Fallout (Crank 3)

on special occasions. Apparently

this occasion qualifies, however.

She takes a big drag, fights not

to cough. Fails, and that makes

the tears fall harder. He—hack—

is such a prick. I ca-can’t—hack—

believe he could just up and leave

Mom. N-not—hack—f-f-for … her!

“Who?” None of my business,

of course. But, hey, she brought it up.

His goddamn boss! You know,

the bitch who owns the company?

She’s old. Rich, yeah, but old …

Her voice is tinged with hysteria.

After almost twenty-five years,

he leaves Mom for … for her?

“Here.” I pass her the J. “Take

another hit. A little one this time.”

She doesn’t cough, but she does ask,

You’d never cheat on me, would you?

I BITE DOWN HARD

On the impending lie.

Fact is, I’ve already

cheated on Nikki,

though I’m not sure

why. It was an awful

mistake, and it only

happened once, post-

football-game beer

binge. God, that girl—