? I have already gone several days without seeing Chad, when he went on vacation with his parents, without ever feeling this emptiness in the pit of my heart. Yet I am in love with him.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNpJuUY3Pl
Do I like Chad ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLAnd3wQ8L
Ah, I'm going to go crazy if this continues ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzheZzK1WV
I raise my head and look at him, he looks at me and gives me a smile that I have trouble responding to, before he turns his attention back to his friends.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0dOQp5YCV
Why don't I feel anything when I look at it ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZecnQxLNl
Putting my thoughts aside, I carefully dive back into my reading when Amy approaches me. That day, more than ever, I had no desire to talk to him. As I expected, she reported my comments to Chad and, as always, I had to justify myself. Luckily we have this talk to give, it gave me the perfect excuse.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PQn6Xcbi3
Amy lifts the cover of my book and whispers : 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBldf4aGT4
— Put down that book ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdf5Z5nGMHU
— It’s a great book ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQM4FuXgf9
— I will never understand how you could want to read outside of class, there are so many things372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDzVguOWyq
much more exciting to do…372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYlBXDpQpA
— Excuse me…372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbe7o8ApEk
I get up quickly after seeing Jessy passing in the street.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5L8g6WOGGP
Hurriedly, I leave the café.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzs9WUcu8m
— Jessy ! Wait for me ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IPbJ9zPUx
As usual, he hears me, but continues on his way.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JeJuqEdpI
— I have your book ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqfDGa3X90
This time, I manage to catch his attention, he stops on the sidewalk.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxLgZAgw4L
— What do you want from me ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxgZbAH0vp
— I just wanted to give that back to you.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvw6lAtZvJb
I hand him his paperback, staring at him, my heart rate increasing.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIIeVOfSgC
— And then, I wanted us to talk.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uC7MyhT2O
— I think we said everything. You should go back to your boyfriend.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4Bd5FEpfb
— I don’t want to talk with Chad, but with you.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXao2bXwVr
— Thank you, that’s a pleasure, says a familiar voice behind me, making me jump.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aU9CzFiY7
I quickly turn around to see my boyfriend.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqevK63DQ1x
— It's not what you think. But I need to talk to Jessy.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcdX1K7pJ1
— We have nothing to say to each other, he repeats.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW03oIFwl3h
— Glad to hear you say that ! Stop hovering over my girlfriend ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowWhAaV8bc
— Hey, I’m here, Chad ! You don't have to speak on my behalf and even less tell me who I can talk to or not ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkVXC8ZUTK
— There, I agree with you, replies Jessy.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgarRo2KpS
— We didn't ask you anything ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6Cy0vfphF
— Leave him alone ! It’s me who wants to talk to him ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTh0c26d9z
— Are we having a threesome now ? Chad angrily grabs my arm.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhb9irFKZ1U
He squeezes it tightly and takes me with him towards the snack bar.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCI7N2uhbBQ
— Let me go, I demand, trying to get out of his grip. You're ridiculous ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtNPSQRUuf
Chad tightens his grip further.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzLCBqkWK4
— I just want to talk to you.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DJSkjqxW2
— So let go of me, you’re hurting me ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0SwF0nsT9
— Let her go ! Jessy demands, interposing.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ997b8UOQer
— Don't get involved ! My boyfriend shouts, finally releasing my sore arm before pushing Jessy along the wall of the establishment.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7BP8RWcfc
— Don’t hit me, Jessy warned.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusxx3pF7gB
— Ah, Monsieur gives more orders, says Chad angrily, putting his fist in the young man's stomach.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoEj4q6dnv
In shock, Jessy doubles over, dropping his book.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyukrcU7pf
— Chad, stop ! I scream in the middle of the street.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPDD9c7Xph
Jessy, still hunched over, rushes at Chad and knocks him to the ground. He finds himself straddling him, trying to keep him on the ground while asking him to calm down. But you don't know Chad very well to think that he's going to let himself be controlled so easily. Soon they are rolling on the sidewalk, almost falling onto the road. Chad finds himself on top of Jessy and punches him in the stomach again. Then he stands up, waiting for Jessy to get up. When he gets back to his feet, he spreads his hands in a sign of appeasement, but Chad rushes at him again and hits him in the cheek.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyu3spqYvHZ
