Last year Jason’s family took a vacation to a beach house in New Jersey. Jeremy was disappointed that they didn’t go to Disneyland, so his dad took him to Six Flags. Jason and his mom stayed behind at the beach house because Jason does not enjoy rides or amusement parks: They are too loud, bright, and overstimulating for him.

Jason and his mother go out for lunch at a fancy restaurant while Jeremy and their dad are away. While his mom is using the bathroom, Jason waits outside on a bench, reading his book. Two teenage girls are whispering about him nearby, talking about how cute he is. One of the girls decides to come over and talk to him. Jason is aware that when he sits still, reading his book, he appears neurotypical. But as soon as the girls approach, he loses control of his body, making facial expressions and body movements that the girls call “gross” and “weird.” Jason’s initial excitement at a girl thinking he’s cute is gone. He decides this means he will never have a girlfriend, even though his mother tells him he will someday. He receives an email from PhoenixBird and regains a glimmer of hope.