"Can we talk? Nelson asks from the doorway, keeping his distance."
I can't help but tense up, and I don't respond immediately. I pretended to put away some imaginary things, as if I had something urgent to do right at that moment. But I finally nod.
Nelson advances slowly. He looks nervous, though he's trying to stay calm.
"I know you saw the photo," he told me, straightforwardly. "And I know it upset you."
I finally looked up.
"That's none of my business.
"Maybe not," Nelson admits. But I care about what you think. So I'm going to say it anyway.
He stays silent for a moment, then takes a deep breath. And then, with a disarming sincerity, he adds:
"He was important to me. Years ago. But he's no longer in my life, not in that way. That photo... I kept it out of habit. I don't even k
