303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kHiX3Xf4B
303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqRQd2mmaX
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnYcxWevXa
— I’m not in the mood to worry, he told me point blank.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDn1wQ1FgTn
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesRSKLmi6V
— It’s for me, mom, he tells her.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIaDLdztnO
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 : 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoh53SsjbqB
— I'll stay until we've talked, and it's too bad if your mother asks me what I want.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq31isaUITK
His green eyes stare at me, trying to see if I'm bluffing or not, finally, he gives in.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1MB2ZNC3X
— Very well, I’m coming.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjb6m8E5KFp
He grabs a denim jacket before following me down the street.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhvd09bnJF
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMVqCKR4j9
— So ? You wanted to talk to me, go ahead ! He says in a bad mood, as we arrive near an abandoned factory.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXsGL4AzKh
Intimidated, as always by his presence at my side, I take it upon myself to get started : 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmy3SIa7BSi
— You haven't come to school for the last two days...303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwh0gAxpwYD
— Oh yes, you noticed, well done ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bLkjzbG0f
— Don’t be sarcastic, please. But you let me down for the presentation ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWYwidGTi8
— Oh, and you probably want an apology ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2TVPtJ9bX
— No, I don't care about this duty.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JQ1AVDasT
I use a calm tone so as not to annoy him further.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHgJJO1xeP
— Why did you come to see me ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvH9Ijpqh9
He stops walking.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifGmUjucC3
— I was worried about you.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5dibPzQBa
— Well then ! Instead, admit that you want details so you can tell your friends everything afterwards ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW6JANstNT
— I don't plan to tell anyone about it.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXS6krmnEtR
He examines me for a long moment, seeming to search deep in my eyes if he can trust me.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsXDbmk2F3
— How long have you been HIV positive ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgwzBWb0HQ
— It's been about a year now.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlZlcblKyY
— And how did you catch it ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97xGIADq7n
— One evening at a friend’s party, I met a girl…303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYE9nXCqWB
— And you slept together ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUginoCpMB
— No, we watched cartoons ! He said, really angry.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1XLhMxPJ8
— She didn’t tell you she was HIV positive ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5XZC2o5rA
— 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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOQ4KDLApK
— Just for one night you spent together.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURE8maziHX
I whisper this sentence as if to myself.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYxFPIZbBe
— 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 ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZOqKmwoUb
— Jessy, stop saying that ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznfExQEyh1
— For what ? It's the truth ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxFFiWikaM
— No, you are in good health, it doesn't even look like you have this virus so you have to be optimistic.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrUezimbZJ
— As if that could cure me ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtABDtfivEf
— Yes, it can help you hold on until the doctors find a cure.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleb3GXUDg2
I spoke more firmly than I wanted. Jessy looks at me, surprised.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwb4FSnArT
— You're right, you have to be positive and enjoy life, right ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhaXQRGvuE
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8UQ0mkfAZ
— 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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHvp5xUeiq
— Jessy, you’re wrong, that’s not it ! Come back ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUCypOc4xg
My words are lost in the silence.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JloCZcx1y
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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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZyWYnKVJP
Do I like Chad ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0M1F2FZWs8
Ah, I'm going to go crazy if this continues ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZaJ4Phf2e
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyp2a0OEkfW
Why don't I feel anything when I look at it ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46iG6bndcp
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4xu9jXC0Q
Amy lifts the cover of my book and whispers : 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRYyotLU77
— Put down that book ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ978dISSRRd
— It’s a great book ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9JulDubvB
— I will never understand how you could want to read outside of class, there are so many things303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOB8Fhbiyuj
much more exciting to do…303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2U3XpsKWxA
— Excuse me…303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKEPlR8ueA
I get up quickly after seeing Jessy passing in the street.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrtruK5TyF
Hurriedly, I leave the café.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxy4a2JTq5d
— Jessy ! Wait for me ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhlEX8VtBO
As usual, he hears me, but continues on his way.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UqlONSEtN
— I have your book ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9nTsrN9O3
This time, I manage to catch his attention, he stops on the sidewalk.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoIo5Nk1dp
— What do you want from me ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQbDCZyh5i
— I just wanted to give that back to you.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGb1CF2hYzB