— Chad ! Leave him ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4Tr6jWHM5
Jessy picks up his book and walks away, but Chad comes at him again and hits him in the back. Jessy falls to his knees as Chad walks around to face him and grabs him by the collar of his T-shirt.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCGdj2WQ9D
No matter how much I beg him, Chad doesn't listen to me. I am about to betray my promise when, fortunately, two police officers intervene to separate them, surrounding them.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXVA5fyhB5
Jessy immediately regains his calm while Chad continues to struggle in order to continue the fight.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmyri9oTjp
— What is happening here ? Asks the officer holding Jessy.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTj3nHjYFM2
— This guy is hitting on my girlfriend, Chad shouts, still annoyed.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHQ0qcVLTF
— Anything ! I shout angrily. Jessy is a friend and there’s no way you’re going to forbid me from talking to him ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmq74FZoei
My boyfriend stares at me in astonishment while I think I see recognition in Jessy's eyes. This has the gift of calming Chad who lets his arms fall while blowing.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLY6SY2ELj9
— Can we let go of you ? Asks the second police officer.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOvaFVTLgz
Both boys nodded weakly.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9TCVARd0f
— It’s not over yet, Chad says, staring at Jessy, before heading back to the snack bar.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53fbYzC6Yg
— It'll be OK ? Asks the other agent. He hurt you, do you want to go to the hospital ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp55lzwnlrf
Jessy's complexion suddenly turned pale.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5kJZgXoF8
— No, it’s okay.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVEqDPcCbU
— I’ll take care of him, I intervene, moving closer to him.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTG4WUzrC9
With a knowing look, the two police officers walk away.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioX1aG67tk
— Thank you, Jessy sighs.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEz1Qkv0bw
— You seemed panicked at the idea of going to the hospital.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoGZmJIxlx
— Yeah, I'm not a big fan of it. I've already just left my doctor's office, I'm not going to spend the rest of my day on a stretcher.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2SZlNjdc9
I pick up his book and give it back to him.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirrnXbXKUW
— Do you want to talk now ? I ask.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasjcyerrcs
Jessy purses his lips.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XxmwGNslJ
— You never give up ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffAsAdSTZ9
— It depends on the subject but when it’s something important to me, no, I never give up.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5L00qRhX1R
Jessy seems touched by my words, he lowers his head and nods, pursing his lips.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJPQSOrLgd
Without even asking him if he plans to go to class this morning, we head towards his house.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq24x7UOdkT
— Did you like the book ? He finally asked after a long silence.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpM2gvoqYRW
— I devoured it ! I'll have to buy a copy.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhqKkqVX6f
His smile is radiant when he tells me : 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZetUL0JQde
— I'm glad you liked it. You're the first person I've told about this.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dKZepwZDT
I take advantage of this confidence to try to learn more.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeL53K6VBJZ
— You told me you went to the doctor, are you okay ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9zupmkTTW
— My doctor told me that apart from being HIV positive, I am in great shape. She will do regular blood tests to monitor how the virus is progressing and has also encouraged me to join a support group of people who have the same problem as me, he tells me as he stops walking.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfPw0lJ10b
I meditate on his words for a few seconds, I know how important the subject is and I definitely don't want to focus on it.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaXZOrahdH
— I think you should try going to one of these meetings. After all, what are you risking ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqpc6yhZFj
He raises his face to the sky and observes a cloud which moves slowly, pushed by a light wind.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY75zneiDgI
— Maybe you're right.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Hepmwc3DW
Satisfied with his answer, I leave him in front of his house. As I head back home, I'm torn between the pleasure of being closer to Jessy and the anger that overcomes me when I think of Chad. I know this situation has gone on for too long.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWZ4FLxxKI
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrtJHTHsoy
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFmOJnSMSV
I had barely crossed the threshold of my house when my mother told me that Chad was waiting for me in the garden.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdmF1Dal5o
— Neither of you have been to class and Chad looks upset, she said. What's going on, Megan ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KOGa6e82y
— I'm sorry, mom. I should have warned you. Chad and Jessy fought before we went to high school. Chad crossed the line, Jessy is hurt, and believe me, he really didn't need this.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDtspYVzcF
