When you’ve lost everything, it’s hard to open yourself to others.
Will has had a rough life. An orphan at a young age, he’s lost so much. He’s insulated himself from people, focused on finding his path out of the life he was forced to lead. Now in his last year of college, he meets a man who’s lost everything, too. The connection he feels is intense, their shared experiences bonding them instantly. Sid seems to feel it, too—yet the man keeps pulling away.
The holidays approach and the two young men try to navigate their feelings of loneliness and their attraction to one another.
A series of gifts shows them both just how deep the connection they have with one another is.
Will ordered them soup and wontons… as well as egg rolls… and they both ordered an entrée, along with a couple of extra ones he added on.
“You said a bunch and you meant a bunch,” Sid said as the waiter left the table.
“Gotta have enough for later, remember?”
Sid grinned. “You know, this Christmas is already turning out pretty good.”
“Chinese food at Chung’s with me… after being pawed at by old ladies? That’s something special there.”
“No… having someone who truly understands what I’ve gone through… how lonely the holidays can be. None of the platitudes. None of the pity.”
Will completely agreed.
“I haven’t been good to you,” Sid said. “I ran out after Thanksgiving… and I’ve avoided you since. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have. You’re a good guy.”
Will reached over with one hand and took Sid’s. “It’s okay. I know how hard it is to let people in.”
“You’re not like other people. I know that. I want us to be friends… to know each other better.”
Will met Sid’s stare, his heart thumping a little harder than it had been a few seconds earlier.
“I feel the same way. What I already know… I sense we could be something special,” Will said, fishing the golden box from his pocket. He laid it on the table before Sid, a wide smile crossing his face. “So special that I wanted to give you something. Merry Christmas.”
“For me?” Sid asked, frowning. “You didn’t have to.”