Mike’s Romance with Rachel

Cry Macho

This thread follows Mike’s unexpected love for Rachel and the choice he cannot make before her life moves on without him.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

An Accidental Meeting An Accidental Meeting from "Cry Macho". An Accidental Meeting A widow approaches Mike brings Rachel Perry her late husband’s trophy, mistakenly delivered to him.

An Accidental Meeting from "Cry Macho". An Accidental Meeting A widow approaches Mike brings Rachel Perry her late husband’s trophy, mistakenly delivered to him.

An Accidental Meeting A widow approaches Mike brings Rachel Perry her late husband’s trophy, mistakenly delivered to him. A conversation takes hold A series of misunderstandings develops into an unexpected intimacy.

A Different Kind of Love A Different Kind of Love from "Cry Macho". A Different Kind of Love Beyond sexual excitement Mike discovers that affection and admiration can precede physical desire.

A Different Kind of Love from "Cry Macho". A Different Kind of Love Beyond sexual excitement Mike discovers that affection and admiration can precede physical desire.

A Different Kind of Love Beyond sexual excitement Mike discovers that affection and admiration can precede physical desire. Self-acceptance Rachel’s humor and kindness allow him to feel intelligent and loved without competition.

The Question of Children The Question of Children from "Cry Macho". The Question of Children A shared incompatibility Rachel wants children, while Mike recognizes that he cannot bear the prospect of another loss.

The Question of Children from "Cry Macho". The Question of Children A shared incompatibility Rachel wants children, while Mike recognizes that he cannot bear the prospect of another loss.

The Question of Children A shared incompatibility Rachel wants children, while Mike recognizes that he cannot bear the prospect of another loss. Delay becomes a choice He keeps worrying rather than deciding, leaving Rachel unable to build her future with him.

Rachel’s Letter Rachel’s Letter from "Cry Macho". Rachel’s Letter Space for reflection Rachel leaves to think through their relationship and her hopes for a family.

Rachel’s Letter from "Cry Macho". Rachel’s Letter Space for reflection Rachel leaves to think through their relationship and her hopes for a family.

Rachel’s Letter Space for reflection Rachel leaves to think through their relationship and her hopes for a family. A life elsewhere A month later she marries her high-school sweetheart, ending Mike’s chance to choose her.

Regret Without Reversal Regret Without Reversal from "Cry Macho". Regret Without Reversal A delayed departure Mike leaves Donna on the morning he learns Rachel has married someone else.

Regret Without Reversal from "Cry Macho". Regret Without Reversal A delayed departure Mike leaves Donna on the morning he learns Rachel has married someone else.

Regret Without Reversal A delayed departure Mike leaves Donna on the morning he learns Rachel has married someone else. Loss repeated Standing at Laurie’s grave in the rain, he blames the dead child and begins his lost year.

After Mike and Donna have become estranged

During Mike’s relationship with Rachel

As Mike considers marrying Rachel

After Rachel goes to Shreveport

The day Mike learns of Rachel’s marriage