Page 124 of I Can't Even Think Straight

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Don’t get me wrong,

that’s not me saying

I think The Boys are bad news

or you shouldn’t hang out with them.

I just want to remind you

not to lose your sense of self

for any group, or anyone else.”

These are the words of Mr. Ndour,

I can feel it.

He cares about me.

He wants to help me.

I can admit that

I might’ve been wrong about him.

“I’ll do my best, sir,”

I say, and I mean it.

Dark Humor—Nighttime—My Bedroom

Mum and I agree

seeing the school counselor

is a good idea for me,

and I’ll sign up for

the creative writing workshops.

With that out of the way,

the next topic on my agenda

in this late-night meeting with Mum

is to ask her permission

to go to Obi’s house party this Saturday.

“Matt and Vass are both allowed to go,” I say,

“and Theía Estélla will pick us up

no matter how late the party goes.

But no matter how late I get back,

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