Aging is inevitable. Society is yet to find a surefire way to prevent physical symptoms of getting older. Christian knew this in his heart. But this prior knowledge did not help to soften the blow of the day he realized he was not, in fact, immune to aging.

It started with his skin. It loosened slightly, especially around his eyes and chin. He tried creams and lotions and they only made him smooth. Then it was his joints and his muscles. He had exercised and worked out his whole life, but that didn’t seem to matter. He couldn’t move like he used to. And he isn’t even fifty yet!

Then it was his weight. He got soft around the middle, his stomach very slightly pouring over the waist of his tight jeans. He got soft around his arms, the once-chiseled biceps now drooping at half of what they used to be. His thighs spread out a little further when he sits. It isn’t like he’s done anything different to his diet. Why must this happen to him? The only thing he’s missing is the grey hairs.

Christian hated it all. And that’s saying something, because he has never really been a self-conscious man. Not outwardly, anyway. But now he takes almost extreme measures to either “fix” himself or hide what’s happening to him. He understands it is normal. But when has Christian Borle ever been normal?

There was some fancy actor’s party coming up that Christian was supposed to take you to. Some of his friends would be there, some people he didn’t know. It was supposed to be a fun night. And both of you were excited about it, Christian especially. He loves being around people.

But that morning, he woke up, showered, and then stood in front of his mirror. He turned from side to side, examining himself. He leaned in to survey his face. His hands. All of the people at that party would be young, trim, and attractive. And even if they were none of those things, they sure had to look a hell of a lot better than he did.

Christian waited until you arrived at his house to tell you he changed his mind.

“I’m not going,” he tells you.