338 CREEPY CRISPR

The human genome, like any scientific advance, relied upon remaining in the right hands. But "right hands" are in the minds of the beholders.

When Benny came to visit him in the clinic, he knew Dean would no longer be his lover. Dean had chosen a profession that didn't get along well with alternative lifestyles. Yet from childhood he had wanted to do nothing else. Further, however, he had come to realize he must choose between his "purpose," defined by his vocation and Benny. He knew he could never fake it. He needed a closet only genetics could build.

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) gene editing was the genetic engineering technique that allowed scientists to modify his DNA and build the closet with no doors. The identification of gender-defining sexuality (beyond the physical, into—some said—the spiritual) comprised a complexity of genes. This discovery was fraught with no lack of controversy—or outrage.

But Dean felt it was an occupational necessity. Stacking the pros and cons between his relationship with Benny and his life's work, Benny simply came in second. Or was it that, perhaps, Dean couldn't believe such an excision would be complete. That they could still have some relationship.

"Well?" asked Benny at his friend's bedside. Dean didn't answer at first, so overcome with how he felt. Finally, he spoke.

"It was successful, Benny."

"So, what?"

"So, I'm not gay anymore." Benny removed his hand from atop Dean's, having placed it there after greeting him.

"You don't have the same feelings, Dean?"

"No, Benny, I don't." Dean's eyes teared up first. Then Benny's. "I'm sorry."

"Well, then, I guess that's it."

"No!" argued Dean. "We had something. Still do."

"Dean, you can't separate the physical from the emotional. It's a package deal. We don't have something anymore. We have nothing. I need to go now. I thought there'd be something left." Benny turned away to leave.

"I guess I did, too," lamented Dean. "But before you leave, there's something you need to know." Bennys stopped. "I still love you dearly." Benny snapped around.

"And how's that?" he snapped.

"I can't explain. Just like my love for you before. You love with your soul, Benny."

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AUTHOR'S NOTES:

For Tuesday, December 3, Day 338 of the 2024 Story-a-Day Challenge.

366 WORDS (without A/N)

28 DAYS TO GO! THE STORIES KEEP HOME-STRETCHIN' ON IN THIS VOCAL CHALLENGE, 366 WORDS A DAY.

There are currently three Vocal writers in this 2024 Story-a-Day Challenge:

• L.C. (Challenger) Schäfer

• Rachel (Challengee) Deeming

• Gerard (non-Chalant) DiLeo