2003

Look at it. It's got PTSD.

Him. He has PTSD. I'm trying to fly below the radar. I only have one second chance at this, one chance to fix this mess, and I'll be damned if I don't succeed. As damned as I've been since... Well.

I try not to think about what this will do to "her" family. I no longer need to be vindictive, to rage against her mother; she won't have the chance to do it again. I don't want to think about her sister. I spare Indiana just one wish for a better life as I leave with the new Lionel. I love L names.

It's a long drive. It's such a long drive. Long enough for me to start to be afraid. Long enough for me to stop again. Long enough for Lonnie to trust me.

They don't know they've been stolen. They like their new haircut. They like their new gender. I told them their family is mean. I told them I'm taking them to a nice family. They don't ask questions.

I remember this city. I like this city. This isn't what I meant when I said I wanted to run here.

I remember this city. I hate this city. I don't visit her house. I leave.

I remember this city. I love this city. I don't visit my house. I leave.

I remember this city. I've been here once before. I still know the way home.

Nobody is here. The side door is easy to unlock. I give Lonnie their instructions and I'm gone.

I'm so gone.