today is the first day of fall, today is the summer equinox—had become full blown events around which entire aisles of the Party City off the freeway revolved. Jupiter’s school was private, he and Aurora had allowed themselves the luxury. Their hallway decorations were paid for by an alumni banquet. “I’m not asking you again,” he said, calmly. “Sit down.” Jupiter stalled to a halt in front of his chair. Jutting his bottom lip out, he climbed up beside Gabriel and lay his head face down on the tabletop. “You’ve got two worksheets,” Gabriel said. “You finish these, you can go play. Fair?” “No.” Jupiter raised his head, scrabbling for a pencil. “Twelve times four,” he said, “thirty six.” “That’s not right.” “Yes it is.” “Twelve times four, Jupe. What’s two times four? Eight. It should have an eight in it.” Jupiter scrawled a loopy ‘8’ into the second box, looking up at Gabriel expectantly. “I’m not doing it for you,” said Gabriel. “You already did half of it for me.” “Jupiter, you need to work this out for yourself.” “I don’t remember.” “Then think through it. You know how to do it.” “No I don’t,” Jupiter said, louder. He got up before Gabriel could stop him, standing on his chair. “I’m stupid, I’m stupid, I’m stupid.” “Jupiter—” Jupiter was laughing, bobbing in and out of Gabriel’s reach. “I’m stupid I’m stupid—” “That’s enough.” “I’m stupid I’m stupid I’m stupid I’m stupid.” “Alright,” Gabriel said, heard himself saying it, “alright then, Jupe, you’re stupid. Is that what you want?” The silence that followed nearly made him shiver. Jupiter stood rigidly on the chair beside him, the last I’m stupid still a trace on his lips. Gabriel’s ears were ringing. Already the
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