Although he jested about making babies, Lance didn't make me feel obligated to be intimate with him, so we just cuddled and kissed for days on end. I admired his restraint and recognition that getting intimate was something we shouldn’t rush.

We went swimming until lunchtime every day, and I was in love with my new skin tone. Except for cooking and making love, we did things together and enjoyed each other's company. I was the happiest human being on the planet during those days, but I awoke from a fairytale dream one day.

Lance gradually grew distant from me, and no matter how many times I pressed him, he...