My mother examines me carefully. I'm not going to lie, along the way I thought about how events unfolded and the more I think about it, the more my anger grows.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNKhlWqi6p
— And this fight happened because of how you feel about Jessy ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLy5u3IY7dj
I agree, nodding my head.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9DUQzkgEI
— Now, do you know what you are doing ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tbcq8Hpxn
— Yes, even if it is painful, I can no longer hide my face.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYSMDvhf3d
My mother gives a little knowing smile.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqTjd0rfa3
— GOOD. I don't like it when you skip school, but this time, I'm giving up. You will go to class this afternoon. In the meantime, go and sort this situation out. Good luck.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ283YDoxVip
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBREKTnWn5q
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTNkNYIiQY
Chad is pacing around the yard when I open the back door of the house to join him.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNWm9z5l7O
— Finally you're here ! Were you with him ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JHVJGxUf8
The tone of his voice is icy. If he thinks I'm going to let him talk to me like that, he's sorely mistaken.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsr6xbOzGPS
— Remind me, when did we get married ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9VfWJcZdT
— Pardon ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UcJsjfJeD
— No, because the reason you're acting like an incredible asshole is because we've been married for years and you think I'm your property, right ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDeO9IZSVR
Chad puts his hand to his forehead and bursts out into mirthless laughter.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22finFN5sx
— I should have known you were going to take his side. Damn, Meg, you don't realize this guy is manipulating you to separate us ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPKx514oI8
If until now I had managed to keep calm, his words made me lose all control.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfAtbvwbXG
— But you are completely delusional ! I'm not your thing, I'm free to do what I want ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlpy82LtbJ
— Like sleeping with him ! ? He writes to himself, clenching his fists.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCV8AIOS5PZ
— I'm not going out with him ! I scream. And I'm not going out with you anymore ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRIX2W981W
In shock, he takes two steps back.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymgN75WAan
— What ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkchhFrNNY2
— You understood me very well. It's over Chad.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybtqlGKaxw
— He succeeded then ? He wanted to separate us and you become his accomplice.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHOHntvHhQ
This time it’s me who’s in shock. Where did he get such an idea ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvUGeWTD8Y
— No, but do you hear yourself ? I'm talking to you about us, not Jessy. He never even suggested that I break up with you, even after you hit him earlier.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnEBhceNFl
— You're not going to make me believe that it's enough for you to realize that you don't love me anymore.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlOUoJ81yb
— Since we have been together, I have asked myself a lot of questions, I admit, going to sit down on a chair in the garden furniture. We have nothing in common. I know that I annoy you when I talk to you about literature and you annoy me when I try to share a moment with you and you are so captivated by a match on TV that you don't care.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDMvDIpokA
Chad opens his mouth to respond but remains silent.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgveynn4vp
— You know I’m right, I insist calmly. You and I have known each other since we were kids, we have always been friends and I think we should have stayed that way.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfDsdG0MYA
He takes a deep breath as his eyes water.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwj0sk0bf3I
— So you don’t love me anymore ? he whispers.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7giy0LCJRp
— Yes I love you but, contrary to what I thought, I realized that I am not in love with you. I love you as a friend, not as the man of my life.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUrEKKrx2e
— And did you realize how you felt, before or after falling in love with Jessy ? He get angry again. It’s not over Meg ! I'm sure this guy is hiding something and trust me I'll find out what it is ! You will come back to me Meg ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VV7WTKBco
— Chad ! Chad ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrymINYq0CQ
But it's too late, he's already slammed the door behind him.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPllq5bey9
I feel relieved to finally have been able to put into words what had bothered me since the beginning of our story, but I am also worried at the thought of Chad discovering Jessy's secret. I hope his threats are out of anger and that after he calms down he will realize their stupidity.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcNx24j026
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xCClk2juZ
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8R2xy3XnV
In the afternoon, I head back to school and smile as soon as I see Jessy arriving in the main hallway.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALjiDg0Of6
— You’ve decided to come back, I comment.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyisJOo1a21
— Yeah, I don’t want Chad to think he’s got the upper hand on me, he replies as we walk down the hall towards our class.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oLOJsNzyy
