By Darwyn Jones
'Hello?'
'Danny! Did you get it?'
'Hey sis. Get what?'
'You're gift? I hope you don't mind, but Mom told me.'
'No, I don't mind, I'm glad you know. So, are you okay with it?'
'Oh, yeah. No worries. I guess this means you didn't get the gift yet.'
'No, what gift? What's it for?'
'Okay, granted, I don't know what is appropriate, but I was in Wal-Mart, saw it, and immediately thought it was right.'
'In Wal-Mart? You found the 'appropriate' coming out gift at Wal-Mart?'
'Okay, okay, I'll tell you. It's a doormat.'
'A doormat?'
'A doormat that reads 'Back Door Friends Are Best'. You know, 'back door', get it? Isn't that great?'
'Well, it's funny.'
'You don't like it? Come on, where's your sense of humor? I'm just trying to be supportive, you know.'
'No, it's fine, Sis. It's funny. I'll wipe my feet on it proudly.'
'You know - no matter what - you are my little brother and I'll always love you. Mom was upset, boohooing and all. But, I reminded her, 'It's not like he's a murderer or a pedophile or anything'.'
'A murderer and pedophile?! Is that…'
'Yeah. I mean, you're just gay. What's the big deal? I mean, heck, I'll probably see you in hell.'
'What?! What are you talking about?'
'Yeah, I could be there too. I haven't been the best person, you know. I've lied and cheated in my life. So, you might as well just scoot your little butt over, 'cause Sis will be right beside you.'
'Oh… thanks. Thanks a lot.'
'Well, listen, I just wanted to call and let you know that I support you, no matter what decision you make. But, I gotta go; I'm supposed to be over at Mom's in a half hour. Let her cry on my shoulder some more. But, don't worry about it – you just be you. Be happy. I'll take care of Mom. Love you. Bye.'
Darwyn Jones is a freelance writer and fiction writing student living in Chicago.