Well, I, personally, couldn't do it. I could not emerge from my comfortable place only to meet the chill of the way things really are. Nick has the fortitude that I lack, obviously, as this is a challenge he faces every morning before starting his day: coming out of the closet.

Returning a pair of shoes to their rightful place, I understood today, maybe for the first time, his struggle. There was a special quality in that little space that had me slowing the turn of my heel. I hesitated a moment before finding the nerve to leave.

Quite simply, Nick's closet is the warmest place in the whole condo.