Love in the Present

Jess and Favio have both changed their religious paths because of their sexual orientation, ten and six years earlier. For Jess, a question of faith also influenced his decision to change, and for Favio, it was a health problem. After a first meeting in a bar and a day of sharing that confirms their mutual attraction, they have to face the reality that Favio's long fight with leukemia is not over and threatens their love daily. Favio has to overcome his fear of causing Jess a pain he has himself suffered before. On his side, Jess worries that the revelation of his love might increase Favio's stress, which could weaken the strength of his determination to survive.

Overcoming these hurdles does not take them to the open road they wish for their relationship. Favio is not out to his family who is still very involved in religion, and he feels that his impending death does not favor telling them the truth at this point. He has a five-year old son he's concerned about also. How will Jess receive this news?

Favio's heart has been harmed by all the chemotherapy he has received through the years. He is on a heart transplant list. An experimental treatment is in the works, which should be good news, but what are the chances of its success? Both Favio and Jess nervously travel the road to the hospital for that intervention. Will they come back together?

Through the protagonists' dialogues and journals, through the intimacy of their thoughts, the reader is invited in the heart of Favio's and Jess's relationship, companioning them on their insecure path, and like them, believing in the beauty and value of love in the present.