Reformation

The fall wind blew hard against Joe’s face as he sat high on top of the bluff and looking out across the valley carved by the Mississippi river. This was his home for the past fifteen years and he loved the view from up here. He often came here to think and reflect on the twists and turns that made life so interesting and often hard. He studied the course of the river into the distance until is disappeared into the trees.

“Hey Joe.” A deep, but kind voice came from behind him.

Joe had heard the heavy footsteps crunching through the dry grass well before the greeting came, but he didn’t bother to turn around. He knew it would be Tom coming to find him.

Of course he would be coming here to provide comfort with his rational and sensible words. Joe often wondered how Tom was able to keep such control over his emotions, even through the worst tragedies. He was always more focused on taking care of others rather than dwelling on his own problems, but what would happen when Tom was forced to deal with his own feelings?

A tall and stout blond haired man eased down beside Joe with a loud sigh. He picked a piece of long grass and started twisting it around his finger. “I just heard.” He said. “Sandy told me. I wish I could have been here when you go the call.”

Joe gave him a slight smile. “Don’t sweat it, Tom. I’m holding up.” He leaned over and gave him a kiss hello.

A sudden, stronger burst of wind came and Tom pulled Joe closer to shelter him from the chilly air. “Have you thought about taking some time off? Maybe give yourself some time to deal with everything.”

Joe welcomed the warmth of Tom’s body heat. He’d been up here for more than two hours and didn’t realize just how cold it was. “I can’t let John down for this one. He’s done so much for me and this job is important.”

“I’m sure John will understand if you want to sit this one out.” Tom contested gently. He never told Joe what to do, but he often made subtle suggestions. Suggestions that Joe rarely acted on.

“I know he would, but there’s more to it than that. You don’t see our work the way I do. Think of how many times our lives are affected by decisions made by straight people. Politicians and big businesses negotiating deals with each other behind closed doors to make themselves more powerful. Little regard is ever given to people’s happiness, especially ours. Gay people need to have a voice in that. It’s easy for us to be taken advantage of and this job is a prime example of that.”

“I do see it that way Joe. I just think that taking care of your self is more important right now. Gay America will survive even if you take a holiday.” Tom’s last, sarcastic comment was meant to offend Joe a little. Despite Joe’s typically playful and casual nature, he really did take his work too seriously. He often took unnecessary risks and Tom was hoping to deter him from doing it again.

Joe considered Tom’s comment with only minor resentment. They had similar conversations many times in the past and he couldn’t really get mad at Tom for being concerned about his safety. Still he didn’t believe that Tom really appreciated the importance of their work.

“Are you going to attend the funeral?” Tom asked.

Joe sat silent for a few seconds while he considered the question. “Well, I’m going to be in Duluth anyway. Why not kill two birds with one stone?”