— Good choice. But I need to talk to you.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPI3B3l9KH8
Without waiting, I pull him by his jacket away from the crowd of students and lead him into a corner near the boys' bathroom. I don't want anyone to hear our exchange.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JYocFV9ke
— What is happening ? He asks me, frowning.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWg88mGy8z9
— Chad was at my house when I got home.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoq8E6uulTQ
— Okay, he says slowly.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvxwxFuOfi
— I broke up with him, I admit abruptly.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeplz7WX4sU
His already piercing gaze locks on mine and never lets go. I wish I could drown in it but I only have a short time before the bell rings.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHohLum5MPL
— He is very angry with you. He thinks you made me dump him.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jXDuqtGDP
— I have never done that ! He writes to himself, shocked.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkoD8CcQ1g
— I know that perfectly, but I think he's looking for someone to blame for our breakup, when there's no one to blame. We're not meant for each other, that's all. Anyway, he told me you're hiding something and he's going to find out what it is. So be careful, okay ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGzUVwIR0I
— Yeah.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4AGBo4OdD
He leans against the wall behind him and whispers, with tears in his eyes : 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXG5GxL77S
— I don't want it to start again like in my old school, I couldn't stand it.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVC1FCbIJYC
Seeing him abandon his armor in favor of sincerity upsets me beyond words. In these moments of fragility, I meet the real Jessy, not the one who takes a cold attitude to send me away but the sensitive boy who has suffered too much.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPD3WTH98Gu
— That won’t happen, I reassure him. You are not alone here, I am your friend, I will always be here no matter what happens.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwl8bQYbxdt
— Thanks Meg. I thought about what you told me earlier, about the support group for HIV— positive people. I called my doctor to ask for the contact details of the center.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKdi0kY2jF
— Great, I smile. It will help you to talk with people who have the same virus as you, you will certainly be able to help each other.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQ4lCYh4dw
— I don’t really believe it, but I’m going to try to go to a meeting, he said, resuming a distant attitude. So maybe you'll let go of me a little ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2ZkyYIiSt
The bell which announces the resumption of classes interrupts our discussion.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPCv4MMYMY
— Here, I said, handing him my notes. That way you'll be up to date on math.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPVkXc0dAn
— Thanks Megan. Sometimes it’s good to have you in my life ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36vzJJuEN4
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB38JNrOc7f
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBM5DneLDYw
The last bell announcing the end of the day has barely sounded before a rumor invades the establishment. I'm putting my things in my locker when I hear whispers about Jessy. I turn to him who is standing a little further away in front of his locker. He lowers his head, shoulders hunched and lips pursed.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gzi22Y8Pn
Around us, the students murmur among themselves, stunned. At the time, AIDS was still a little— known disease; we were only in the early stages of medical research. There are lots of rumors about how and why this disease spreads, but the truth is that people still know very little about it. The only things we know for sure are that AIDS is scary and deadly. All eyes are fixed on Jessy, those who pass behind him move aside to make sure not to touch him.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb30cvJOk32
A student I vaguely know passes in front of me, I intercept him to ask him what this new rumor is.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fTZSjJOTA
— You are not aware ? Jessy Sutter, the new student, he has AIDS and what's more, he's homosexual ! He announces to me proudly. Above all, don't go near him, you never know.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLFtYdwXTa
I don't have time to send him away, he's already moved away.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFJBr1zmnt
I look at Jessy again. He raises his head, fixes me with a burning look of anger before leaving the school as quickly as possible.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5GEbeUNQf
I do not understand anything. How can everyone know ? One thing is certain, given Jessy's fury, he thinks I betrayed him.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeytFQiNQpF
I rush after him but when I get outside, he has already disappeared.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0kcS6LQyS
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡii5AL4s7kq
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7s4NfG7h4
After looking for Jessy all over town for what seemed like hours, imagining him alone, depressed, I gathered up my courage and went to his house. The door opens to reveal his mother.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aKf4EBF1Q
— Hello, she greets me kindly.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0pX7sK7B1
From the first glance, I feel that she is an understanding woman. Her long blond hair and green eyes identical to those of her son reflect the gentleness that I also detect in Jessy.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CbaxRgjJp
