Hide Your Heart

Going Out

Paul asked Tommy to pick something he thought would be interesting. "We can alternate if you want." "I know we don't have all of the same interests but we can see if we develop new ones."

Tommy had been looking through a tour guide book. "How about this one?" he asked showing Paul a picture. "It looks very interesting."

Paul read the caption and said, "No, not there. That's a strip club. I'm not sure you'd feel comfortable there."

"Oh, I just saw the food." "Since you can translate, you pick."

Paul found a picture of the zoo/ bird sanctuary. "How about the zoo?"

"Oooh! Yes!"

They headed out after Paul finished getting ready. He hoped Tommy had a good time. He vowed not to bring up the injuries that he had freshly wrapped. Remembering to bring the first-aid kit, Paul took Tommy's hand as they headed out. His husband looked so content.

At the corner, they boarded a bus and found a seat in the back. Tommy couldn't understand anything that was being said. He looked at Paul for help. "What are they talking about?"

"They're just talking about a birthday party." "The little girl is turning six and she's excited about her party."

"Oh."

At the zoo, Paul paid for the tickets and led Tommy in. "What part first?"

"Definitely not reptiles. Anything else is fine."

Paul wanted to see the monkeys. Tommy found the smell nauseating so he stayed back a bit.

Tommy heard a bird singing and wandered over. It was a beautiful blue parrot. "Ooh! You're pretty!"

"Ooh you're pretty!" it mimicked. Seeing Paul, it whistled.

Tommy told it to hush.

Several hours later, they headed towards the exit. Tommy's feet hurt and he was tired. Paul was carrying a huge bag of souvenirs and stuffed animals and Tommy had two smaller ones.