Spoiler Alert 2022

Here’s a rephrased version of the section:

In 2001, Michael Ausiello (Michael), a writer for TV Guide, takes a leap of faith and ventures into Manhattan’s vibrant gay nightlife with his closest friend in tow. It’s there that he crosses paths with photographer Kit Cowan, and their connection is undeniable. As they embark on a romantic journey together, Michael grapples with the insecurities stemming from his past as an overweight individual, wondering if he’s truly worthy of Kit’s affection. Kit, however, reveals his own secrets - including a previous infidelity - prompting both men to confront their fears of commitment. Despite these hurdles, they decide to take the leap and continue exploring each other.

Fast forward to the following Christmas season, where Kit receives an appendectomy diagnosis, prompting him to confront his parents, Bob (Kit’s father) and Marilyn (Kit’s mother), who have yet to be privy to his sexual orientation. As Marilyn’s suspicions about Michael grow, Kit finally comes out to her and her husband, revealing that Michael is indeed his boyfriend. Although initially taken aback by Kit’s secrecy, Marilyn extends a warm welcome to Michael.

As the years go by, Michael and Kit continue to build their life together, eventually sharing a cozy townhouse and celebrating Christmas under the tree - a childhood fantasy of Michael’s come true. However, in 2013, cracks begin to appear in their relationship as their sex life falters and Michael becomes increasingly consumed by his work at TVLine, leading to an unhealthy reliance on alcohol. He also starts suspecting that Kit is having an affair with his coworker, Sebastian, further straining their bond.

Their therapist diagnoses the root of their issues: resentment has taken hold, but they still harbor enough love for each other to want to preserve their relationship. The suggestion is made to separate and re-evaluate their feelings - a painful yet necessary step in their journey together. Kit eventually moves out, but they remain emotionally linked. As they mark their thirteenth Christmas together, Kit’s health begins to decline, casting a somber tone over the holiday season.

As the bleakness of 2014 descends, Kit is struck by a rare and aggressive form of neuroendocrine cancer, ravaging his already fragile existence. The devastating diagnosis prompts Michael’s return to their shared past, and the two former lovers reconcile in a poignant display of love and regret. As Kit navigates the treacherous terrain of treatment, Michael stands steadfast by his side, offering solace and support through the darkest moments.

As Kit’s health continues its precipitous decline, the cruel hand of fate hands down a devastating prognosis: mere weeks left to live. Amidst this desolate landscape, Michael musters the courage to confront his deepest fears and apologies for not acknowledging Kit’s beauty, fearing he was destined to be left in the shadows for someone more captivating. Kit, in turn, forgives Michael for his transgressions, including the affair with Sebastian, and proposes a marriage that transcends mortality. The two spend their final Christmas together, lost in fantasies of growing old and lying together beneath the festive tree.

As 2015 arrives, Kit’s fragile existence is further diminished by hospitalization. As death draws near, Michael permits Sebastian to bid farewell to his beloved, allowing for a fleeting moment of closure. In a surreal tableau, Michael imagines conducting an interview with Kit, who’s dying as he was once a fictional character – a star whose time on the show has come to an end. Kit expresses gratitude for the brief reprieve he’s had and reassures Michael that he’ll find his way forward. Back in reality, Michael thanks Kit for gifting him a sense of family, one that will forever be etched in his heart.

In the aftermath of Kit’s passing, Michael remains a vital part of Bob and Marilyn’s lives, serving as a poignant reminder of the love they shared. As he prepares to leave New York behind, bound for Los Angeles, the uncertainty of his future is tempered by the indelible lessons he learned from Kit – that bravery lies not in the absence of fear but in the willingness to confront it head-on and forge a new path.