Dog Days of Summer (Don't Read in the Closet Events)

Free novelette written for the M/M Romance group's "Hot Summer Days" event.

Dear Author,

I'm a little late to the game but I'm really hoping you can help me out. I've seen this man a few times sitting hunched over outside a closed door at the hospital. He seems so sad but still always lifts his head and gives me a tiny smile of acknowledgment before continuing to clutch a dark piece of clothing that's always present in his hands. I really wish you could somehow foresee a happy ending for this obviously emotional, loving man because I'd really love to see a real smile on his beautiful face.

[PHOTO: A man's face, one eye hidden by the press of his hand. The other eye stares out, dark, sad, a tear trembling at the corner. Strands of dark hair fall forward on his temple; stubble outlines his angular jaw and frames a well-formed mouth. The lines on his forehead, the set of his lips...he's hurting.]

Sincerely,
Karen

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Genres/Tags: Gay M/M / Contemporary / Hook-Up / Pets / Blue Collar / Summer Romance / First Date
Approx. Word Count: 8,265