Page 69 of The Last Session

He considered. “Well, I dated someone in college, but we were more on and off.”

“After that?”

“Well, that’s when my friend and I started our company. Things just got crazy. I didn’t have time for a relationship.”

“Ramit!” Moon thundered, causing us all to jump. “You are telling me that for the past fifteen years you have not had time for a relationship?”

“Well, no. Honestly.”

“And now that you do, you’re being hunted by horrible women who want Fendi purses?”

Ramit’s mouth hung open. “I mean—”

“Stop.” Moon jumped to her feet and stood over him. “Just take a breath. Think about the fact that you’ve completely avoided relationships for your entire adult life.”

Ramit stared up at her, silent. The tent was so quiet it felt like being underwater.

Moon crouched down and pointed to us. “Who’s your father? Who’s your mother?”

“Um…” Ramit gulped. He looked stunned. “I guess I’d pick… Sol? And Thea?”

Whoa.It was like watching an intense play and suddenly being invited onstage. Sol stood and held out a hand to me. I took it and followed him to the front. Karen, Mikki, Jonah, and Dawne watched us from the cushions.

“We know your parents were doing their best.” Moon gestured at us. “We know they loved you. But unfortunately, because of their suffering, you suffered too. Why don’t you remember anything from that time? Because you’ve locked it away. Can you imagine how scared you felt? How alone?”

“All right, that’s enough.” Ramit got to his feet, scowling. “I don’t appreciate you talking shit about my family.”

“SIT DOWN!” Sol’s voice boomed. He pointed at Ramit’s cushion. To my surprise, Ramit sat.

“Stop with this nonsense.” Sol stepped forward. “How dare you act so disrespectful?”

“But—” Ramit started.

“No! I won’t have this. Look what you’re doing to your mother.” Sol gestured at me. “Do you know how badly she’s feeling? And you act likethis. So selfish. So dramatic.”

Ramit went rigid, his lips parted.

“Do you know how hard I have to work just to keep this woman alive?” Sol cried. “And all you can do is sit there and complain?”

A wave of sadness crashed over me. It felt physical, like water filling up my lungs. I put a hand over my ribs, gasping for breath.

“See?” Sol sounded triumphant. “Do you know how harmful you are, Ramit? Do you know how much you’re hurting her?”

“Stop.” Ramit held up a hand, which was shaking. Moon slipped her arm around his shoulders.

Sol laughed. “You’re telling me to stop?”

Moon whispered in Ramit’s ear, and he shot up to stand.

“You can’t blame me for this,” he cried. “It’s not fair.”

“But it’s your fault!” Sol poked his finger against Ramit’s chest.

“It’s not my fault! It’syourfault!” Spittle flew from Ramit’s lips. “You’re the one who kept pushing her! You’re the one who caused her to… to…”

Moon wrapped her arms around him. “It’s okay. Just say it.”

The visceral sorrow swelled, and tears filled my eyes. Ramit was crying softly.