the art of living

the art of living

Just about every website said that a ninety day detox was the best for everyone in James’ situation, but his insurance only covered sixty, so that’s what he got. In those two months, Salem had the best summer of her life. She was about to graduate highschool. She learnt how to drive and showed Miles how to drive in the empty spot by their house. She began working at the grocery store down the road, saving up and pulling her life together. Getting ready for college and volunteering in shelters. She spent nearly everyday underneath the summer Texan sun, growing tanner and the bright pink in her hair faded to a rusty blonde that she didn’t bother redying. It was the best summer she’s ever had, spending every single minute possible outside of the house. Polar to her, Miles had the worst summer of her life. She spent two months moping around, sobbing into Salem’s shoulder as if James being gone was the end of the world. She played his stupid guitar and listened to his shitty indie band vinyls – Salem hated the Strokes. Miles slept in his jackets and hid in his room when she could. She tried out for the summer musical, talented enough to land a small role. The role in the play kept her busy enough to not be a walking pile of tears. At least she wasn’t moping around about James, Salem thought guiltily. Kerian had a typical, normal summer as it only consisted of working. It also consisted of family and individual therapy. Kerian also had twenty minute phone calls to James once a week on Fridays. And calls to James’ treatment team, talking about where James stood, how he was doing. Every time Salem ducked into the house for dinner, she was met with a quick update on how her twin brother was doing. Salem, shrugged most of the time. All of Kerian’s updates melted her brain together like some kind of brain slushie. She didn’t want to know how James was doing. She could not bring herself to care.