Good Kings Bad Kings

Michelle goes to ILLC to take notes on operations at the facility. Her boss, Tim, wants her to identify areas, such as staff and supplies, that can be cut due to costs. He says ILLC is “hemorrhaging money” away from the company (114). She spends a few days there and mostly interacts with Joanne, since she is the data specialist. Michelle seems bored and uninterested in the place and complains about her gonorrhea and bickering, divorced parents. Joanne seems offended by Michelle, who makes comments about Joanne’s impressive productivity, despite her disability. Joanne asks Michelle if she will also collect data on the health of the patients—rather than just looking at the costs of the facility—but Michelle says no one asked her to do so.

Mia is experiencing sickness and depression as a result of her sexual abuse. Jerry still comes into her room at night and takes advantage of her. Mia is losing focus on school and her relationship with Teddy has unraveled. Joanne and friends ask why she is not with Teddy anymore, but she avoids everything by sleeping and crying in the bathroom.