I hand him his paperback, staring at him, my heart rate increasing.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHREABciPb
— And then, I wanted us to talk.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5u3OReeRNi
— I think we said everything. You should go back to your boyfriend.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNzDnlctoC
— I don’t want to talk with Chad, but with you.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbboiSsB74d
— Thank you, that’s a pleasure, says a familiar voice behind me, making me jump.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnwNvbTDEb
I quickly turn around to see my boyfriend.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGouOUJtKlH
— It's not what you think. But I need to talk to Jessy.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdQGvtMSoE
— We have nothing to say to each other, he repeats.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqOCaFBdij
— Glad to hear you say that ! Stop hovering over my girlfriend ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDXUKJ4ceH
— 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 ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmPJMmdKXl
— There, I agree with you, replies Jessy.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyFjr41Vej
— We didn't ask you anything ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNmyBmGUL1
— Leave him alone ! It’s me who wants to talk to him ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlopmu2SQL
— Are we having a threesome now ? Chad angrily grabs my arm.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Pzt64l4W2
He squeezes it tightly and takes me with him towards the snack bar.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrWxMRDjhU
— Let me go, I demand, trying to get out of his grip. You're ridiculous ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVl4zOKLKfS
Chad tightens his grip further.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW959cmwdV3
— I just want to talk to you.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgQr73ewe3
— So let go of me, you’re hurting me ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsysa4khCD5
— Let her go ! Jessy demands, interposing.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDbZODhUGq
— Don't get involved ! My boyfriend shouts, finally releasing my sore arm before pushing Jessy along the wall of the establishment.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbA4fN6Thoy
— Don’t hit me, Jessy warned.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9KVWYubN3
— Ah, Monsieur gives more orders, says Chad angrily, putting his fist in the young man's stomach.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaG4fJSizyt
In shock, Jessy doubles over, dropping his book.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡun1m8vcmqz
— Chad, stop ! I scream in the middle of the street.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKPZFtnsva
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3C8vbVGTQO
— Chad ! Leave him ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVUNwfiYIE
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytO0zhwn7f
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGoFCXsYHo
Jessy immediately regains his calm while Chad continues to struggle in order to continue the fight.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0s6b2jPcZZ
— What is happening here ? Asks the officer holding Jessy.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQq2FY7CVe
— This guy is hitting on my girlfriend, Chad shouts, still annoyed.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdB2vp2TLSm
— Anything ! I shout angrily. Jessy is a friend and there’s no way you’re going to forbid me from talking to him ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGs1q106TS5
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGqNGkA98R
— Can we let go of you ? Asks the second police officer.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9TvdVURLj
Both boys nodded weakly.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCI2lMsTYK3
— It’s not over yet, Chad says, staring at Jessy, before heading back to the snack bar.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwStHUzhyDV
— It'll be OK ? Asks the other agent. He hurt you, do you want to go to the hospital ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EfKuTiafZ
Jessy's complexion suddenly turned pale.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4l9H6tkhq7
— No, it’s okay.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGobHpHrtb
— I’ll take care of him, I intervene, moving closer to him.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg7BiOepNF
With a knowing look, the two police officers walk away.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIBX2YOxtC
— Thank you, Jessy sighs.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHe4p6M1Qb
— You seemed panicked at the idea of going to the hospital.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChWSnccidd
— 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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjifDxlJqo2
I pick up his book and give it back to him.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfU5HrorEu
— Do you want to talk now ? I ask.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppQtTOIB5E
Jessy purses his lips.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZiSHYwUXV
— You never give up ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4ZIPN4piz
— It depends on the subject but when it’s something important to me, no, I never give up.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8XrXK53yW
Jessy seems touched by my words, he lowers his head and nods, pursing his lips.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwhw0mHVcn
Without even asking him if he plans to go to class this morning, we head towards his house.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kmmPRhng9
— Did you like the book ? He finally asked after a long silence.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XK0NioQWg
— I devoured it ! I'll have to buy a copy.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2bc12Yjpw
His smile is radiant when he tells me : 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfGpnDUi82
— I'm glad you liked it. You're the first person I've told about this.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJHGrALT3k
I take advantage of this confidence to try to learn more.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpcWwqzdpd
— You told me you went to the doctor, are you okay ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgIisuiWrd
— 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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbqFz3PmHL
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73y2jHOHLP
— I think you should try going to one of these meetings. After all, what are you risking ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAVndvZmnA
He raises his face to the sky and observes a cloud which moves slowly, pushed by a light wind.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1A75B3UYKl
— Maybe you're right.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aBMQbowAp
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVeO29KV0J
