My father walks in. “What’re you watching?”
This is it. “Just some new show I found.”
“Mhm.” He studies the plastic case, turns it around, squinting. My hands are drenched.
“’Queer’? That means gay, doesn’t it? And you’re interested in that?”
Innards twisting, eyes glued to the giant pause label. In a pathetic attempt of indifference I manage to blurt, “I guess so. It’s—it’s good.”
“Mhm. So, are you…?”
The three men on the screen are frozen in an eternal dance.
“M-maybe?”
“Well. Dinner will be ready in a few minutes.” Then, in leaving, “I love you.”
Exhale.
Unpause.