I Said “OK” When My Family Refused to Pick Me Up

It rearranged itself.

Into something quiet.

Steady.

I could have explained.

I could have told them about the consent forms I signed at two in the morning while trying not to think about the math.

I could have told them the word experimental appeared on those papers more than once.

I could have described the night when the monitors screamed and the nurse held my hand until the alarms stopped.

I could have typed one word.

Please.

Instead, I wrote two letters.

“OK!”

Then I placed the phone face-down beside me.

And I watched the world move around me.

An airport is a strange place when you’re forced to sit still.