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I had barely crossed the threshold of my house when my mother told me that Chad was waiting for me in the garden.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVBxUQvQTt
— Neither of you have been to class and Chad looks upset, she said. What's going on, Megan ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtQOpKm3eP
— 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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZ4ywdRPZj
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe9ctEJJDI
— And this fight happened because of how you feel about Jessy ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvolSID808
I agree, nodding my head.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIEzWaM2or
— Now, do you know what you are doing ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8S61UON2yV
— Yes, even if it is painful, I can no longer hide my face.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxORQaIovJh
My mother gives a little knowing smile.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4YGCIzcxr
— 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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0h1oj2pEX
303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNq4YmUh3EL
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Chad is pacing around the yard when I open the back door of the house to join him.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiuql9EprZ
— Finally you're here ! Were you with him ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBR6F8wCQv
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3GIXNjPVo
— Remind me, when did we get married ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HGgNe6pza
— Pardon ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhWWwgXC4w
— 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 ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVMX5nP6KT
Chad puts his hand to his forehead and bursts out into mirthless laughter.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNYwZ3DutE
— 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 ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX07XIi8mAa
If until now I had managed to keep calm, his words made me lose all control.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6W14rahFkl
— But you are completely delusional ! I'm not your thing, I'm free to do what I want ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUn1C8zkvV4
— Like sleeping with him ! ? He writes to himself, clenching his fists.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDSHEHUdhu
— I'm not going out with him ! I scream. And I'm not going out with you anymore ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6hk3Lzp0O
In shock, he takes two steps back.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkzPg03TQd
— What ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZhmlXbtJA
— You understood me very well. It's over Chad.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wYP6LqeUx
— He succeeded then ? He wanted to separate us and you become his accomplice.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCwAb5bEnR
This time it’s me who’s in shock. Where did he get such an idea ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBEARPBtp5
— 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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2N35MWMnfP
— You're not going to make me believe that it's enough for you to realize that you don't love me anymore.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDndXpuDUP
— 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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDXxLJI56i
Chad opens his mouth to respond but remains silent.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdn2sReZ4FM
— 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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQAnPcDIY1
He takes a deep breath as his eyes water.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSb92sbbvx0
— So you don’t love me anymore ? he whispers.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvcBDoX4Qi
— 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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzTNxmgOAF
— 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 ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKOyfxTHq0
— Chad ! Chad ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXWvB2o7n6
But it's too late, he's already slammed the door behind him.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTFU9dUM8t
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwL4OgFvc8
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In the afternoon, I head back to school and smile as soon as I see Jessy arriving in the main hallway.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlcRP9WlKk
— You’ve decided to come back, I comment.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBkAO6FGwF
— 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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bcUMWJ7h5
— Good choice. But I need to talk to you.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRo2jVopkBD
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bT70tMjvR
— What is happening ? He asks me, frowning.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPZeCCmUCG
— Chad was at my house when I got home.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmqu52RMwc
— Okay, he says slowly.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQk3IZ1GFQg
— I broke up with him, I admit abruptly.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMHChC7AZf
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtIFUI8q1g
— He is very angry with you. He thinks you made me dump him.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gBEJ4ZyLW
— I have never done that ! He writes to himself, shocked.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJT1dpwjyw
— 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 ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhVfRxkpc6
— Yeah.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVUlOHn4Mi
He leans against the wall behind him and whispers, with tears in his eyes : 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsITZeRgHU
— I don't want it to start again like in my old school, I couldn't stand it.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ccyf3W8PN
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9k1Jw60AZ
— 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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCymMrn0KbA
— 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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEkDOhOk1M
— 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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhBz6YkZAk
— 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 ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1hDTMFJaV
The bell which announces the resumption of classes interrupts our discussion.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvNoRKyX4S
— Here, I said, handing him my notes. That way you'll be up to date on math.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7jvGHXekm
