A Physics Prodigy From Ukraine

9.

“Ryan?”
I looked from the desk to Jon and back down again.
I was late again.

Jon had a sheet in his hand.
He was waving it about frantically.
“Ryan, are you even listening?!”
Mum jabbed me in the ribs.
I scratched my arm.

I wasn’t going to listen.
His sheet was covered in numbers.
I didn’t want them.

I scratched my arm.

Growing flower buds clung to the trees as the wind battered them off the window.
So soon until summer.
I didn’t want that either.

Jon started speaking again and I switched off.
I was tired.

I thought he would be better off…
Moving - Dr. Smith suggested…
Well, right now, Trazodone at 300mg…
More efficient, less side-effects…
Less fatigue - start on 150mg…
SSRI…
More information…
Dr. Smith…

I had met Dr. Smith once.
He had a wide, smiling face.
And a semi-beard.
He thought he could trick me.

I didn’t like him.

I let my eyes close for a second.
So tired.

“Ryan!”

Damn.