Cupid Painted Blind

by Marcus Herzig

One final moment of hesitation before she finally takes the leap. “Matthew, are you gay?” I’ve been enjoying this little skirmish up until this very moment, but now that the word gay is out and circling over my head like a military drone, hiding under a rock is no longer helping. It’s time to face the music. Let’s hope it’s a show tune. “Yes?” I say with a voice as steady as I can muster, finally daring to look my parents in the eyes. That’s it. It’s out. I’m out. It’s as if a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders, and not only my shoulders, apparently. Mom and Dad both exhale deep breaths, and a diffuse tension seems to depart their bodies. Dad reclines in his chair. First he crosses his arms, then he uncrosses them and holds the open palm of his hand under Mom’s nose. “Oh for crying out loud,” Mom says, pulls a ten-dollar bill out of her pocket and slaps it into Dad’s hand.