Summary

The flashback continues as Mike recalls the conversation that he had with Benson following their first sexual encounter together. Benson said that, after he was first diagnosed with HIV, his parents forced him to move out of their home. Benson explained that his diagnosis made it impossible for his parents to ignore his sexuality. Mike comforted Benson and commended him for speaking openly and honestly. The narrative shifts back to Mike in Japan. One night, after work, Eiju invites Mike to drink beer with him on the porch. They converse, and Mike implies that he will remain with Eiju until Eiju’s death. Eiju then surprises Mike by saying he plans on leaving the bar to Mike. In a flashback, Mike recalls first learning from his mother that his father was terminally ill. After learning this news, Mike invited his mother to come...