333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKOzEW2Csi
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Bt27wKvbs
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbw3UpyvH4
— I’m not in the mood to worry, he told me point blank.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfnI5ZvS9c
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7r2EQdQjg
— It’s for me, mom, he tells her.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUV8krpuGLz
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 : 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIkHoQGEeR
— I'll stay until we've talked, and it's too bad if your mother asks me what I want.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJrQa1diCa
His green eyes stare at me, trying to see if I'm bluffing or not, finally, he gives in.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmJb1KxOJR
— Very well, I’m coming.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5GRJ73G4A
He grabs a denim jacket before following me down the street.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2GsCTLmCP
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BaBilop8z
— So ? You wanted to talk to me, go ahead ! He says in a bad mood, as we arrive near an abandoned factory.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopPrDcr8qI
Intimidated, as always by his presence at my side, I take it upon myself to get started : 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8eNJvMxbl
— You haven't come to school for the last two days...333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HjuXTebl9
— Oh yes, you noticed, well done ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzROpNeXDWL
— Don’t be sarcastic, please. But you let me down for the presentation ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOqiCyqXUE
— Oh, and you probably want an apology ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtRWzsILAu
— No, I don't care about this duty.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsmwdk214A
I use a calm tone so as not to annoy him further.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSNu1EywbK
— Why did you come to see me ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLp6UYoqC51
He stops walking.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3jvG2p45h
— I was worried about you.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgevTCxqaG
— Well then ! Instead, admit that you want details so you can tell your friends everything afterwards ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpZZdV4sDD
— I don't plan to tell anyone about it.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOLFT98uXE
He examines me for a long moment, seeming to search deep in my eyes if he can trust me.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIVbADhVFZ
— How long have you been HIV positive ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU55HaX0pfX
— It's been about a year now.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0a3pyu5EB5
— And how did you catch it ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCy8I3TXd3N
— One evening at a friend’s party, I met a girl…333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5e2leS6j9X
— And you slept together ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVQOWdMmGu
— No, we watched cartoons ! He said, really angry.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIKAadv0x1
— She didn’t tell you she was HIV positive ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaERcishOx
— 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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfbKR3GicF
— Just for one night you spent together.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYOXVusaQ0
I whisper this sentence as if to myself.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJeqg8zABa
— 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 ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVrzThd6TB
— Jessy, stop saying that ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdt8gKDkKY
— For what ? It's the truth ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKimX2CUdIB
— No, you are in good health, it doesn't even look like you have this virus so you have to be optimistic.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQkiltPF1T
— As if that could cure me ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDUzxcvqo7
— Yes, it can help you hold on until the doctors find a cure.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZUsfXZS0B
I spoke more firmly than I wanted. Jessy looks at me, surprised.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRA275KyPq0
— You're right, you have to be positive and enjoy life, right ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MdhBhqJoD
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpJ8Q9lh1L
— 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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeam6I1074
— Jessy, you’re wrong, that’s not it ! Come back ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAd5Bg1DGtY
My words are lost in the silence.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhvAIml6tE
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Qd9eCQSD9
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGnjVlTGFR
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVBKzul6LZ
Do I like Chad ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFzxNtbWPp
Ah, I'm going to go crazy if this continues ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWktGqHiTy
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLNWRhcG3x
Why don't I feel anything when I look at it ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhlp190SDs
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36oZSsvfGf
Amy lifts the cover of my book and whispers : 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlhB5INRMh
— Put down that book ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgkeWlBnmE
— It’s a great book ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9p283cSgX
— I will never understand how you could want to read outside of class, there are so many things333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRObuauDKN
much more exciting to do…333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJSzthjxtx
— Excuse me…333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRs6aqfTL4
I get up quickly after seeing Jessy passing in the street.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDOmT0qcSZ
Hurriedly, I leave the café.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfK8O4JZkW
— Jessy ! Wait for me ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8SWsXhilZ
As usual, he hears me, but continues on his way.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TjrZsHDjl
— I have your book ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5il5SCweO
This time, I manage to catch his attention, he stops on the sidewalk.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezpGc8c0gX
— What do you want from me ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIvWg1uYGY
— I just wanted to give that back to you.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2xlzMZaOP
I hand him his paperback, staring at him, my heart rate increasing.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLBXEKAJKP
— And then, I wanted us to talk.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXh4SHwkJNQ
— I think we said everything. You should go back to your boyfriend.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iwRWgLR4b
— I don’t want to talk with Chad, but with you.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZVtkyr1U9
— Thank you, that’s a pleasure, says a familiar voice behind me, making me jump.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJZFFN0XHA
I quickly turn around to see my boyfriend.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3J5tmurNN
— It's not what you think. But I need to talk to Jessy.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWo8VRwXIJ
— We have nothing to say to each other, he repeats.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XehkcOBcQ
— Glad to hear you say that ! Stop hovering over my girlfriend ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYiYXzsagt
— 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 ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyQvrggF2j
— There, I agree with you, replies Jessy.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4UDt9ERUO
— We didn't ask you anything ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtt7srTH9Gq
— Leave him alone ! It’s me who wants to talk to him ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3Uc0Hpa9y
— Are we having a threesome now ? Chad angrily grabs my arm.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytEtbXrgNv
He squeezes it tightly and takes me with him towards the snack bar.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUXIiRaV7B
— Let me go, I demand, trying to get out of his grip. You're ridiculous ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJ7wrUBrPe
Chad tightens his grip further.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OzMJvx6h5
— I just want to talk to you.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkOZV3Nt2D
— So let go of me, you’re hurting me ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7Tf98B3V6
— Let her go ! Jessy demands, interposing.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kRK51Z5LH
— Don't get involved ! My boyfriend shouts, finally releasing my sore arm before pushing Jessy along the wall of the establishment.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWUkTVrY5a
— Don’t hit me, Jessy warned.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡta6yFMxKYh
— Ah, Monsieur gives more orders, says Chad angrily, putting his fist in the young man's stomach.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSD2aacq15h
In shock, Jessy doubles over, dropping his book.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45oFAkU1k7
— Chad, stop ! I scream in the middle of the street.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3amFHpRWlr
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2OZy7rasJ
— Chad ! Leave him ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCRsUgd72h
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26IToXNMwP
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrupwx1ZmW
Jessy immediately regains his calm while Chad continues to struggle in order to continue the fight.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡox4t75xcla
— What is happening here ? Asks the officer holding Jessy.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoU4wGAymO
— This guy is hitting on my girlfriend, Chad shouts, still annoyed.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoe2xuDgatx
— Anything ! I shout angrily. Jessy is a friend and there’s no way you’re going to forbid me from talking to him ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57dRc2NG7K
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEcW6NKiBq
— Can we let go of you ? Asks the second police officer.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLmJc2TIro
Both boys nodded weakly.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6Qt3IxJXJ
— It’s not over yet, Chad says, staring at Jessy, before heading back to the snack bar.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9go1YHW3zH
— It'll be OK ? Asks the other agent. He hurt you, do you want to go to the hospital ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJd9D2d5ai
Jessy's complexion suddenly turned pale.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xLNoBQGt1
— No, it’s okay.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3U5SOZSwV
— I’ll take care of him, I intervene, moving closer to him.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxUxqdBXLE
With a knowing look, the two police officers walk away.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpReeOyiD3N
— Thank you, Jessy sighs.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDJcIeWgOu
— You seemed panicked at the idea of going to the hospital.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLOV6evWyS
— 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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMZQLjXfNH
I pick up his book and give it back to him.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TEZd2aOhT
— Do you want to talk now ? I ask.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe72FxPLEdo
Jessy purses his lips.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwbivC1Qwn
— You never give up ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhDhgB7zbh
— It depends on the subject but when it’s something important to me, no, I never give up.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlxd7djn0P
Jessy seems touched by my words, he lowers his head and nods, pursing his lips.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5eXdqxQ4Y
Without even asking him if he plans to go to class this morning, we head towards his house.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQze0jhVqO
— Did you like the book ? He finally asked after a long silence.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkM9wObdRKd
— I devoured it ! I'll have to buy a copy.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5pUUSbbG2
His smile is radiant when he tells me : 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYx1sybPUI
— I'm glad you liked it. You're the first person I've told about this.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44mLsZtSbA
I take advantage of this confidence to try to learn more.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMppMkTzFx
— You told me you went to the doctor, are you okay ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRI9DAng1G3
— 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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbW7RqGrzAJ
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvwBYyq7cK
— I think you should try going to one of these meetings. After all, what are you risking ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRMczjUfDf
He raises his face to the sky and observes a cloud which moves slowly, pushed by a light wind.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8tMfvBL8O
— Maybe you're right.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlE115ndkbN
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToJ2COsdLh
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdtzzHrRTB
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZ84tF5jYw
I had barely crossed the threshold of my house when my mother told me that Chad was waiting for me in the garden.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wAqksad91
— Neither of you have been to class and Chad looks upset, she said. What's going on, Megan ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNMTRSuZZw
— 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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaC9osp4hGT
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeunJZexpzb
— And this fight happened because of how you feel about Jessy ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLiCXrP9N7
I agree, nodding my head.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYO4Eer6Z9
— Now, do you know what you are doing ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1E4vXEkTMX
— Yes, even if it is painful, I can no longer hide my face.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEyfdSk3hF
My mother gives a little knowing smile.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZUMAY7lrK
— 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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJyvE7DFao
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSSYsfwbhm
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarzMKKeRJO
Chad is pacing around the yard when I open the back door of the house to join him.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciVcFX1t6L
— Finally you're here ! Were you with him ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRWW6keO2s
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdROtxORen
— Remind me, when did we get married ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFOMkxqMm4
— Pardon ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEC7MqbsDm
— 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 ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBekg9au9Lf
Chad puts his hand to his forehead and bursts out into mirthless laughter.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDv9ehb1Hee
— 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 ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBSrH3hODY
If until now I had managed to keep calm, his words made me lose all control.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVBqHCfqM6
— But you are completely delusional ! I'm not your thing, I'm free to do what I want ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMCltJLdRk
— Like sleeping with him ! ? He writes to himself, clenching his fists.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjJZ10copS
— I'm not going out with him ! I scream. And I'm not going out with you anymore ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6Zu3mMh1q
In shock, he takes two steps back.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxElv6WIn9H
— What ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ382dFtFjVR
— You understood me very well. It's over Chad.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxQL8VM6na
— He succeeded then ? He wanted to separate us and you become his accomplice.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpSi16JSli
This time it’s me who’s in shock. Where did he get such an idea ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CemmepFuQ
— 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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifck5VFbWJ
— You're not going to make me believe that it's enough for you to realize that you don't love me anymore.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVxnwYMOWN
— 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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFaAuX9Glb
Chad opens his mouth to respond but remains silent.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnMNoXEnoJ
— 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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YfBYXQCei
He takes a deep breath as his eyes water.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnL4u1FG2em
— So you don’t love me anymore ? he whispers.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWtHiEv4YH
— 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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKuOebHJ7x
— 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 ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazHrwkozmr
— Chad ! Chad ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0ONOlWEFz
But it's too late, he's already slammed the door behind him.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKkiIxFPl1
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9Bzig22a9
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3iiD8LLO9
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfldnJRoYh7
In the afternoon, I head back to school and smile as soon as I see Jessy arriving in the main hallway.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJMrwwzmPM
— You’ve decided to come back, I comment.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43H4FNwSqx
— 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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguUgPQtfsR
— Good choice. But I need to talk to you.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJQK52ik6X
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8oVyfohWJ
— What is happening ? He asks me, frowning.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MNiWxQQHu
— Chad was at my house when I got home.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXujuZnxGa
— Okay, he says slowly.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtne2Dr909P
— I broke up with him, I admit abruptly.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ka2HL61Xz
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSxekOji1f
— He is very angry with you. He thinks you made me dump him.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLnqiMoOf7
— I have never done that ! He writes to himself, shocked.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdn88Zwftmj
— 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 ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP15IY4wLqk
— Yeah.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrY5OXPCGU
He leans against the wall behind him and whispers, with tears in his eyes : 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC14cdh33kb
— I don't want it to start again like in my old school, I couldn't stand it.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOigyNAexaS
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqujK4PqD0T
— 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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDBHWDxkzO
— 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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMo8j7bc25
— 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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUsv6I9Fst
— 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 ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIm1S04IrHE
The bell which announces the resumption of classes interrupts our discussion.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡossqzGTZ0l
— Here, I said, handing him my notes. That way you'll be up to date on math.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qu4qNJPOQ
