The narrative "The Way We Live Now" explores the interconnected lives of a group of friends grappling with the effects of AIDS on one of their own. Through a series of conversations and visits, the story delves into their shared fears and hopes, as well as the evolving dynamics within their circle. It portrays a poignant picture of friendship and community in the face of a devastating disease.

Initial Reactions and Realizations

The tale begins with a flurry of discussions among friends as they notice troubling signs in one of their own, an unidentified man showing symptoms of a mysterious illness. As they connect the dots, they note changes in his behavior: he has stopped smoking and delayed seeing a doctor. The group's conversations underscore the anxiety permeating their lives, highlighting their shared dread of the burgeoning AIDS crisis that is affecting their diverse community of gay, straight, and bisexual individuals in Manhattan.

Hospital Visits and Emotional Struggles

As the story progresses, the friends visit the man in the hospital, where he has been diagnosed with AIDS. They rally around him, determined to maintain his morale despite the bleak diagnosis. Frequent visits by most of his friends reveal their collective commitment, though some privately confess the fear and discomfort they feel when facing his illness.

Reflections on Illness and Friendship

The group notices the man's dwindling spirits and discusses the therapeutic potential of a diary he has begun keeping, suggesting it might help him envision a future. Conversations turn to the side effects of his medication, and with a touch of humor, one friend notes, "We are all side effects." This serves as a reminder of how his condition has woven their lives together more tightly, altering their relationships and perceptions.

Homecoming and Care

Once the man is well enough to leave the hospital, a loyal friend and past lover moves in to assist him. The group continues to express concern over his mental state and deliberates on the potential benefits of experimental drug protocols. Some suggest alternative therapies, reflecting a collective desire for his recovery. His inclusion in a new drug trial is seen as a positive development, especially as he begins to discuss his illness more openly, even using the term AIDS with a newfound casualness.

Comparisons and Community

The friends compare current life with AIDS to earlier times, when ignorance and panic were rampant. An outsider refers to the "utopia of friendship" they've created as beautiful, while another friend remarks, "We are the family he's founded, without meaning to." However, not everyone agrees with this collective identity, sparking debates about the man's varying reactions to different visitors.

Challenges and Changes

As the man's health stabilizes, he tells his live-in friend that he no longer requires assistance. Meanwhile, the group learns of two more acquaintances diagnosed with AIDS, choosing to shield the man from this news. The friends reflect on how drastically their lives have changed since the advent of AIDS, acknowledging that none of them approach life with the same nonchalance as before.

Friendships Under Pressure

Though the man's condition appears stable, underlying tensions and rivalries among his friends surface. His reliance on their attention seems to wane, leading to fewer visits. This shift in dynamics hints at the complex emotional landscape navigated by those supporting someone with a chronic illness.

A Near-Fatal Relapse

The man suffers a relapse, confronting his mortality with a mix of fear and transcendence. To manage the influx of visitors and alleviate tensions, a friend suggests implementing a "visiting book" to limit visits to two people at a time. This system helps calm the group as they come to terms with his precarious health. As he stabilizes, albeit temporarily, his friends notice a growing emotional distance, hinting at the inevitability of his decline. Yet, as the narrative concludes, he continues to cling to life, a testament to the enduring bond of friendship amidst adversity.