Summary

In Chapter 18, Bug is soaring when he leaves Moira’s house to talk to his mother. He believes that his mother will accept his decision instantly without question and Bug can start his new life. As he gets closer to home, he worries more and more that his mother might not be as accepting of his discovery as he hoped. He remembers the terrible stories he read of parents who did not accept their transgender children.

Even though the door of their house is heavy, it opens easily when Bug goes inside. When Bug’s mother sees him, Bug watches the emotions play across her face, finally ending with a smile that reaches her eyes. Instead of any of the fancy speeches Bug had planned, Bug simply tells his mother that he is a boy. Bug’s mother walks to him and gives...