I lean in and whisper: “The drugs belonged to my parents.”

Bonnie wrinkles her forehead, and I am surprised to see she’s drawn the line at Botox. I can tell my response was not the turn she expected my story to take.

“It’s really hard being raised by people who get high all the time.”

Bonnie nods sympathetically. “Tell me more about that.”

One of the benefits of being an aspiring writer is that you learn to get pretty good at changing the narrative. Being born with a wild imagination makes you an expert liar—which is a very useful skill set in therapy.

“I wouldn’t even know where to start, Bons.”

Gabriela

Check your email. I sent you a photo. My cell service is touch and go here these days.

Parisa

OK, checking now…

Whoa. Who is that? Is that you?

Gabriela

It’s my grandma!

Parisa

OMG. No way. She looks so much like you!

Gabriela

I know! It’s so weird. Julia and Elena got out a bunch of pictures of our family, and honestly, it was such a mind fuck.

Parisa

I have chills.

Gabriela

Would it be insane if I just knock on their door one day?

Parisa

No. Not crazy at all. Life is short, remember?

Gabriela

How could I forget?

Parisa

But I don’t want you to get hurt. You might have to emotionally prepare yourself for it not being what you want it to be.

Either way, I support whatever decision you make. And I hope if and when they do meet you, they get down on their knees and beg for your forgiveness. I feel sorry for them to be honest. They’ve missed out on knowing you.

Gabriela

Thanks for saying that.

I don’t think I’m ready to put myself out there yet. Too raw these days.

Parisa

Tell me about it.

Gabriela

Maybe I could just make friends with them and not tell them I’m their long-lost nieta.

Parisa

That would never work. You look exactly like her.

Gabriela

Right. I forgot.

I can’t decide if having this picture of her makes me feel happy or sad. Or if it’s just hard to feel happy in a pandemic, so I’m sad by default.

Parisa

I read the other day that the six-month mark is when quarantine depression really sets in. That’s where we are now.

BTW, I missed school today. My first real sick day.

Gabriela

WHAT? BUT YOU HAVE PERFECT ATTENDANCE.

Parisa

Not anymore. I just woke up this morning and I couldn’t bring myself to stare at a computer screen for five hours. I’m not Zooming in for Climate Club or student council either. I need a break.

Maybe all my motivation is gone now that I’ve applied to college.

Gabriela

Senioritis is real!

Parisa