“Remember to use ‘I’ instead of ‘you,’” Micah reminded him.

The discussion escalated as David grew angry and impatient, and Justin became defensive. Karina was uncomfortable watching what felt like a private altercation between two people along with a gallery of observers, though there was also a bit of a voyeuristic thrill in it.

Ericka, who was always cheerful with everyone, spoke up. “Justin, I was disappointed when we went to the grocery store last week. You left me to go wandering through the produce section, tasting samples and chatting up the staff.” Ericka’s tone was nonconfrontational. Micah was nodding. “I was just disappointed you weren’t really my partner.” After she spoke, Justin’s posture changed. He sat on the floor with his knees folded, his arms wrapped loosely around them, staring at a spot on the floor. Justin was the newest person in the house other than Karina, and his discomfort at this moment became hers. She made a mental note to be more helpful around the house with meals and cleanup, even when she was exhausted.

“Justin, how do you feel, hearing that?” Micah asked.

“Feels shitty, man.” Justin scratched at his sideburn and shook his head. “I don’t mean to be a free rider here, but I guess that’s what I’ve been doing.” He looked up now, around the circle. “It’s no excuse, but it’s just nice to be in a place where I can count on people, you know? Where everybody”—Karina was surprised to hear a crack in his gruff voice—“everybody takes care of me.” He sniffed, brushed his nose roughly with his thumb. “I never had that before, you know, growing up with a drunk mom and no dad. Nobody ever gave a shit about me.”

Karina felt her throat swell as Justin’s voice caught, recognizing that sense of feeling alone, if not as neglected as he’d been. He cleared his throat and continued. “I’m not used to being able to count on people. I guess I was taking advantage of that.” He hung his head and spoke the next words softly. “I’m sorry, people. I’m genuinely sorry. I’ll do better.”

Karina looked around the group, unsure how to react. To her surprise, it was David who stood up and crossed the circle. He reached a hand toward Justin, pulled him to his feet and gave him a bear hug. David braced his strong hands on each of Justin’s shoulders and said, “I just want you to be the best you can be, man.” Justin nodded, then Ericka stood to embrace him. Karina wondered if they were all expected to repeat this gesture and readied herself to stand, but Micah spoke up. “Let’s take ten minutes and meet back here.”

Micah, David and Justin huddled together, and Karina walked over to the patio and found August lighting up a cigarette. “Is that allowed?” she asked. August smiled wryly and shook his head. “Not usually, but I get a reprieve during group circle. So tense sometimes, I need something to take the edge off, you know?”