Who are You?

What, indeed, is the right thing to do in any circumstance? I'm terrified by what nature does to people you love. I visited a childhood friend who is HIV positive. Maybe I'm terrified because of the big lie that stays between us. I know, of course, and I do everything but stand on my head to get him to talk to me. He can't. I finally made a little speech: "I think it's a shame that people can't be who they are. Whatever that is. If someone loves you, they don't care who you are. They love you no matter what. You have to be yourself. Be happy with who you are." Finally, after moments of silence, he was able to say, "Thank you," but only that.