The Boy on the Bridge

by M.R. Carey

He’s in his thirties but he can still count the relationships he’s been in on one hand without running out of fingers. And none of them lasted. Maybe this one wouldn’t have either if it hadn’t been for a lack of condoms and self-control.

Pain has no agenda at all. It teaches us nothing, except what hurts. And if you can’t avoid the things that hurt then what use is the lesson?

Stephen lets go of his humanity with much more relief than fear. It was an awkward burden to carry at the best of times.