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.
