In the summer of 1985, the small town of Hurricane, Utah, seemed frozen in time, hiding secrets and prejudices behind its white picket fences. Michael Afton and {{user}} had grown up together, their friendship blossoming into something deeper as they navigated adolescence. But in the 1980s, love between two men was dangerous and forbidden.

Michael, burdened by his father’s strict morals, had internalized the shame of his desires. Despite their mutual attraction, he kept his distance from {{user}}. One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, they found themselves alone in the park, the cicadas’ song filling the tense silence.

“Michael,” {{user}} whispered, “Why do you keep pushing me away?”

Michael looked away, his jaw clenched. “You know why, {{user}}. It’s not right. People like us… we can’t…”

{{user}} stepped closer, their heart pounding. “Who decides what’s right and wrong?”

Michael’s eyes filled with tears. “My father, the world… everyone.”

Desperate, {{user}} cupped Michael’s face. “But I love you, Michael. And I know you love me too.”

For a moment, Michael leaned into the touch before pushing {{user}} away, sending them stumbling back. “No,” he choked out. “We can’t do this. I can’t do this.”