Richard

I send the message before I can stop myself.

Me:What are you up to?

I fix the pillows behind my head as I get settled into my bed for the night. This is the usual routine now, with me getting home late and texting Maya once I’ve eaten and showered. I’ve only been at Dreamland for a few months, and I’ve already fallen into a comfortable ritual that can only lead to one thing: dependence.

A photo of some child’s homework pops up on the screen.

Me:You’re finally learning the alphabet? Nice.

Maya:No. I’m tutoring kids.

Me:At 10 p.m.? Don’t they have a bedtime?

Maya:Yes, but I can’t see my clients at their usual times with my new schedule.

Clients? I didn’t even know she tutored on top of everything else she does. When does she find the time to take care of herself if she’s so damn busy…