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Sam walks into the counseling building. The bottom floor is a massive social space with couches, a bar and stools, a television, coffee station, and the landline phone that Hubert mentioned.

“Sam,” a husky voice says from the staircase. The man looks younger than what Sam expected. Maybe early 40s. Clean cut. Casually dressed. And not that Sam expected the man to be completely flamboyant, but Dr. Hawk seems just like any average guy. Like a heterosexual.

“Take a seat,” Dr. Hawk says, waving his hand toward the couches. They walk over together.

“You must have questions,” the doctor says, leaning back on the couch. “Your mother first called me about a month ago. She seems like a sweet lady.”

“She is,” Sam says, feeling a warmth in his chest. He already misses his mother. “I read the pamphlet. I guess I don’t really know what questions to ask. I’m cool with hanging around and–”

“You doubt the program will work on you,” Dr. Hawk says. He doesn’t sound aggressive or offended, rather, the man sounds sympathetic to Sam.

Sam shrugs.

“That’s fine,” Dr. Hawk says. “At the very least, while you’re with us, you get to live in this little slice of heaven.” He points toward the wide windows that look out across the colorful mountains.

The pamphlet said that no straight man has ever left the Mountain Method as a straight man. Maybe that’s why Dr. Hawk doesn’t seem even remotely worried about Sam’s doubts.

“It is cool,” Sam says, nodding at the distant scenery.

“Before you go,” Dr. Hawk says, reaching into his shirtpocket and pulling out a pen. He hands it to Sam. “You’ll find some orientation paperwork in your room. Go ahead and fill it out for me.”