Dear Author,
I'm a little late to the game but I'm really hoping you can help me out. I've seen this man a few times sitting hunched over outside a closed door at the hospital. He seems so sad but still always lifts his head and gives me a tiny smile of acknowledgment before continuing to clutch a dark piece of clothing that's always present in his hands.

I really wish you could somehow foresee a happy ending for this obviously emotional, loving man because I'd really love to see a real smile on his beautiful face.

Photo Description: A man's face, one eye hidden by the press of his hand. The other eye stares out, dark, sad, a tear trembling at the corner. Strands of dark hair fall forward on his temple; stubble outlines his angular jaw and frames a well-formed mouth. The lines on his forehead, the set of his lips...he's hurting.

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Hot Summer Days" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

Read the story here or find it in Don't Read in the Closet, Volume 1.
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Genre: contemporary
Tags: gay m/m, hook-up, pets, blue collar, summer romance, first date
Warnings: bereavement
Word Count: 8,451