How to Avoid Sex (23 page)

Roots that had bonded themselves to my legs snapped free. Insects that had made me their home began to scurry. The more I was lifted the more I thought about my parents’ intentions. I started to feel as if I were cheating myself, copping out. I wanted to be a son my parents could be proud of. If I allowed them to help me up they would forever look upon me with disrespect. I couldn’t allow that to happen. I asked my father to put me back down. He tentatively stopped and asked me several times if I was completely sure. I nodded confidently and reasserted my desire to be put back down. I saw a smile bloom on my fathers face as he gently lowered me. The insects scurried back to their home and my mother embraced my father with such pride. She moved toward me and gave me a kiss before wrapping her arms tightly around me. She told me that I was doing the right thing. My father nodded vigorously, giving me a double thumbs-up as he did. I managed a meagre smile and watched as my parents went back into the house. For the immediate future, I would remain in the splits.