Nick Hoover

Region: Northeast

City / State: New York, NY

 Grow your child up! He’s fine, he gets like this sometimes. It’ll pass. I’m from the ocean! I shout back. I grew up in the cold, in the waiting room of a jail. Did you hear that? You’re just being paranoid, baby, I told you I’m not going anywhere. Please, just sit down. Grow your child up! Stop screaming! People will hear. Please don’t make me say it again. Are you really gonna take his side? The body wants what it wants. I’m sorry, can I start over? I’m disassociating again. Starting over isn’t the same as letting go. I know, I say. I know. All I’m asking for is a little help. Was I not clear before? Grow your child up!—Stop! Please! Am I moving forward? Someone press the button, something’s off. I worry the words aren’t working. Are you seeing this? Can you tell I’m regressing? Am I making my point? I’m sorry, let me start over.