HIV taught me how viruses rely on these moments, when we give in to pleasure or need or want or thrill or risk. Their survival depends on our physiological behaviours (breathe, sneeze, bleed) and also our emotional needs. I want to say to my friend, over coffee, I trust you, I am not afraid of you. I want to believe for a minute that life is normal.
(Winner of the 2021 National Magazine Award silver medal for short feature writing.)