— Good morning. Is Jessy there ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfYnHiV9ls
— No. You're Megan, right ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZ9q7yup6g
I nod in agreement.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvssFhuZLZ
— Jessy told me about you.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQEEC3Pl2W
— I've been looking for him everywhere since school ended, hasn't he come back ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtulmrJ8eJ
— No, I have not seen it. He must be walking somewhere now that everyone knows Jessy is infected.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrpuisnj0G
I look at her, surprised that she was able to guess, she continues : 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqBrHiHR3O
— I received a call from the school. Apparently, parents of students learned of the rumor and immediately reported it to the school administration. I am called this evening to talk about my son's state of health and to see if he can continue his education in this establishment.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkb2jYMwBKv
— My God, this is nonsense ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEx4di7bsx
— Unfortunately that's what happens when people know Jessy has AIDS. Everywhere he goes, he is rejected. This has happened before in Allentown, and it's happening again here. Everyone is afraid of being contaminated by simple contact, even my husband can't stand living under the same roof as him.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYUYCjf8TR
Mrs. Sutter shakes her head as if her thoughts could evaporate with that gesture.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyvduSymHl
— It is so unfair. I need to talk to him. Contrary to what he thinks, I did not betray him. I don't know how his secret was revealed. You don't know where he might be ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIls5Fk21m
— He sometimes leaves alone for hours.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpa9yk7Fe2I
— You are never afraid that he…372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDk7skGVTdJ
Mrs. Sutter looks at me as if to say, “Would that be worse than what awaits him ?”372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGGXu6N6nO
I thank her and go home, totally dejected. Not only do all students now have to know about Jessy's condition, but even the administration is threatening not to keep him.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzRz1RfFWv
When I walk through the door of my house, night begins to fall. I hear my parents talking.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCw4veWVDR
— Meg, it’s you ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVK1ArOdS3
— Yes Dad.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8G87m9Gyq
— Can you come ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTDWedAgLp
I walk down the hallway and into the kitchen, where my parents are sitting around the table.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4FTppuoA5
— Nina told us what is being said around town about Jessy. Is it true ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAGMZ3UCOc
I nod silently.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXs0lGlVWd
— How long have you known that ? Ask my mother.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcFfs015Yi
— Since the other evening, when he stayed to eat. He admitted it to me when I took him home.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSm0lBFJsS6
— You could have told us about it ! My father points out.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwAqgpyxG6
— I told him I wouldn't tell anyone. I didn't want to break my word...372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzswqXzlby
— Then how…372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXr55z6sNfY
— You can believe me mom, I keep asking myself that question. I only see one answer : Chad. This afternoon, he was very upset with Jessy and promised to find his secret. However, I don't know how he found out about it.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Oy2ys4mSU
— Is it true that Chad fought with Jessy because you wanted to talk to him ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONzr7EyoVI
I nod.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnIiBjtShn
— Chad wanted to force me into the snack bar, Jessy intervened to defend me.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQ11p8Qxut
My response makes my father clench his fists and he says : 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz87TjYHQq7
— He loses nothing by knowing what I think of his way of fighting like that and the rest.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT348S2KMDn
— Are you aware that Mrs. Sutter has been summoned to high school ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUFnPgakAN
In front of my parents' questioning looks, I tell them the words of Jessy's mother.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHy85sYJ0yI
My mother makes a few phone calls and tells us : 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLis9y74sW
— The parents’ council is meeting this evening with the administration. Officially, they can't fire Jessy because he's sick, but they can send a report to the academy who will judge what to do in such a circumstance.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQIiOzOeVR
Seeing my dismayed face, my father said to me : 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNbBRKi1WE
— Don’t worry, darling. We will go to this meeting and we will support Ms. Sutter. It will be fine.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kZBFbIEpF
Less convinced than my father, I go into the garden and sit on the swing. Alone with my thoughts, I realize that I have suddenly aged. Before I met Jessy, I was a carefree kid with few worries, but now I see life differently. And to think that it’s only been ten days since Chad’s party. I wanted to become an adult, I'm served ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8WF5QDUxq
Jessie, where are you ? I sigh, mulling over the latest events. I don't hear Nina open the back door.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjuYw1cc8b
