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Chapter 8 Content Warning: Dysphoria “Good Morning Cate,” Virginia, the therapist greeted me as I sat down on the couch. I made a grunting acknowledgement. I think one of the things I miss most about my previous life was coffee in the morning. It’s not that I’m dragging, cause I’m not. This body isn’t addicted to caffeine like my previous one, but the taste and the jolt typically cuts through typical Monday bullshit. Like this therapy session. “How was your first week at PAA? Where would you like to start this morning?” I simply shrugged. “A coffee would be nice.” Virginia got up from her chair, walked over to the coffee pot and started pouring into a coffee mug. “I would like to start with everything that’s happened in the week since we last met.” “I went to class. I met people.” When she was done pouring, she handed the mug to me. I looked at it. The mug was warm, and the aroma was enticing. I didn't actually expect her to give me coffee, so this was a pleasant surprise.

Interlude 3 - Lulu’s Story Two years ago, Louis was at a yard sale. Typically, he paid no attention to people putting junk out on their front lawn, but as he rode his bike past this one, something caught his eye. Something shiny. He got off his bike and made his way onto the lawn where other people were browsing tables of items for sale. The item that caught his eye was a bracelet. Louis wasn’t into bracelets, so he was unsure what really prompted him to check this one out. The bracelet seemed like it was glowing and was calling to him. The price tag on it was $5. He had a sudden inspiration. This would be a cool gift for Mother’s Day, he realized. He didn’t even try to haggle the price down. He just pulled a $5 bill from his wallet and bought the bracelet. Louis put the bracelet into his shorts pocket, got back on his bike and continued home. As soon as he was inside, he ran to his room to hide the gift somewhere his mother couldn't find it. Before putting the bracelet away