All the Bright Places

Did you know the world’s tallest woman and one of the world’s
tallest men were from Indiana? What does that say about our state?
I check the current time: 1:44 a.m. I write, 
We have greater nutritional
resources than other states?
I watch the page, the house quiet around me. I tell myself he’s probably
asleep by now, that it’s just me who’s awake. I should read or turn out the
light and try to get some rest before I have to get up for school.
Finch writes: 
Also the world’s largest man. I’m worried that our
nutritional resources are actually damaged. Maybe this is one reason I’m
so tall. What if I don’t stop growing? Will you want me just as much
when I’m fifteen feet nine inches?
Me: 
How can I want you then when I don’t want you now?
Finch: 
Give it time. The thing I’m most concerned with is how I’m
going to ride a bike. I don’t think they make them that big.
Me: 
Look on the bright side—your legs will be so long that one of your
steps will be the same as thirty or forty of a regular person’s.
Finch: 
So you’re saying I can carry you when we wander.
Me: 
Yes.
Finch: 
After all, you’re famous.
Me: 
You’re the hero, not me.
Finch: 
Believe me, I’m no hero. What are you doing up, anyway?
74

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Me: 
Bad dreams.
Finch: 
Regular occurrence?
Me: 
More than I’d like.
Finch: 
Since the accident or before?
Me: 
Since. You?
Finch: 
Too much to do and write and think. Besides, who would keep
you company?
I want to say I’m sorry about the 
Bartlett Dirt
—no one really believes the
lies they print; it’ll all die down eventually—but then he writes: