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Nick nodded stiffly but didn’t speak.

“I…” Dad sounded frustrated. “I just need you to do better. I just need you tobebetter. Can you do that? For me?”

Nick nodded again.

“Hey, Nick. Look at me. I’m—”

“I’ve got to go,” Nick said hoarsely. “I’m going to be late if I don’t leave now. And I’d hate to disappoint you again.”

Dad sighed. “Come on, Nicky. Would you just—” He heard his father take a step toward him.

Nick took a step back.

“Okay,” Dad said stiffly. “If that’s—okay.”

Nick turned and left.

He was on the train, surrounded by people and staring blankly ahead when his phone buzzed. Nick thought about ignoring it.

He pulled it out of his pocket.

A text from his dad.

Hereallythought about ignoring it.

But maybe it was an apology. Maybe it was Dad saying he was sorry, that he didn’t mean it, that he was just fine with the way Nick was, that he didn’t need him to be anything more.

He opened the message.

You forgot to take your pill this morning. Called the school. Nurse will have your dose. See her before class.

And that was it.

Nick deleted the message before sliding the phone back in his pocket.

The train car rocked gently beneath his feet.

He didn’t wait for the others at Franklin Street. He didn’t want to see anyone. Not when his head was messed up. His skin felt too tight, and it was like his nerves were electrified. His thoughts jumped too quickly, and he couldn’t focus. He tapped his fingers against his hip as he walked.

He went directly to the nurse when he got to school.

She had his pill waiting for him.

She smiled as she handed it over with a tiny paper cup filled with water.

Nick swallowed down, opening his mouth when she asked to check.

“Have a good day,” she said cheerfully.

Gibby and Jazz were at the lunch table when he walked into the cafeteria. “Hey,” Jazz said, looking up at him. “Missed you this morning.”

“Sorry,” Nick said, keeping his voice even. “Was early and didn’t feel like sticking around.”

Gibby rolled her eyes. “Maybe send us a text letting us know next time. We were almost late, waiting for you.”

“Didn’t think. Sorry.” He looked around. “Where’s Seth? Or Owen?”

“Seth texted this morning on our thread,” Jazz said, tilting her head at Nick. “Said he wasn’t feeling well and was staying hometoday. Don’t know where Owen is. He’ll show up when he feels like it, I’m sure.”