Paralysed

It isn’t fear that’s paralysed Colin, nor dreading what he can’t know. He is paralysed, not for second-guessing, nor waiting to be the punchline of a joke. It’s the certainty that settles in around his shoulders like a comforting blanket.

Jack loves him. Jack wants to be with him always. Colin can already picture the house, dogs, and garden that will one day be their home. It is so crystal clear, so vivid, that Colin imagines he’s taking a picture of it. Every detail of their life together s...