When I got up to go to work the next morning, I felt achey and tired from the night before. Even though I'd succeeded in calming myself down after I stripped and changed my bedsheets, I tossed and turned for the rest of the night, never really able to get back to sleep.

I could have used a day off, but I went in, anyway. I couldn't afford to be sick.

*****

I called Eric for free medical advice.

"Hugo, get tested," he said.

"What's the point? I already know how the tests'll turn out."

"You might be surprised."

"Life holds precious few surprises for this old man, honey bunch. I've seen it all."

"Forty-three is not old--"

"You're just saying that because you're thirty-eight and forty-three is too close for comfort."

"Shut up. Where was I? Look, if you get tested, and we find out it's HIV--"

"Or AIDS..," I added.

"Think positive."

"HIV positive?" I quipped.

"Cute."

"Not so bad yourself."

"This is serious, dammit! Stop wasting time with your stupid jokes! If you get tested and find out it's...not the news you want to hear, we can get you started on treatment, right away."

"Eric, I'm sorry. I joke around when I'm uncomfortable, you