The Ruin Truth

Jackson, Mississippi - 1995

Normally in Jackson the weather is warm, but this time it's different, the weather was cool. A perfect climate for a meeting, Milo goes to a small coffee shop that is located near the area by his house, he would meet a neighbor who had been flirting with him for several months and after so many rejections, Milo ended up giving him a chance since he saw that he was not a bad guy. Most of his "dates" were almost on the sly, but it was kind of fun for someone Milo's age.

— Good morning — Milo says as he sits down.

— Well, you're my young Milo — Chris replies.

Chris was a bit older, he wasn't past 30, his flirtation was somewhat insinuated, but somehow Milo felt safe around him. Was it love, or just admiration?

— You know, this last month I've spent with you, you've shown me a vulnerable side and that fascinates me, you're like a virgin lamb — Chris says as he rubs Milo's foot under the table.

— Thank you, I feel safe by your side and I don't feel threatened every time I see you — Milo responds while holding his companion's hand securely.

Just like on their days, Chris had a very familiar affection for Milo, he could safely say that it was his happy place. Upon arriving home, Chris kisses Milo goodbye and they agree to meet next week on vacation. When you enter his house the fantasy ends, a very different atmosphere awaits him, an environment of such discomfort that you can't even look at the floor.

— Where the fuck were you — says Milo's father, an imposing man with wounds on his face and a strong smell of marijuana and alcohol.

— E- at school, finishing several things for the holidays — Milo replies with a bit of a stutter in his words.

— Do you think I'm a faggot like you, FUCK OFF — shouts the imposing man as he approaches Milo.

— I'm going to give you one last chance. Where were you? — he repeats in a whisper.

— I already told you where I was, if you don't want to believe me it's not my problem — Milo says as he looks fearfully at the man's face.

— Ha — the man blurts out, you know, even though the city is big, gossip flies too fast. That guy isn't older for you?

— What — Milo replies, feigning confusion.

— I mean, I know you're 19 and you're going to college sooner than your mother thought, but you really think I'm going to throw all my sacrifice away just because of your little adventures with that little lawyer.

— How was it that you...

— Like I told you, gossip flies very fast in this city.

— I don't know what you're talking about, and if there's one thing you're sure to hear, it's your constant visits to those nightclubs.

— That feigns idiotic insanity, that when the time comes you'll pay me back — insinuates the big man as he leaves his house.

The day comes to see Chris again and Milo heads to the usual cafeteria, they greet each other and instead of staying they get in a car and take a direction.

— Where are we going? — Milo asked with confusion in his eyes.

— Let's go to the hotel where I'm staying, I'm very tired and I really want to just lie down and see a movie, do you like that plan? — Chris speaks with a small smile.

— Yes, that's fine — Milo replies nervously.

Milo knew exactly what Chris wanted to do and although he was a little nervous, Chris had shown him that he could trust him at any time. They arrive at the hotel and the room where Chris was staying was somewhat gloomy, as soon as they lay down Chris was already starting to kiss Milo with some force. Although frightened, Milo accepted the man's kisses and caresses.

Already both stripped of their clothes, Chris asks. — Scared?

— No, just please don't be so rough, it's my first time and you know it — Milo replies with a bit of fright in his voice.

— Don't worry, trust me, you know I love you because you're as pure as freshly fallen snow — Chris whispers in his ear as he slowly descends.

Those words overflowed the Milo with happiness, his heart beat a thousand times and gave him more confidence, each time the man repeated that he loved him with his deep voice and with each kiss he felt like he was in a dance of clouds.

Days have passed since that meeting and although a fantasy is beautiful. Like a rose it withers.