I chose contrition. And feigned
 
 ignorance. “What do you mean?”
 
 He came right to the point.
 
 It’s like you’ve become a whole
 
 different person lately.
 
 Not all of me. Just the Bree part.
 
 Not all the time.
 
 Just with the monster.
 
 Did something happen
 
 at your dad’s?
 
 Like he wanted to hear about Dad.
 
 Like he really wanted to know
 
 he and Mom were 100% right on.
 
 Don’t take this wrong, okay?
 
 You aren’t doing drugs, are you?
 
 What was I supposed to do—
 
 admit it? I shook my head in
 
 hearty denial.
 
 I know adolescence is a time
 
 for experimentation…
 
 Oh, yes, he knew. And my mom did
 
 too. Dad told me all about how they
 
 used to get high together.
 
 but I hope you’ll think twice before
 
 you do. You’ve got a lot to lose.
 
 I bit my lip, filled my eyes with
 
 innocence, let it encourage tears.
 
 “I know, Scott. I promise to think twice.”
 
 He Talked at Me Awhile Longer
 
 I smiled, nodded, apologized