Page 105 of I Can't Even Think Straight

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Every person I’ve mentioned

has my permission to tell you off

for your poor behavior,

bad judgment, and bloody attitude.

We’ll take turns one by one.

We’ll come down on you

all at once like a ton of bricks.

I’ll get your dad involved if I have to.

I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you.

Every one of us is invested in you.

In your future and your safety.”

A tear falls from Mum’s right eye,

followed by more from both eyes.

The pressure of parenting me is too much for her.

I wanna cry as well, but I don’t.

I wanna wipe Mum’s tears away, but I don’t.

I feel myself shaking with anger

at Mum’s threat to involve my dad.

What has he ever invested in me?

If all the people who care for me

were bricks with which to build

a home, my dadcould only be

the space for a door or a window.

“Can you at least let me tell you

what actually happened?” I plead.

“Because the school’s got it twisted!”

“Malachi!” Mum commands

with tear-streaked fury.

“I listened to your version of events

when you strolled out of school

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