‘I remember a few months back, when I used to see his knuckles, how they were dry, cracked and bloody, and then I noticed his arm, and when I gently inquired … he would retreat and change the subject. This was also before we became close. He has slowly grown more comfortable and one night, after cuddling and holding each other for a while, he asked me if I'd like to see and I said please. He took off his shirt and I saw the extent of his condition. His entire back, arms and parts of his legs were red, with patches of dry skin and blood. It struck my heart, and I suddenly felt very close to him. I wasn't shocked or afraid, and I think he sensed that because he seemed to relax a little. I reached up and touched his shoulders and lightly stroked his back. He later told me he was grateful for how accepting I was, and how he hadn't been touched in a long time. His condition does not bother me, in fact, I admire him. He has a tremendous amount of strength. We have since been intimate, and while I do my best to make him feel comfortable, I can't seem to avoid situations that cause him pain; like when he rests his head on my chest when we lay together, and then he gets up, seeing the trail he has left on my black sweater … and I see the pain flash across his face.