Page 187 of I Can't Even Think Straight

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Olivia asks me.

I turn to Matt.

I recall his helpless face

through the cloud of chalk

thrown up by my impact.

“Yes, he was there,” I say.

“Why didn’t he catch you?”

Olivia asks me innocently.

T and Jyoti swoop in

and lift The Twins up into the air

before I have a chance to answer.

Olivia and Sophia howl with laughter,

as T and Jyoti throw them up

and

catch them.

I turn and tease Matt:

“Why didn’t you catch me?”

Matt laughs at this question

coming from me

and not a five-year-old.

“I’m ready to catch you now,”

Matt says, becoming serious.

“The question is:

Are you ready to fall for me?”

Two Months Later: It’s a Wrap—Nighttime—My Bedroom

“It’s so hard!” I say to Matt

as I unravel the long red strip of fabric

and free my hand from the wrap,

which coils like a snake on my lap.

“Come on, Kai. You can do it.”

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