Page 97 of Until the Ribbon Breaks

I nod, antsy with anticipation. I’ve spent my entire summer locked away, and I want nothing more than to eat real food, sleep in my own bed, and spend time at my favorite spot on the Sound. In addition to all that, I’m excited to see Sebastian. I never thought in a million years I’d feel this way, but I do. The best thing that came out of this whole tragedy of a summer was our friendship.

He’s been gone for a week, and even though I talk to him every day, it isn’t the same—it’ll never be the same as it was while we were in this place together. No one could ever imagine what life is like here as a patient, but we do.

We lived it every day.

Now I’m ready to leave it behind.

“I can’t wait to have you back home,” my mother says. “It’s been lonely without you.”

I could say something snarky, but I won’t. It isn’t worth it, so instead, I ask, “Were you able to get my schedule yesterday?”

“I did. I didn’t even think to bring it, but I got your parking tag and a new spirit shirt as well.”

“Mom, nobody wears those. They’re lame.”

“Well, maybe you could wear it to sleep in.” She grins, and I know she’s trying, I just wish she would do it in a different way. Which way? I have no clue.

“Are there any questions you might have, Jamie?”

My mother shakes her head.

“If you think of any, feel free to call me. But we’ve done this once before, so we’ll just stay on course,” he says. “I think Harlow’s going to do great.” His attention shifts to me. “I’m really proud of you.”

“Thanks.”

He schedules my mother to return in three days for our exit session, and when Marcus comes to get me, my mother stands and gives me a hug.

“I love you so much.”

“I love you too, Mom.” I walk out to leave, but stop short of the door and turn back. “Oh, could you get ahold of Dad and see if he can call me?” He left for another work trip last night, and I can’t make international calls from here.

“I’ll call him today.”

“Thanks.”

“Must’ve been a good session,” Marcus says as he leads me back to the group. “You’re never this happy after family sessions.”

“What makes you think I’m happy?”

Slowing his pace, we nearly come to a stop when he squints and leans in close to me. “Right there.” He points to the corner of my mouth. “A speck of a grin. You can hardly see it, but it’s there.”

I roll my eyes, and we start walking again. “So, because I have a speck of a grin, I’m happy?”

“Coming from you, it’s probably more like ecstatic,” he jokes.

“I’m not always a grump, you know?”

He chuckles, saying, “I know. I’m just giving you a hard time.”

Marcus is my favorite person on staff here, and I don’t know how I would’ve survived some days if he weren’t here to help make them more tolerable.

“I get to go home,” I tell him.

“Free at last,” he responds theatrically, smiling big as I nudge him with my elbow. “This place isn’t going to be the same without you.”

“Please, there’re far more entertaining people here than me.”

When we reach the door that leads outside to where everyone is doing yoga, he says, “True, but you’re special. I hope you know that.”

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