“Um, a dress?” “Why does it have a tail?” “It doesn’t have a tail. It has a sash. The prettiest pink silk sash with sparkly rhinestones ever made! It makes me look like a beauty queen, don’t you think?” “I think it makes you look like a kangaroo in a cotton candy machine.” “A kangaroo? I love kangaroos! They’re like the cutest, most adorable animals in the whole world! Thanks, Abe!” “Ugh, please don’t—why do you have to—okay. Wow. You’re strong.” “Abe,” I say, “do I see a smile?” The corners of his mouth drop. “No, Hinkle. You see a guy struggling to breathe.” Gabby leans down and plants a loud peck on his cheek, which instantly turns red. Then she releases her arms from around his chest, skips over to a mirror on the wall, and plays with her bangs. The corners of Abe’s mouth start to lift again—until he notices me looking at him. Then he frowns and scrubs his tainted cheek with one hand. “I don’t know why you’re all making such a big deal about this,”
