sentences:  Thack and Brian have become close, but Thack has developed a distaste for Mary Ann, much to Michael's frustration.However, Michael admits that he feels Mary Ann has been keeping her distance, believing that she may be trying to spare herself the pain of his one day succumbing to AIDS.Brian continues to immerse himself in his role as partner at the nursery and as a househusband to Mary Ann and father to Shawna.