JUSTIN POV I picked Gus up from Melanie and Lindsay’s for our day of Christmas shopping. He was so excited, certainly a trait he did not inherit from Brian. The shopping surprisingly did not take very long. It helped that we already knew what to get for everyone. As we left the last store we both decided we’d make a short stop at the park and go for a walk around the surrounding neighborhood. As we walked past Rev. Tom’s church, we saw him standing outside talking to some of his parishioners. Over the years he has become a common acquaintance among those of Liberty Ave. I don’t mean that in a sexual way at all. He just has always stopped to talk to everyone and anyone about anything. He and I have become great friends due to his surprising interest in all varieties of art. As Gus and I walk past, I yell out, “Hey, Rev. Tom.” He looks up at me and smiles. “How’s it going, Justin?” he asks. “Good. How have you been?” “Just fine, thank you.” “Okay, well I’ll see you soon.” “Sure. See you later, Justin.” With that Gus and I continue our walk down the street. Then I hear my name being called by a woman. I turn around to see Joan Kinney standing there looking absolutely livid as well as quite disgusted. For Gus’ sake, I attempt to be as courteous as possible. Mel, Lindz, Brian, and I had all decided that Gus would never meet this woman for fear of what she could possibly do to him. “Yes, Joan?” “I remember you. What on Earth are you doing with that child?!” I take a deep breath and prepare for the battle I know is coming. “I am taking my son for a walk. We just finished doing our shopping for the holidays.” “Your son?!!! You can’t have a son. Fags don’t have children!” I am beyond pissed right now. Not because of what she’s saying to me, but because she’s saying it right in front of Gus. “Yes we can, Joan. Now if you’ll excuse me, we really must be going.” “I don’t think so,” she interrupts me. “I will not stand for you taking advantage of this poor innocent child. My lord, who knows what you’ve already done to him. You’re no better than Brian.” Okay. That was it. She can say whatever she wants about me. I’ve had worse; but as anyone who knows me knows, you don’t insult Brian in my presence and expect to walk away with the last word. “Now you listen here, Joan, and you listen good. Brian is the kindest, gentlest, most loving and giving person I have ever met. He has never done anything wrong to anyone. You don’t deserve him as a son, you cold, manipulative, hypocritical bitch!” That’s when she swung. I hadn’t even noticed the wine bottle in her purse until it connected with my scull. I guess that’s why she always has to have such a large purse. The first thing I was aware of after the initial impact was Gus’ scream next to me. I gently pushed him back, attempting to create as much space between he and Joan as possible. As I did this, I slightly stumbled forward due to my now blurred vision. That’s when I more heard than felt the shot pass through my abdomen. I heard Gus scream again, then saw Joan run past me. I knelt down on the ground, clutching my abdomen. I could feel the blood seep through my shirt onto my hands. I looked to a mortified Gus and attempted my best reassuring smile. I handed him my cell phone and told him to run to Rev. Tom and tell him to call 911. With a quick nod and a “Yes, Daddy,” he dashed off in the direction of the church.