CHAPTER 9: SMART ALECK

While pacing around our room, I comment, "That was..."

Mark interjects with a quip, "Weird? Unexpected? Revealing?"

"Not quite," I respond, gazing at him with a serious expression. He raises his hands playfully in defense. "What's your take?" I stop staring once I've asked the question.

Some might find it impolite and bothersome to be told, "Try on the clothes. Your sisters are here. Begin getting to know your mom in a new way. Do whatever you like." But it didn't feel that way to me. It was more like, "Don't let anyone dictate your actions. Follow your instincts." At least, that's how I interpreted it. Now, I'm not entirely sure which perspective is better.

"Okay, but how should I approach it?" I head over to the bed and lie down beside him.

He rises to go to the bathroom. "I'm not entirely sure. You'll figure it out. Trust your instincts." "It's almost nighttime. If you're still feeling anxious when you wake up, we can talk again," he says with a smile before disappearing into t