I shot backwards away from Joel, hitting my back on the other end of the sofa. “I have to go.” I grabbed my purse only to have Joel’s hand encase mine. I snapped my head around…and softened when I saw the pain in Joel’s eyes, “You don’t like me that way, do you?”

My heart swelled with pain at the sound of his voice. I winced, “It isn’t like that. I do. It’s just…they’re are so many better people out there than me.”

“There’s no way that’s possible.”

“You have no idea Joel. Just please…for your own safety. Don’t like me that way.” I felt tears sliding down my cheeks. I wished things could be so different. I wished…I wished…I didn’t have AIDS . That way I could be with Joel forever.

It was silent between us, the only sound were our tears falling to the ground. “I’m sorry,” I whispered, barely audible.

This time Joel let me go and I sprinted to my car now letting my loud sobs out to be heard by all.

My heart was broken tonight, but not from a man.

But from a disease.