The intersections between homosexuality, religion, and AIDS are incredibly rich with emotion and implications both historically and today. I was inspired conceptually by Hemingway's short story, "Hills Like White Elephants," in which the subtext dominates the conversation, giving it so much power. In applying this concept to my own writing, I chose this topic because, while it is set in 1986, it is just as prevalent today and perhaps even more important. This story of Jackie and Freddie is very personal to me, and I grew more and more fond of these two through every step of the creative process.