Secrets Over Steak
At 24, I took my father to dinner. As our food arrived, he mumbled, “Don’t tell anyone … it’s our secret.” He smiled conspiratorially, slicing into the red meat that, as a Hindu, he wasn’t allowed to eat. “I have to tell you something,” I said slowly. “I will never marry a woman.” Tears blurred my vision, my sexuality finally open. “You only have one life,” he replied. “You don’t owe anyone any explanations.” Later, while parting, he kissed my forehead like he did when I was a child. Twenty-four years later, I still touch that spot when I feel lost. — Anil Classen
Falling for ‘It’
I’ve never been a “pet person.” Then I found the neighbor’s cat lying lethargically in the backyard, not trying to slink into my kitchen as usual. “It” became “he” as I anxiously texted friends and tried to contact his owners. Turns out, they were on holiday and he was healthy and fed, just lonely. I now have my morning coffee outside with my new friend. He meows at me as I point to the water bowl I recently purchased, warning him about the dangers of dehydration. I guess my feelings of love, respect and responsibility are not limited to humans. — Krishna Sruthi Vydyula
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The post Tiny Love Stories: ‘It’s Our Secret’ appeared first on New York Times.
