I have reconsidered the idea of living in a Houston property owned by you. It is a very sweet thing for you to think about doing and I can appreciate that it would yield several practical benefits for me. However, if I live on my own, I think I should support myself.

I did not enjoy feeling hidden away by Tim prior to him moving in here. I felt like an expensive secret pet. I felt like the financial support I received was a consolation prize for weathering his absence. I understand that’s not what Tim meant. I understand that’s not what you would ever want for me. Nonetheless, that’s how it felt with Tim, and I don’t want to feel that way again.

I love you, Craig. And you love me. Is there really no way for us to be together that doesn’t involve death, irreparably ruining your family, or keeping me secret? Are those really the only options? There’s nothing less severe? This isn’t a rhetorical question. I want your thoughts because I have no idea.

I understand you have an enormous sense of obligation to your family. Is it really impossible for you to both honor those obligations and be with me in the way we obviously ought to be together?