Together, Closer by Giovanni Frazzetto

Author:Giovanni Frazzetto
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2017-07-04T04:00:00+00:00

Equal

Lev heads home after the Wednesday afternoon lecture.

It’s fervent times and a budding week in May, the entire nation a promise. On Friday a referendum will take place, which if passed, will make same-sex marriage in Ireland law and for the first time in the world, so by popular vote. Students call their grannies to make sure they’ll vote yes. Straight footballers hope to be best man at their gay team members’ weddings. Parents defend their unconditional love for their straight and their gay children. The elderly want everyone in future generations to have the same rights they had. Children wish they could vote to help. Canvassers spread messages of solidarity door-to-door. On the streets, campaigners hold posters and give out badges: Tá–Yes.

Lev’s short walk is punctuated with chats and a quick drink with friends. He knows so many people that there is always something to do. Together, they are all enthralled in a ripple of courage and change. Even if the vote’s outcome is still uncertain, their unity and belief make Lev feel he can trust an entire nation and that whatever happens, he won’t be alone. He feels strong and ponders what an idiot he was every time he gave up hope in his life.

It’s during moments like this he wishes Fionn could see him.

At home, Lev takes his shoes off without untying the laces and runs barefoot to collect the washing from the line before the purple clouds dissolve into rain. Plato barks after him. On the way to the kitchen, he gives one last look at a stack of books he has finally decided to get rid of. He dices the onions, melts the butter, and opens a bottle of white wine. While the risotto soaks in the broth, he turns the radio on and plunges into the striped velvet armchair, from which he gets a glimpse of the city bay. Plato curls at his feet. He sips wine and waits for the news.

He can’t believe his ears, but there is no doubt. From the microphone, a voice from the past, which now expands through the city air, enters his bones.

Immediately, flashbacks in time and space rush to him, shutting his eyes.

That same voice had once delivered a message that sounded unforgiving and yet became the greatest motivating force for Lev.

Shakily, three years before, that voice had said: “Maybe certain things will never change.”

* * *

The first date was a concert. A composer renowned for being better live than on record. Fionn made the suggestion at the gathering marking the end of the winter semester.

“I believe the music would enthrall you,” he said, making sure those around him noticed he was bold enough to ask his former teacher out, now that classes were over.

Without blinking, Lev said yes.

In the darkness of the concert hall, rather than on the music Lev concentrated on feeling Fionn’s presence and hoped he wouldn’t notice. His breath, every small movement. What would it mean if Fionn stretched his leg, tapped his

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