Years of trying to balance the love I wanted and the love he gave ended in a whimper, not a bang The conversation happened at a time when we were still trying to “work it out.” As if the failures of a two-decade relationship were little more than a stubborn stain requiring a bit more soap and scrubbing. We sat at “my” table in the apartment I had moved into in an act of separation. I had made a pot of steaming chamomile tea. He was a guest in my home. It was a strange dynamic between two adults who had known each other since before they’d been allowed to drive...

-And animals are found in this forest? I asked. -Well, of course. - Ian answered. -And deer? -Yes, north of here. -And you can look at them? -Well, of course. - with a wide smile, Ian said. “Just go to Mike first.” Good? -OK. - I said with a smile. We headed to the lab. -Hi Mike! - I said. -Hello. I heard that you are going to watch deer? -Yes. - I said with a smile. -Then, for starters, we ask how you feel? -Good. - No dizziness? -No. -A light tingling of fingers or toes? -No. -It seems that all is well...