They Have Medication for That

My brother just told me that he has aids acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, which shocked me.  I am not interested in how he contracted the HIV, as all I want is for him to be able to live a good life managing his health properly and learn how to deal with it mentally.  He did tell me that it was the result of an exchange of bodily fluids, but I stopped him there saying that was way too much information.  I don’t want to know if he’s gay or not, as that is his business and if he is, it is not like there is anything wrong with that.  I am barely a Christian, as I don’t pray and I don’t go to church, so I don’t care if others say that homosexuals are sinning against God, as I feel that all people deserve to be treated equally, regardless of their gender identity or the way they express themselves.  Everyone should be allowed a choose how to act on their feelings and they should have the right to engage in sex without whoever they want, as long as this is consensual.  We still don’t have a cure for HIV, but it is possible to live with it.  I am actually happy that my brother didn’t get HIV from sharing needles, as I think that would be a lot worse.  The road is long with many a winding turn.  I have no idea where it will lead, but I’m strong and he ain’t heavy, he is my brother.

Written for Fandango’s Flash Fiction Challenge #192.