Tin Man

As Ellis reads Michael’s journal, the narrative shifts to Michael’s voice and perspective. 

Michael begins writing in his journal after his doctor suggests that this habit will help him to cope with the decline of his lover, G, who has AIDS. Michael writes about how he is aging more quickly because of the stress. When the medication alarm sounds, Michael checks on G, who was once his boyfriend. G’s physical state is dire; he is wasting away and losing his mental stability. Despite these challenges, Michael does not want to bring G to the hospital, believing that if he does, G will never return. Although Michael used to write for a living, his creativity falters and he is unable to meet deadlines. Though he hopes to write for himself now, his time is spent looking after G.

Michael met G fives year ago, after Mabel’s death, when he ran into the National Gallery to escape the rain. He saw G from afar, and the man reminded him of Ellis. He followed G around the museum, stopping to talk with him when G arrived at the Van Gogh painting from Michael’s childhood.