Jerry drives because his mother can’t get out of bed. She took Xie’s hand, little rub of his knuckles with her thumb. ’Bye, honey. Be good. ’Bye, Mom. In the car a medal of Saint Christopher hanging over the mirror. Xie squints. Are you Catholic? Jerry’s eyebrows, What? The medal. Oh. Oh, yeah, no, that was just—my sister gave that to me, kind of a joke, because of the way I drive. It’s for protection or something. That’s Saint Frances, Xie says. What? Saint Frances is the patron saint of drivers. Not Christopher. Oh, is that right? But I thought Francis was the animal guy? Xie’s brow furrows, No, Frances with an e, she was— Xie shakes his head. Never mind. Quiet as they pull onto the freeway. Endless road. Tom Petty on the radio. Hey, Xie, Jerry begins, voice falsely bright. I wanted to have a little talk with you. Xie scrubbing his forehead with his palms, thinking Shut up shut up shut up. You know, we’ve noticed, your mom’s noticed, how you seem—like it’s hard for you to enjoy things? Do you think that’s fair? I mean, I really respect that you’re interested in certain diets and protecting animals and stuff but it seems like those sentiments are being expressed in a, in an unhealthy sort of way. How so? Well, like getting in trouble out there. I didn’t get in trouble, Xie says, sharp, thinking: I’m not the one in trouble, you are, they are, everything is. I think your parents would disagree, right? I know your mom has been really concerned about everything that’s happened. I mean, we just want you to think about how your actions might affect your future. College, that sort of thing, right? Xie nodding. No prophet is acknowledged in his own village. Saint Christopher swinging against the mirror as they stop suddenly. Xie’s knee banging into the dash. Jerry yelps. Sorry! Guy cut right in front of me, jeez. Gripping the wheel. Two yellow rubber Live Strong bracelets on his wrist. Could you drop me off at the train station, Xie says. What’s that? Could you, he enunciates. Drop me at the train station. What for? Xie’s head back against the seat, eyes closed, almost dead. Taking his last breath to say, Because I’m taking the train, you fucking idiot.