Crank (Crank 1)

holding hands with

the monster.

Besides, vegetables give a girl

a healthy glow.

Damn. Wasn’t I glowing?

Then again, even if I was,

it could hardly qualify

as healthy. Still, Mom

didn’t insist I share the

dinner table.

It’s only leftovers, anyway.

By the way, a letter came

for you today.

Dear Kristina,

Hope everything’s okay. Hope you’re okay.

Things are okay here.

My mom got a new job and she’s dating her boss.

He already thinks he’s my stepdad or something.

Says I’d better think about what I want to do with my life.

Besides party, that is.

I hate him already. You know?

Lince is home and I guess she’s better.

She has to go to PT—physical therapy—every day.

She’s learning to walk and talk, just like a baby.

It’s weird, really weird.

I try to spend time with her, but it’s hard. You know?

I’m sorry about that phone call.

I didn’t mean to upset you.

I was at the end of a three-day binge.

Too long without food and sleep.