the friends and family discount.”
“I guess so,” I say. “Unless it turns out
you’re one of my dad’s other kids
and we’re actually half brothers.”
Obi tilts his head
to process what I’ve just said.
I’ve let out my dark humor too soon.
Mum rarely laughs
at my dark humor.
She says I sometimes take a joke too far across the line.
I worry I’ve done that this time.
I’m relieved when Obi releases his suppressed laughter.
“My goodness, Kai! You’re a hoot!
You’re an absolute hoot!”
Monday: Out and Proud—Lunch Hall
“Kai, can I talk to you in private, please?”
says Jyoti sheepishly.
“We’ve got no secrets here,” says Nathan.
He flings an arm over my shoulder
and pulls me closer to him.
“Anything you have to say to our boy Kai,
you can say in front of us all.”
I smile at Jyoti with a shrug that says,
Just go with it.
“Um, okay,” Jyoti begins.
“I’m a little bit confused.”
“Are you gay, too?” Abdi asks Jyoti.
“Abdi, man, let her speak,” says Sam.
“No, I’m straight,
which is what you said you were
