Old-timers he calls it as he hides behind grins to mask his fears and his lapses from friends. Even though he's here, he's gone as his past and memories slip away. The dark journey has begun and more of him is lost each day. I cry, but I don't let him see. I want him to know joy while he clings to me. This may not be classic girl meets boy, but it is about love - for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, until the dark journey is done.