I’m From Canberra, Australia.

When I left my friends at the restaurant to get some snacks for the movie, I went into the supermarket in the middle of town. There weren’t many people around, being Wednesday night and all.

In the confectionary aisle, they were walking together, hand in hand. They didn’t notice me at first, and ambled further, not really paying attention to the produce.

I must have bumped something, because I made a noise and they knew there was someone else nearby. They flew apart and were both suddenly examining products on different sides of the aisle. Neither boy looked more than fifteen.

I smiled to myself, picked up a packet of chocolate and left them to their adrenaline rush. Perhaps I could have told them. Perhaps they could know they’re not alone. But no, I left them in peace.




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  1. Nathan on Apr 2, 2009 at 1:06 pm

    haha, those poor boys, i’m sure we all know that exact feeling of being “caught” being gay. i’m sure they would have rather been left in peace, as well. Good for them, though, for being just 15 and at least open with themselves.

  2. kate w. on Apr 2, 2009 at 1:08 pm

    I’m sure the sweets in that isle will never be as interesting again.

  3. rafi on Apr 2, 2009 at 1:27 pm

    That’s adorable. And I’m sure they’ll be ready to come out much sooner than most. I wouldn’t have known what to do at 15 if someone tried to hold my hand.

  4. JD on Apr 2, 2009 at 5:14 pm

    At 15 I would have been too much of a chicken sh…

  5. Natalie on Apr 6, 2009 at 1:24 pm

    I’m just amazed at the writing on this site.

    The power of this short little story. Wow.

  6. Terry on Nov 12, 2009 at 12:37 am

    What a funny and cute story. And so well written. Short, yet so poetic.

  7. Wayne on Feb 23, 2010 at 2:28 am

    Last week, I saw two boys, roughly the same age, walking into (I’m presuming) the same supermarket in the centre of Canberra City, hand-in-hand without a care in the world.
    Beautiful sight to see. How things have changed in this city over the years ……

  8. ed on Sep 2, 2010 at 3:13 pm

    hey will, just saw your comment
    any time u want to talk feel free to get in touch.




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