Page 21 of Whirlwind

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Me:

I do. Mom, Dad, and my sister, Lottie. I don’t have anyone in Seattle, outside of the team.

Kit:

I didn’t have anyone when I moved here, either. I’m an only child though, and didn’t really have anyone back in Maine either. But I found Willa. Found family counts. Hopefully you’ll find something like that. In the meantime, at least you have a friend in a crazy little barking ball of fur across the street.

Me:

Just the fur ball? Not his friendly owner?

Kit:

His owner barely plays well with others on her best day.

Me:

I feel like that’s not true.

Kit:

Didn’t anyone ever tell you not to trust your feelings?

Me:

The opposite, actually.

I’m smiling again. It comes easy with this woman; and suddenly, moving into my own place, out of Calvin’s, doesn’t feel like something I need to rush. Kit’s right; I need to find my people here. Until then, it might be nice having her close by.

Kit:

Wow. You must have shitty parents.

Kit:

I’m kidding! Shit, we probably don’t know each other well enough for jokes like that yet.

Me:

Relax, I knew you were kidding.

Kit:

Okay, good. I’m…awkward with people sometimes. I apologize in advance.

Me:

Consider me a safe space for awkwardness. My sister is on the spectrum. I don’t judge.

Kit:

Thank you, that means a lot to me.

Her words hurt me. Partly because I hate that people with autism, general anxiety, or who are simply prone to social awkwardness are made to feel worse because people refuse to take the time to understand. Partly because I know Lottie’s lived with that her whole life. I’d be her protector forever, if I thought that’s what she needs. It’s not, though. She needs, and wants, to be independent. Even if that means her life is harder. I respect that.

Me:

I mean it. I need to crash, but thanks again. Hope you let me play with your crew again.

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