— I was wondering where you were, she says, making me jump. The parents are out, Chad is there. He wants to see you.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9PrkSK0NO
I sigh again. After what happened this afternoon, I still don't want to talk to him. But he doesn't wait to hear my opinion before following my sister who, feeling the storm brewing in the sky as much as with my ex-boyfriend, slips away.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMgnPMipq7
— I came to apologize for my behavior this morning. If I had known Jessy was gay, I wouldn't have been jealous of you talking to him.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMgrjdk0Z0
I huff, exasperated. Chad looks at me, I see the incomprehension on his face.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLjnRZfkeh
— He is not homosexual. It was a girl who infected him ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOp1HWF9WPS
— Sorry, but how could I have known ? You don't tell me anything anymore ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SyemvELWy
— Sorry, but when someone tells me a secret, I do my best to keep it. Were you the one who revealed Jessy's illness to everyone ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqse6XJqlj
His false innocent appearance betrays him even before he confesses. I think I see a little boy having done something stupid with his hands in his pants pockets, squirming for words. Even when we were children, he behaved this way. His attitude makes my anger explode.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3fpqmalwo
— It's about time you grew up, Chad ! You are so immature at times ! Do you realize that now everyone knows about their state of health ? That he might be kicked out of school ? That you're ruining his life ? But no, you don’t care as long as you make him pay for my breakup ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZdW7Z5YDt
Annoyed, he lowers his head. This attitude annoys me even more.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eaOf88UPh
— I know, I screwed up. But if you had told me everything...372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dX2hY0orV
I give him a murderous look. He's old enough to know how to behave.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSLTeL0fGC
— Don’t ever ask me why I broke up with you again ! If you want to have an answer, look at yourself in the mirror... That is, if you can ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmzDBWXkV6
— You don't even realize that since he arrived in town, you have completely ignored me ! Chad gets angry in turn.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CABSUsp1o
— It’s nothing to do with it ! I'm the guilty one, the one who understood that we are too different. Jessy had nothing to do with our relationship ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IoCHslLgg
— I know, he whispers. I heard him say it this afternoon.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ562bvWWo5V
My eyes must be as round as saucers because Chad continues : 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopBAVlMc91
— I was behind the bathroom door when you were talking. I heard your conversation, that’s how I knew.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OmbGLEbz6
— Oh my God ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡce6BFPI4nh
With tears in my eyes, I place my hands over my mouth.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGVX3uIxQi
— I’m sorry Meg. I didn't want things to go this far.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7ujAKVjaT
— And you rushed to repeat it to the whole school ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNj3M5Idcp
— I only told a few friends but it spread quickly. I really blame myself.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZSr5g8uUQ
My eyes filled with tears, I whisper : 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6L0mAzp41
— You can.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcJHo9qIvZ
— You’ll never want me again after this, will you ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUXafCvIcL
I shake my head.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenIwnVM2J1
— You disappointed me a lot, Chad. You are still my friend but I no longer trust you. I'm sorry.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHuWn66xe4
— You don’t have to be, it’s my fault. I went way too far. The role of the jealous boyfriend doesn't work for me, he smiles sadly. Do you want us to remain friends ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJyUm64scU
I nod in agreement. I know that after digesting these events, I will forgive him. I can't not have him in my life, he's been part of it for too long.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZcQet9IZa
Chad is about to enter the house again when, turning around, he says to me : 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuY215vpa0
— By the way, if you're looking for Jessy, it seems he hangs out near the bridge over the highway.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpVwnLeZU0
As soon as Chad leaves, I put on my black parka and head in the direction he told me. Night has now fallen, the air is heavy, the storm threatens to break out at any moment. I hurry the three kilometers, running half the way. I arrive on the bridge, out of breath, but happy to see Jessy there. It is a narrow bridge, reserved for pedestrians, it allows us to reach a corner of the forest which encircles the city. Jessy paces along the steel guardrail, watching the cars and trucks speeding by on the dual carriageway just below. His face is half lit by the streetlights placed all along the highway. He turns to me as I approach.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGhIe8Q3R1
— What are you doing here ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteBxjDuUtW
His tone is dry.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJT6TtVC0bl
— I've been looking for you for hours.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gYNmHp2EU
— Well, you found me. You see, I'm still alive, you can go back now.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAP3RFx4xnC
