It was Saturday night and there were no parking spaces anywhere close to Lei’s place, so lugging my heavy gym bag, I threaded through icy sidewalks, taking side streets full of snow, my breath creating clouds of vapor around my face. The sky was exceptionally beautiful tonight, black and mysterious as Lei’s eyes, with no moon in sight. I passed many gay couples on my way home, and each made me think of Lei and myself. I yearned for his arms around me. Speeding up, I reached his street and then slowed down to catch my breath.
At his door, I saw his lights were on in the living room, but the drapes were drawn close together, showing me only a sliver of the room. I could hear the opera music from the sidewalk. His neighbors were obviously out. Or deaf. Or patient.
I couldn’t help a smile. H
