We had dinner with Steven last night. He's leaving for Dallas, his new home, on Thursday. His townhouse is empty, except for some stuff he's leaving behind. He's ready to go.

I'm not sure all will end up happily. Things aren't going well with the guy in Dallas that he's dating. The job he was supposed to have hasn't panned out. I don't think Steven will return to Seattle as a result of either, but I hope it forces him to deal with his mid-life crisis.

Much of our talk was a bit new-agey and philosphical. How each of us have our own life journies. How each of us must walk our own path. As much as we'd like we can't really change other people. This is as close as Steven is to dealing with his divorce from Vic. Steven would take Vic back in an instant, but Vic is too hurt to even contemplate that. Steven admits he made a bad. choice. That leaving Vic for a hot young thing was the stupidest thing he's done in his life. Steven regrets his actions. But, Vic can't forgive and forget.

Years ago I gave Vic and Steven a framed picture of the two holding hands on a moon lit beach. Steven doesn't want to bring it to Dallas. He also doesn't want to throw it out or give it to Vic. As far as Steven can tell, Vic has gotten rid of all pictures of the two of them. Steven asked me to take the picture back, to keep it safe.