20 years ago…

The two months after Samuel’s birthday was the only time in my life when I had my mate all to myself. To this day, I remember them as utterly sweet where Samuel felt like the closest thing I had to a confidante and best friend. And I hope I was one to him too, for that very short time.

Many times, we never even spoke to each other; we just lounged around the lake, basking in each other’s company, and taking comfort from each other. I listened to him when he told me how disappointed he was that he hadn’t found his mate yet and I always...