— I'm sorry for what happened. I discussed it with Chad, he was the one who spread the rumor.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkroeDTLuy
— So you came so that I could forgive him ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5P7Z33cmi
I look at him, incredulous; However, I have to admit that he is not entirely wrong. I wish we could all be friends, but I know that is a utopian vision of our friendship. However, even if she is often embarrassing for his interlocutors, I like Jessy's frankness.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdUcbvBlCH
— I came because I'm afraid for you. It's late, come home with me.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiB7XdsdXm9
Jessy looks at me with a disillusioned look but doesn't answer. He starts walking along the railing again, moving away from me. He seems hypnotized by the vehicles passing beneath our feet.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhC0pmhByAy
— Ever since I’ve known you, you’ve spent your time moving away. Why are you running away from everyone ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZJqQace0y
I shout to cover the sound of a heavy truck passing below.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EOWHY9JXE
Suddenly a lightning bolt tears through the sky. Jessy turns around angrily.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzlfMVIEKi
— I'm not running away from anyone ! It's the others who never want me ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2RFFkoVbG
He sits on the railing which is only a few centimeters wide, passes his legs over the air, wraps them around the metal bars. A new flash of lightning illuminates the sky. Despite the heaviness of the night, I tremble and move closer to him to hold him by the back of his jacket.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdSJ02HdLH
— Jessy, please. Come back ! You're scaring me ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqK1xo9ELP
— I'm a danger to others, Meg ! I'm just on reprieve from this crap ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqlNMVkfOH
The tone of his voice is no longer charged with anger, but full of despair. It squeezes my heart.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQx4sealNz
— No ! You are not a risk to anyone ! And you are still here, alive and well ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdAKYup6pO
Thunder suddenly cracks, startling me. I move closer to him and tighten my grip.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgH6PiysZ0U
— Do you want to know what brought me here ? He says to me, letting go of the railing with his hands.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKCQzoopBh
He opens his arms wide, closes his eyes and falls forward, screaming in rage. Despite my efforts to hold him, his leather jacket slips through my fingers and I let go.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvUQkEiR17
— Jessy, no ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPz1nNxlRTD
I scream as loud as I can as I see him fall into the void.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgV93famHR
I put my hands to my mouth while closing my eyes, not daring to open them because I am so sure that he has thrown himself under the wheels of the vehicles passing underneath. And then I suddenly realize that I care about him much more than I wanted to admit to myself until now. Yes, he's HIV positive, angry at the whole world and he spends a lot of time telling me off and yet, without knowing why yet, I can't help but think about him every minute. Suddenly, I hear him scream again at the same time as thunder cracks near us. I slowly open my eyes to see him hanging by his legs above the void. With a quick movement, he manages to stand up, then sit down again on the railing before coming back to my side. I admire his flexibility as I breathe with relief. He rushes straight towards me angrily.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6TZl1xCJL
— I'm going to die, Meg, my life expectancy is so low that it's not worth living ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZr55BNqQTi
His voice is thick with anger and despair.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡon5TQYv2qk
— No, I said, crying. You're not sick and you may never be sick, but you have to keep breathing, keep fighting this shit ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ08dUPw5y9
— To do what ? What awaits me in this cursed life ? Everyone will start turning their backs on me again, whispering in my way, being afraid of me.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEWbAIRuwl
Do you think that’s what it’s like to live ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2zcEfb7M2
He points to the highway.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCXJMVGF4T
— AIDS has already made me fall into a void, vehicles have already crushed me. And none of your prayers or hopes can save me ! he shouts.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tEN7Rrtnk
My tears increase in the face of my helplessness. Jessy is going to die, it's just a matter of time and, in this second, I am fully aware of it.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1E760XVUx
— This virus is circulating inside me and nothing anyone says or does to me will make it go away ! I will have to live the little time I have left carrying this burden alone ! I can't, I can't take this anymore. Reliving what I experienced in Allentown is beyond my strength ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZrXkSWmAQ
He lowers his arms, weariness written on each of his features. Cries that he has had to repress many times flood his face. I go to snuggle up against him, immediately his arms embrace me.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxpVmu2Atx
— I’m here, you’re no longer alone. I'm here Jessy, I repeat to him several times, hoping that my words penetrate his bruised heart.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70vNT1FVJA
Above us the storm calms down as the rain unleashes, mixing our tears with those of the sky.
Penana
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