— Thanks Megan. Sometimes it’s good to have you in my life ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW55xvcF7co
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrs7XjPvtrE
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJox4r9kKgT
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC62CCBNk3o
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKtOk55YPM
A student I vaguely know passes in front of me, I intercept him to ask him what this new rumor is.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywwRhQyzVs
— 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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1bnrvWLty
I don't have time to send him away, he's already moved away.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIEQgd17VL
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBfn1aTZg6
I do not understand anything. How can everyone know ? One thing is certain, given Jessy's fury, he thinks I betrayed him.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKq7ThUhclx
I rush after him but when I get outside, he has already disappeared.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxOjGVWV75
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcN2EDwQ3iD
333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEkCi1L9O0
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjerJWp8xYu
— Hello, she greets me kindly.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQDtwW8rmU
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyU1gjETEUm
— Good morning. Is Jessy there ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZABfmg7ycl
— No. You're Megan, right ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzsuKwjTJT
I nod in agreement.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zuvTd9Ysy
— Jessy told me about you.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJT5OSXmZUk
— I've been looking for him everywhere since school ended, hasn't he come back ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBe68YrcGM
— No, I have not seen it. He must be walking somewhere now that everyone knows Jessy is infected.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTAeUmwd9R
I look at her, surprised that she was able to guess, she continues : 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2oSPmVeOU
— 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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM39z7bkUsL
— My God, this is nonsense ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rpR2gWOkm
— 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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgKXpwRs3I
Mrs. Sutter shakes her head as if her thoughts could evaporate with that gesture.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQD1eRJBk3i
— 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 ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkGHEwcfCl
— He sometimes leaves alone for hours.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10OXNC1lI2
— You are never afraid that he…333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaehjt2N9pE
Mrs. Sutter looks at me as if to say, “Would that be worse than what awaits him ?”333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrP1hViSimT
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuaE0dJVDG
When I walk through the door of my house, night begins to fall. I hear my parents talking.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgw2AuFQQo
— Meg, it’s you ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHsrytOSxn
— Yes Dad.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkieU3I3s46
— Can you come ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxf6cdhiAl
I walk down the hallway and into the kitchen, where my parents are sitting around the table.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0EKtUw9h6
— Nina told us what is being said around town about Jessy. Is it true ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTByA8QhEkE
I nod silently.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1HtkiszVa
— How long have you known that ? Ask my mother.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXT1ViZyTQu
— Since the other evening, when he stayed to eat. He admitted it to me when I took him home.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQDvObP6p3
— You could have told us about it ! My father points out.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqd6ve9aDAJ
— I told him I wouldn't tell anyone. I didn't want to break my word...333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5yM9BaKLQ
— Then how…333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXvuP6KYDc
— 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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpvGlMPCkm
— Is it true that Chad fought with Jessy because you wanted to talk to him ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkg8SVtNjd
I nod.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3dYqBYJCC
— Chad wanted to force me into the snack bar, Jessy intervened to defend me.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3dzmG0E3A
My response makes my father clench his fists and he says : 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡram1FQsXdr
— He loses nothing by knowing what I think of his way of fighting like that and the rest.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSMnaWn3nC
— Are you aware that Mrs. Sutter has been summoned to high school ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZn3DB1p7Tz
In front of my parents' questioning looks, I tell them the words of Jessy's mother.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDzdHwkCbK
My mother makes a few phone calls and tells us : 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Qs15VlVU2
— 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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNwR50zbJT
Seeing my dismayed face, my father said to me : 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqvleFz5DR
— Don’t worry, darling. We will go to this meeting and we will support Ms. Sutter. It will be fine.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvsRIcFmJo
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 ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrDoqOoW1U
Jessie, where are you ? I sigh, mulling over the latest events. I don't hear Nina open the back door.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3koxqY19c
— I was wondering where you were, she says, making me jump. The parents are out, Chad is there. He wants to see you.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfYebaRKhD
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVN3UAgEfEv
— 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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLFEcSEjwX
I huff, exasperated. Chad looks at me, I see the incomprehension on his face.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgcKpubnnM
— He is not homosexual. It was a girl who infected him ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbiqQu62D2
— Sorry, but how could I have known ? You don't tell me anything anymore ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTppgEQ3SQI
