More Happy Than Not

Aaron meets Thomas at the ice cream parlor he works at. Thomas promptly quits his job and explains to Aaron that he “always [quits] things [he’s] tired of dealing with” and “always will” (50). He declares himself to be a quitter without any shame and is pleased when Aaron agrees that people can quit anything they want, as long as it’s not something that’s a good fit.

They start a game of Manhunt with some other boys, and Aaron takes Thomas to one of the roofs to hide. They talk about Aaron’s relationship with Genevieve, during which Aaron confesses that he tried to kill himself after his father’s suicide. Thomas says that the remaining scar on Aaron’s wrist looks like a smile without eyes. The boys also talk about their hopes and dreams; Thomas wants to be a film director. Brendan and Baby Freddy suddenly appear and surprise them, causing Aaron to jump to his feet as though he’s been doing something wrong.

They are caught by the hunter and, as they look for other players, Aaron tells Thomas about Genevieve’s upcoming birthday and what he should do to celebrate it. Thomas says he has an idea and offers a plan to give her the stars.