Page 95 of The Moon Also Rises
“My OT suggested I try screen-free hobbies that keep my mind and hands busy when I need more sensory input but I’m tired. So, knitting it is.”
“That sounds… nice.”
“It’s awful. I suck at it. But again, I’ve got to try and be bad at things. Another challenge. Is your therapy this nightmarish?”
“I don’t go to therapy,” I say before thinking it through.
“Seriously? Why not? You’re way more fucked up than me!”
I laugh lightly while my heart also breaks. “Thanks, Roxie.”
“But it’s true! You joined a cult, for crying out loud. I was just born with a weird brain.”
“Your brain is not weird,” I say quickly, sternly. “It’s a beautiful brain, you just need some extra help figuring out how it works.”
“You really don’t think you need therapy? I thought you told Mom you’d be starting again when you moved to London.”
I did say that. I also said two years ago I’d go back to LA and do the residential therapy I never finished. Since when did I become a man of so many broken promises?
Unsure why he darts into my mind, I feel something shift when I remember Jake is sitting in my kitchen.
“Maybe I’ll start soon,” I say more to myself than my sister.
“Ugh. Why can’t I earn enough money to move out and live my life exactly how I want to. You rich, old, neurotypical folk have it so easy.” Roxie moans.
“I’m not sure that’s a compliment, but thanks. But listen, Roxie, can you pass me to Mama while you go hide all the discs and awards? And can you also fill Radia in on everything when you pick her up? How she can’t mention DJing or RemiX or Michelle or—”
“Anything else? Need me to cut your fingernails?
“That won’t be necessary,” I say. “Just do the awards and—”
“Shit! Yes, that’s why I stood up.”
“And pass me over to Mama,” I add.
“Oh, no,that’swhy I got up. Jesus Christ.”
“Thank you, Roxie. I love you.”
There’s no more talking for a few seconds, only rustling until I hear my mother’s voice.
“Rami?”
“Mama,” I say. “How are you?”
“Good, good. Looking forward to seeing you. Unless you’re calling to say you can’t come, which is completely fine and you should go have a nice day off in London…”
“No, I’m calling to say I am bringing a friend with me today. I hope that’s okay?”
“A friend?”
“Yes, someone from work. His name’s Jake.”
There’s a quick pause. “Of course, that’s okay. I look forward to meeting him.”
“The thing is, Mom, he doesn’t know… about my past.”
“About the cult?”
