Page 72 of I Can't Even Think Straight

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Nicky says something,

her girlfriend chips in,

and so, the story goes

back and forth between them.

“I want that one day,”

Matt whispers to me.

This must be the reason

Matt gestured for me

to stay here with him.

“Me too,” I say, and I know

we both see the same thing.

Saturday: The Pendant—Bouldering

Something from my mum

hangs around Obi’s neck.

He wears the loop of jade pendant

from Mum’s market stall,

even though we’re not supposed to

wear jewelry at bouldering.

Coach doesn’t seem to notice.

I notice how often,

even though I stay with Matt

and Obi stays with Jenny,

Obi looks over and smiles at me.

I notice his long canines,

and the wolfish look of him.

His whole vibe has changed

in the space of a week.

He’s torn the sleeves off

his youth squad T-shirt

to turn it into a tank top.

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