— Thanks Megan. Sometimes it’s good to have you in my life ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTQFigwnIU
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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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyJGCTS4M4
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszsKgrVvM3
A student I vaguely know passes in front of me, I intercept him to ask him what this new rumor is.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmd04wOMbBG
— 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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5acbF6MMiS
I don't have time to send him away, he's already moved away.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoiPu4OGW5
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyHPJ5Txjc
I do not understand anything. How can everyone know ? One thing is certain, given Jessy's fury, he thinks I betrayed him.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3s24HPp1Vz
I rush after him but when I get outside, he has already disappeared.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGWSYqytSn
303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJOSanRZ6U
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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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD32h7FG581
— Hello, she greets me kindly.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI01oZUpHDm
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwvb81Jfkz
— Good morning. Is Jessy there ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvpHm85nLA
— No. You're Megan, right ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3z8qOwETbA
I nod in agreement.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJb0mHfS42
— Jessy told me about you.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6VWIx7DdL
— I've been looking for him everywhere since school ended, hasn't he come back ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2K9Brbcn5
— No, I have not seen it. He must be walking somewhere now that everyone knows Jessy is infected.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAhG2Bs64V
I look at her, surprised that she was able to guess, she continues : 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6GusytO1H
— 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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxvGN2BEIs
— My God, this is nonsense ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQELBvOg7Q
— 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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZNZ21XFcU
Mrs. Sutter shakes her head as if her thoughts could evaporate with that gesture.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzqYyAElZ8
— 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 ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPuUVmvWW6
— He sometimes leaves alone for hours.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNrTdHYNbG
— You are never afraid that he…303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmERuYCZBHm
Mrs. Sutter looks at me as if to say, “Would that be worse than what awaits him ?”303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RsSpGzoBI
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfe3pm7g274
When I walk through the door of my house, night begins to fall. I hear my parents talking.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvWvYHcbr1
— Meg, it’s you ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXRUViMhld
— Yes Dad.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFOb6vdyjB
— Can you come ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGfFq8HiZ3
I walk down the hallway and into the kitchen, where my parents are sitting around the table.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKSDabbsXx
— Nina told us what is being said around town about Jessy. Is it true ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KghoSin7I
I nod silently.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMVjJ0MPcM
— How long have you known that ? Ask my mother.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOTvqGOavH
— Since the other evening, when he stayed to eat. He admitted it to me when I took him home.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12Il2cgIUI
— You could have told us about it ! My father points out.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomWo5WRdZL
— I told him I wouldn't tell anyone. I didn't want to break my word...303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡids459d4UB
— Then how…303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCgoCgQWBJ
— 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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlpxpdy8T0
— Is it true that Chad fought with Jessy because you wanted to talk to him ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAX5bw87qM
I nod.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnze8krHPKE
— Chad wanted to force me into the snack bar, Jessy intervened to defend me.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdvNcjfqnS
My response makes my father clench his fists and he says : 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAtZdvGwgK
— He loses nothing by knowing what I think of his way of fighting like that and the rest.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8UjalQOFb
— Are you aware that Mrs. Sutter has been summoned to high school ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtUD9DDFlj
In front of my parents' questioning looks, I tell them the words of Jessy's mother.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZs6TzGcpo
My mother makes a few phone calls and tells us : 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjVGfUGrHj
— 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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCC3BlJFeE0
Seeing my dismayed face, my father said to me : 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJVlDNAKwH
— Don’t worry, darling. We will go to this meeting and we will support Ms. Sutter. It will be fine.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfYBRt6iGL
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 ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVruQbvuGsk
Jessie, where are you ? I sigh, mulling over the latest events. I don't hear Nina open the back door.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcSCbAcjz0
— I was wondering where you were, she says, making me jump. The parents are out, Chad is there. He wants to see you.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeUvxhfpFX
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfW7zW4vEH
— 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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiG97oPUFs9
I huff, exasperated. Chad looks at me, I see the incomprehension on his face.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMSNZLBLXx
— He is not homosexual. It was a girl who infected him ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbJKKSK4o6
— Sorry, but how could I have known ? You don't tell me anything anymore ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrw3cDhezr
