I didn't do a lot over the next week. I cried, thinking of Steven and our life together; sat on the couch and watched television without really seeing it; and thought too much. Sitting on the couch curled up with a pillow began to be the norm for me.

I hadn't seen Lance since that last night when he held me, the night Steven had died. It was probably just as well. It had probably been a weekend affair, after all. I was just grateful that he had been there when I needed him, ...