Mint and apricots

From that fateful day, Sam was more careful. He didn't want to worry Luc. He followed his rules diligently, certain that they were a sign of his love. Occasionally, however, he fell into error. He got distracted, he suffered some setbacks, something slipped from his hands. And Luc was not particularly prone to forgiveness, if not preceded by the consequences of any disappointment. Sam learned that there are different types of bruises and how long each of them takes to heal. Slaps, punches, kicks, various tools. Sam learned to cover the marks on his face, to wear long-sleeved shirts more often and to carefully evaluate the opportunity of each visit to the pool. Most of all, however, he learned to pretend. With friends, colleagues, even with his brother. He knew that none of them would understand the way he and Luc managed their relationship.