Page 110 of I Can't Even Think Straight

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before the school day has begun.

“Wow!” Matt says, recovering.

“Your mum called herself a Karen.

Auntie Irína’s too funny, man!”

I don’t mind sharing the credit

for this laughter with Mum.

We’re a team, at the end of the day.

I tell Matt how Mum will still

email Ms. Sarpong to complain

about Mr. Ndour, but only

with the facts of the matter

and nothing about homophobia.

“You happy with that?” asks Matt.

“Yes. At least Mum’s on my side now.”

Matt reaches forward

and puts his hands on my shoulders,

and says, in all sincerity,

“Didn’t I say the truth would be enough?

The truth will set you free.”

He squeezes my shoulders,

and then releases them.

I give my closeted gay friend a look that says,

I’m not gonna say it.

Matt gives me a look back that says,

Thank you for not saying it.

“You know what I didn’t realize

until afterward?” I ask him.

“What?” Matt sounds worried.

“I officially came out to my mum

by telling her I thought Mr. Ndour

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