— 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 ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2krgY9An4
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQHi9qEVh5
— 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 ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadT8ygLVN7
Annoyed, he lowers his head. This attitude annoys me even more.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiUC25k096
— I know, I screwed up. But if you had told me everything...333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72zQkkFaMR
I give him a murderous look. He's old enough to know how to behave.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqo2BnAhkK
— 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 ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2IA7ab5qJ
— You don't even realize that since he arrived in town, you have completely ignored me ! Chad gets angry in turn.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprQsrFkfIo
— 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 ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUipDJi6REB
— I know, he whispers. I heard him say it this afternoon.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VGDTGJ0Sf
My eyes must be as round as saucers because Chad continues : 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmtUBIAPpe
— I was behind the bathroom door when you were talking. I heard your conversation, that’s how I knew.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqV1pYwYjKZ
— Oh my God ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2plt7cmke
With tears in my eyes, I place my hands over my mouth.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXS0TSbtZ30
— I’m sorry Meg. I didn't want things to go this far.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOVbH6Itwv
— And you rushed to repeat it to the whole school ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvktNGtOpux
— I only told a few friends but it spread quickly. I really blame myself.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJneEuvUX1
My eyes filled with tears, I whisper : 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvkNdiPaAC
— You can.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYLUToaWGk
— You’ll never want me again after this, will you ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9kymf8lxS
I shake my head.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5hx4DszYG
— You disappointed me a lot, Chad. You are still my friend but I no longer trust you. I'm sorry.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPsSo66zQW
— 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 ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ikW2CiYCM
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSakZyWv58L
Chad is about to enter the house again when, turning around, he says to me : 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK82UqbZHCM
— By the way, if you're looking for Jessy, it seems he hangs out near the bridge over the highway.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxxKJXgkyM
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE70ceUHyGt
— What are you doing here ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUr53jbfoa
His tone is dry.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrHhceXPNL
— I've been looking for you for hours.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNWs0RDNCj
— Well, you found me. You see, I'm still alive, you can go back now.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5WgAyzoQb
— I'm sorry for what happened. I discussed it with Chad, he was the one who spread the rumor.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgVl0TiLgX
— So you came so that I could forgive him ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDWyIjJDLR
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Gkqinp9pB
— I came because I'm afraid for you. It's late, come home with me.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMxPlsnaSp
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSkX1jmUXB
— Ever since I’ve known you, you’ve spent your time moving away. Why are you running away from everyone ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7JSx2CgXT
I shout to cover the sound of a heavy truck passing below.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUlJ1hfoHq
Suddenly a lightning bolt tears through the sky. Jessy turns around angrily.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZu6X8oMogR
— I'm not running away from anyone ! It's the others who never want me ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOL0DAkXJuH
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZEpqwKziT
— Jessy, please. Come back ! You're scaring me ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsutDkiCaS
— I'm a danger to others, Meg ! I'm just on reprieve from this crap ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlk32kkgA7h
The tone of his voice is no longer charged with anger, but full of despair. It squeezes my heart.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ogZ24duvH
— No ! You are not a risk to anyone ! And you are still here, alive and well ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfyArxNbrR
Thunder suddenly cracks, startling me. I move closer to him and tighten my grip.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaRCBUWmx5
— Do you want to know what brought me here ? He says to me, letting go of the railing with his hands.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonyCPUNtZP
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2zLYgNldG
— Jessy, no ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyazoFHZcmY
I scream as loud as I can as I see him fall into the void.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTPRQh74hI
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3nqxKjel6
— I'm going to die, Meg, my life expectancy is so low that it's not worth living ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvW9ZO0AsaK
His voice is thick with anger and despair.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNLuidHab6
— No, I said, crying. You're not sick and you may never be sick, but you have to keep breathing, keep fighting this shit ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhlq6FF8oK
— 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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSaRjPa0OK
Do you think that’s what it’s like to live ? 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT25pBZU9oC
He points to the highway.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECflXky9Jo
— 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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2As0Zg8nq
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeiIiMKt2z
— 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 ! 333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkYESCN4F7
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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz28xVBsom7
— 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.333Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnZPSgBcFc
Above us the storm calms down as the rain unleashes, mixing our tears with those of the sky.
Penana
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