Remember My Name

IVAN
I've spent seven years searching for the boy who taught me how to survive. Jay and I were foster brothers in the same house, hiding from an abusive alcoholic who made fear a daily rule. He taught me when to stay silent, when to disappear, when to run. At night, we hid in the barn and memorized facts about each other-names, birthdays, scars-because we knew we could be separated at any moment. We made a vow that no matter where they sent us, no matter how long it took, we would find each other again.

When I finally find Jay years later, he isn't the boy I knew. He's broken in ways that don't heal cleanly, carrying what was done to him like it's carved into his bones. But I made him a promise, and I intend to keep it. I didn't survive all those years to lose him again.

JAY
I learned young that nothing stays, not homes and not safety. The only thing that ever felt solid was a boy who survived with me until they ripped us apart.

After that, I learned how to numb my pain. I told myself the boy I remembered was gone forever, because believing anything else hurt too much. Then he's back in my life, and I want things I don't deserve. I want him in ways I'm terrified to ask for.
Letting him close means letting him see the parts of me I keep buried, the damage I pretend doesn't exist. If he really sees me, he'll leave. And I don't know if I'd survive losing him twice.

Remember My Name is a deeply emotional gay M/M hurt/comfort romance about found family, healing from trauma, recovery, and lasting love.