RobertTucker,asorrowful,solitaryman,giventoboutsofweeping,triestobalancehislifecaringforhisagingmother,hisCatholicism,hishomosexuality,andhisdulljob.Onenight,afterhismotherhasgonetobed,hedonsleatherandheadsforaprivateclub.Hetelephonesatattooartistwithaspecialrequest.Hegoestoconfession,accusinghimselfofdespairing.Hecriesoutduringanightmare,wakinghismother."You'reagoodboy,"she'stoldhim.HepraystheStationsoftheCross,andhelivesouthisownsorrowfulmysteries.