“The rules took a while to sort out. Lena and Carmen wanted to focus on friendship-type rules, stuff about keeping in touch with one another over the summer, and making sure the Pants kept moving from one girl to the next. Tibby preferred to focus on random things you could and couldn’t do in the Pants — like picking your nose.”
“Thank you Jonah.”
He lowers his head at the break in my voice. I ignore the moisture in his eyes and pretend that mine don’t sting.
“For what?” he whispers.
“For showing me that people can change. Even if it is one person out of a million.”
“There’s just something terrifying about admitting you like someone. In a way, it’s actually easier when there’s no chance of anything happening. But there’s this threshold where things suddenly become possible. And then your cards are on the table. And there you are, wanting, right out in the open.”
“People sent me get well soon cards while I was in a mental hospital. There were fluffy little bunnies, floaty rainbows, and even a religious card. I could understand that Hallmark probably doesn’t make “Get Sane Soon” cards, but still. Was I not well before? Am I well now? Who decides?”
This baby hears
more Japanese here-
Obaachan’s fussing about Jiichan
leaving tea rings on the table
bruising tomatoes on shop errands,
forgetting something on her list
the tv blaring
recipes,
drama,
and news all day long.
