Chapter 55

“We shouldn’t overdo it. The specialist said to take your time and go slow. Not overwhelm you with stimuli to force it. You remembered Tia; that’s more than I thought would happen so soon…It’s a good step. You did good, Sohla. Don’t try too hard, or it may affect you negatively.” Jyeon is being weirdly gentle with me as though I’m vulnerable, delicate rice paper. Or maybe a child, and he’s cheerleading me over the tiniest of achievements. It feels off for so many reasons. He’s kept touching non-existent since I pulled myself together and seems somehow warmer since I broke down.

“I’m hungry.” I point out, dodging conversation because I’m embarrassed and disappointed in myself for losing my shit like that. Walking ahead in the street and aiming for the hot dog vendor in the near distance while dodging other walkers this late in the day. It’s growing dark, and the city lights make everything glow with an unnatural yellowish ambiance. We came out for air after I calmed down, and t