— 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 ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwK96uyJ6zq
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwROxBiiKgI
— 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 ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9yLmQDKis
Annoyed, he lowers his head. This attitude annoys me even more.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzi0Q68i8U
— I know, I screwed up. But if you had told me everything...303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sSyplCTYt
I give him a murderous look. He's old enough to know how to behave.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4f76bQ9rW
— 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 ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OtfsBXds0
— You don't even realize that since he arrived in town, you have completely ignored me ! Chad gets angry in turn.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xYDGxNQlM
— 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 ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5IEWuq6Qy
— I know, he whispers. I heard him say it this afternoon.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTNJkjO4jK
My eyes must be as round as saucers because Chad continues : 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjYfBvsaFq
— I was behind the bathroom door when you were talking. I heard your conversation, that’s how I knew.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPpcZdF4Bs
— Oh my God ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EyJ65nsfj
With tears in my eyes, I place my hands over my mouth.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYok43Ssy8
— I’m sorry Meg. I didn't want things to go this far.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rablBcMNJ
— And you rushed to repeat it to the whole school ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8cjbCy3J8
— I only told a few friends but it spread quickly. I really blame myself.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡji6i5G13n3
My eyes filled with tears, I whisper : 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Bgz0JAxIY
— You can.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWaYkCgB47
— You’ll never want me again after this, will you ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbR2vPBB1k
I shake my head.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbS169YcCbP
— You disappointed me a lot, Chad. You are still my friend but I no longer trust you. I'm sorry.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWYnpFjA4I
— 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 ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKJB91B8nZ
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcj4keIZWjN
Chad is about to enter the house again when, turning around, he says to me : 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Z42SCKVMi
— By the way, if you're looking for Jessy, it seems he hangs out near the bridge over the highway.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRplZeOQeO
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWUKuyy2ug
— What are you doing here ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzS4KKcY3J
His tone is dry.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxIfEUCY6o
— I've been looking for you for hours.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHsmPyvA9V
— Well, you found me. You see, I'm still alive, you can go back now.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aERf0FX48
— I'm sorry for what happened. I discussed it with Chad, he was the one who spread the rumor.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlg4b7XlplU
— So you came so that I could forgive him ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHBD6mKSu2
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpVZJcWBsV
— I came because I'm afraid for you. It's late, come home with me.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcPbhwCeSs
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUNhfkVBgP
— Ever since I’ve known you, you’ve spent your time moving away. Why are you running away from everyone ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdSylud0TR
I shout to cover the sound of a heavy truck passing below.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFurk6sulAF
Suddenly a lightning bolt tears through the sky. Jessy turns around angrily.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QdSuxiLUP
— I'm not running away from anyone ! It's the others who never want me ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XI0wnsiwd
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBcMeSGHCC
— Jessy, please. Come back ! You're scaring me ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZddUYbYe0t
— I'm a danger to others, Meg ! I'm just on reprieve from this crap ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4URcOKeFu
The tone of his voice is no longer charged with anger, but full of despair. It squeezes my heart.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpMVHo0QJF
— No ! You are not a risk to anyone ! And you are still here, alive and well ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHod5Yp5pK9
Thunder suddenly cracks, startling me. I move closer to him and tighten my grip.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJTMon3998
— Do you want to know what brought me here ? He says to me, letting go of the railing with his hands.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUuLMtkJja
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NgzsnDqgl
— Jessy, no ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fVtGGFVTY
I scream as loud as I can as I see him fall into the void.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9cCHcthPQ
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslDXnhrslM
— I'm going to die, Meg, my life expectancy is so low that it's not worth living ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUNNXfniQz
His voice is thick with anger and despair.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd72O0zSEMN
— No, I said, crying. You're not sick and you may never be sick, but you have to keep breathing, keep fighting this shit ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpTZKzO2ke
— 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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwlPyuaOQG
Do you think that’s what it’s like to live ? 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUoZ3Wk1f0
He points to the highway.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4zbB5Dgp5
— 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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKex5lOqjd
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHXMdXRSTl
— 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 ! 303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5Ssrnnqu1
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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XZKnPjwCb
— 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.303Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI710tbg966
Above us the storm calms down as the rain unleashes, mixing our tears with those of the sky.
Penana
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