"Beg your pardon."
"Welch... Florence Welch is her name."
"Oh."
"Those are great artists. Same caliber, just a different genre."
Tyler started to speak but closed his mouth. He looked down instead, tracing his finger along his
wool sock.
"Did I say something wrong?"
"No, it's just… youremindme of him. Is that creepy?"
Alec placed his hand on Tyler's. "No. Not at all. Tell me about him… if you want to."
Tyler's glossy eyes brightened at the mere mention of it. He reached out, patting the floor
between his legs, gesturing for Alec to scoot in closer to him. Alec spooned in and Tyler wrapped his arms around him.
"He came here for work, from Idaho. He was a teacher—about your height. High school.
English. He spoke of music like you do, using words I know… but never think to use."
Alec watched the fire in front of them, listening to Tyler's tone as he spoke—soft and deep.
"We were young, my parents were still around. I think they knew all along, butIwas in denial…
and Brett brought me out of it."
"The closet?" Alec asked.
"Yeah."
"I didn't date much in high school. I played football, kept busy with my Dad and the farm after. I saw Brett in Buddy's store one day and that was it." Tyler laughed. "There was no stopping him once he set his mind to something… and I was that something."
Tyler sighed. He was quiet now, remembering bits and pieces that Alec would never know. The
tenderness of his reverie was palpable though. Alec could feel it in his embrace.
"We dated. Folks found out. But as you know now, it's not a big deal around here. Folks are
tight. Some encouraged us. Dad was a little weird, at first, but mama brought him around fast. I moved into Brett's place. A few years later, when my parents died, we moved in here."
He looked around at the surrounding walls as if seeking reassurance.
"He got sick in April. I remember buttercups were blooming when he told me. I had a hard time accepting it, but Brett, he was just as determined as ever. Fearless."
"I wish I could be that way."
"You don't give yourself enough credit, Alec."
Alec didn't respond, just watched the fire.
"He died in October. He's buried out back with my parents. I guess one day I'll join them."
Neither spoke for what seemed a long time. Tyler gave Alec a solid squeeze. "Your turn," he said.
