Narrator and his partner, whom we only know as Zach, have developed a complex relationship. It initially began one fateful Halloween night at a local watering hole. Their story is full of exuberant delight and loving tenderness. This relationship grows under the watchful eye of Zach’s grandparents’ home on the Alaskan coast, where they all work and live as caretakers. They have built a life together that showcases their affection and understanding of each other’s needs.
The pair’s intimate connection comes to fore in relatable, genuine, needle-sharp days tinged with joy and sorrow. Our enthusiastic narrator frequently sports giant, plush cat ears and can be seen adorably crawling under Zach’s desk as he works harshly on his thesis. This lighthearted behavior is matched by Zach’s attentiveness. He regularly asks, “Do you like that? Do you need anything?” showing that he is in tune with the narrator’s emotions and comfort.
Their relationship extends well beyond the fun, cutesy quirks into a fun yet healthy and balanced sexual dynamic. They discuss their encounters about 4 times a week, with Zach even saying he’d like to be having them more often. The narrator’s only other sexual partner was Zach. Having come from a very restrictive sexual relationship with a religious boyfriend, they considered the spontaneity and creativity of their sexual encounters with him a breath of fresh air.
Zach’s history of being a playboy until he met the narrator added some immediate conflict. Our heroic narrator took a smart and careful step, not having sex with Zach until he had done all of his sexual health due diligence. Earning trust with a shared decision. This first decision planted the seeds of trust between them.
Her living in Zach’s grandparents’ house makes for yet another pretty cool layer to their relationship. From the air, the dwelling appears comfortable and expansive. Inside, paradoxically, it seems minuscule and snug, lending a deep sense of warmth and intimacy. Their bedroom, formerly Zach’s mama’s childhood bedroom, serves as an anchor for their domestic and familial roots. It provides a stage for their own developing romance, which occupies the subplot.
Zach and the narrator enjoy thousands of tender exchanges each day. Then they fill each other’s water glasses and share humor and laughter with one another. Zach flaked on his Hinge date when he found out they could spend time with the narrator. They were friends with the bartender and end up getting a whole bunch of free drinks!
The grandparents are mainly there to bring in a charming and often comedic element to the life of the young couple. It began when they started hearing sounds coming from the couple’s shared room. Wondering, they inquired, “Were you having a nice jig up there?” This light-hearted jab provides a great window into the accepting space the grandparents have fostered.