Wayne Gray

Thanks for writing, Jeffrey. The idea of doing what Greg engineered has been a dream of mine for a while. I'd love to do it. It's my top lottery dream. There's more coming. Stay tuned, and we'll get there.

I missed replying to this one. Sorry about that! I had hoped that this story would spark informed conversations and that's happening. It's awesome, and I'm so glad people are willing to talk about their situations so that others can know the truth of living with HIV. Thank you for adding your voice to those above. People need to know, and they need to understand - because understanding is the fear-killer.

I'm sorry I missed this comment! Thank you for taking the time to put down a few words. Great to hear you're enjoying it, tabaqui!

Awww. I guess after Guarded I have a rep for being terrible to my characters! Okay... it's a little deserved. 😄 Thanks for commenting and reading, James. I'm glad you're relieved that Clay is okay. He's a pretty capable guy, so we'll just have to have faith that he'll be all right. Stay tuned. More is on the way. 🙂

Ahhh, thank you for calling this out! I really tried to get it done so it was natural - so that it just fit. I wanted it to feel like a conversation you’d want to have, not one forced on you. 🏳️‍🌈

Thank you, Bill! And thanks for reading. 🙂

The one for Camp Refuge is already written, thankfully.

There is one. 😉

Hehehe. Thanks for commenting, Danilo. Yeah, demisexual was a new one to me as well. Asexuality is a spectrum, and it's pretty wild the different and varied ways we experience life, attraction, and connection with others. Orson might be demisexual. Maybe he never had a strong enough connection to feel attraction to anybody. Time will tell. Well, maybe. I mean Orson is just starting his career in the Huntington PD, while our story is really set in California. Jeremy has no idea how far Mason is willing to go for him. He'd never ask it of him, and he doesn't have to. Yeah. I'd say Jeremy is pretty lucky too. 😉 Stay tuned.

Thanks, Dave. I certainly thought it was worth sharing. 😊

I have personally been in a very strange, uncomfortable situation... where a good friend of mine was going on about a guy he was just starting to see. And how they were discussing no longer using protection. I knew through my work that the guy in question had HSV I (genital herpes), and I got the distinct impression that my friend did not. All I could do in this case, was nod, smile, and say "Well, as long as you trust him." The fellow did tell my friend, and they did end up with no barrier sex as a part of their relationship. The man took anti-herpatic viral meds, and his condition was largely controlled. But, the moral of the story is... I wasn't allowed to "warn" my friend. That was hard. But... it's also important to draw the line.

Great question. We (as healthcare workers) should keep healthcare information private, as much as possible. The women at the front desk gossip about Jeremy and Mason's proximity, how they looked at one another, and they're happy to talk to one another about that. Jeremy's status won't come up - not if you're a professional, and not if you're serious about keeping the medical information of your coworkers safe. They also won't talk about Mason visiting the clinic outside the clinic walls, or even with anyone who didn't directly witness it or need to know that he was there. We have to compartmentalize. People who don't get fired and sued - as it should be.

Thanks for reading and commenting, Chris. Clay isn't quite retired. He started the process, and it will be a done deal for him soon. Mason did his homework and has a game-plan, while Jeremy is none the wiser. There is a lot of information. Stupid writer! Making people learn stuff! 😛

May 21 (Monday) It was early. Jeremy had just gotten to work and he still had a half hour before the clinic doors opened to patients. He wanted to get a jump on his day, and he began by emailing a request to take his program members off-site to the campground for a few days. He'd need to get permission from both his supervisor at the clinic and from the guardians of the four young people he wanted to take camping. He sent the messages and sipped his coffee. His cell phone lay on his

Happy Thanksgiving, Canada friends.

Thanks, molly. You're so right. Jeremy never expected that to happen for him. There are a number of reasons for that, and you know what's up. But, yeah, I'm glad you're along for the ride again too! 🙂

Thanks, Tonyr! It’s s bit of a slow chapter in terms of new info, but it’s necessary. More to come!

I agree, Dave! Hearing about the lives of people really living these situations is powerful. I'm thankful for everyone who shared and commented their own paths they've taken.

*sigh*

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/instant-pot-korean-style-short-ribs-5450025 Okay. These were winners.

Thanks, Bill! You're absolutely right. Jeremy is on ART. His viral load isn't revealed, but he's tested often as a part of his healthcare regimen. So long as he does what he's supposed to do, then he's likely to be undetectable (maybe we'll find out for sure in a chapter or two!). Mason is motivated. We'll have to see what happens. 🙂

Thank you, Parker. This was a lovely, elegant way to say what took me a whole chapter. 😊 There’s more coming.

You’re welcome. And thank you for sharing your experience. The more examples of lives well lived the better. Because that’s what it’ll take to change minds.

Thanks for commenting, tim. Well, Jeremy is pretty frustrated with himself, so your own frustration with him makes total sense. We'll find out more concerning his particular situation next chapter. His status isn't the only thing "wrong", though he leans heavily on it, as a reason to avoid connection. He's... complicated. Clay and Greg are just starting to make a life together. It's always fun to watch that process for a new couple, even one as familiar with one another as they are. I did a lot of research for this story. A lot, a lot, a lot. It had to be right. Because, with the state of education in the US as it concerns sexual and reproductive health this story literally may be all or the first thing someone reads related to HIV prevention - at least in this context (positive partner with a negative one). If a person is undetectable, truly undetectable, then here's what the data shows. http://hivsmart.org/undetectable-untransmittable/ You can have a relationship. You are having one, and it's wonderful that you are. Because many wouldn't have been able to get past their fear and ignorance to try. It goes to show what you mean to one another, that you'd take the time to learn. Thanks, Chris. Greg and Clay are apart, but hopefully not for long. Mason seems to be wearing down some of Jeremy's walls, but there are still a few up. The kids! Yes, the kids are about to enter the scene. I love those characters. They're fun.

Thanks for commenting, droughtquake. Clay has had five years to heal from Kathy's passing. Yeah, he's going to find things, and be reminded of her, but mostly now they're good memories. But you're right. Moving SUCKS.