I chose contrition. And feigned
ignorance. “What do you mean?”
He came right to the point.
It’s like you’ve become a whole
different person lately.
Not all of me. Just the Bree part.
Not all the time.
Just with the monster.
Did something happen
at your dad’s?
Like he wanted to hear about Dad.
Like he really wanted to know
he and Mom were 100% right on.
Don’t take this wrong, okay?
You aren’t doing drugs, are you?
What was I supposed to do—
admit it? I shook my head in
hearty denial.
I know adolescence is a time
for experimentation…
Oh, yes, he knew. And my mom did
too. Dad told me all about how they
used to get high together.
but I hope you’ll think twice before
you do. You’ve got a lot to lose.
I bit my lip, filled my eyes with
innocence, let it encourage tears.
“I know, Scott. I promise to think twice.”
He Talked at Me Awhile Longer
I smiled, nodded, apologized