After FKK leaves he walks Karen to her car. Thanks for coming, he says. My pleasure. They’re really sweet girls. And your dad is nice, too. Sorry he doesn’t talk much, Xie says. Karen smirks. Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, she says. Dropping a small velveteen bag into his palm. What’s this? She shrugs. Present. He pinches the bag between his fingers. Pouring a necklace into his palm. Silver medal. A boy in a field, arm aloft. St. Pancratius pray for us. He’s the patron saint of young people, right? she says. Teresa’d be more obvious, but. He’s a local. Xie’s smile as he puts it over his head, tucking it beneath his hoodie. I love it. I’m glad, Karen says. Make sure you eat more of that cake, yeah? You’re getting skinny. Patting his side. Last smile before getting into her car. When he goes back into the house his father is at the table, elbows spread, leafing through Nova’s book. You know this person? I met her once, Xie says. A few months ago. Met her where? Xie hesitates. At a, um, environmental activism thing. In town? Yeah. Erik frowns. I don’t seem to know much about how you spend your time, he says. Turning a page: What to Do If You’re Arrested. If you plan on doing something stupid, I hope you’ll warn me. We can’t afford another surprise. Closing the book. Xie quiet, gripping the back of a chair. Why do you assume that I’d do something stupid? I don’t, I just—all I want is for you to try. Try what? To just. Be happy. Erik looks at him, steady. Long silence. I am, Xie says. I’m trying. P. opposite his father, very bright. Taking more and more of the room, as if. Marking his territory. Almost all of it, now, his, and Erik in a sliver of shadow. Xie starts to gather the dishes but Erik rises, puts a hand on his shoulder to stop him. Let me do it. Taking Karen’s plate from his hand. Your mother sent a card, he says. It’s on the table. Xie opens it. A hundred-dollar bill and a card with a dog wearing a birthday hat. Hope you have a barking good time. Love, Mommy. He rips the card in half. Folds the pieces into the trash. His father filling the sink with water. Did Karen talk to you? Xie asks. Mm. What did she say? Erik dips a plate into the water. She told me what I already know. Xie frowns. What, that I’m not doing what MacAdams wants me to do? That I fuck everything up? His father’s elbow working in a circle as he scrubs. No, he says. That you are extraordinary.