no thoughts, just a six-year-old Andrew Minyard at the doctorās office with strep throat. A little girl is sitting with him in the waiting room eating a Happy Meal on her momās lap. Andrew traces circles into his own hands, thinking that the comforting taste of chicken nuggets and french fries would help him feel better. He knows heās not supposed to ask for things, but a pang of desperation makes him forget to be cautious. He sits up straight, gathering his courage, and turns to his foster dad to ask if they can get a Happy Meal on the way home.
āNo,ā his foster dad snaps. āIt was already enough of an inconvenience bringing you here.ā
no thoughts, just a six-year-old Andrew Minyard shrinking back into himself as tears sting in his eyes. A six-year-old Andrew Minyard learning not to want things.
no thoughts, just a twenty-year-old Nicky Hemmick leaving the doctorās office with Andrew who probably has strep throat, but wouldnāt let the doctor get close enough to check. Drained from the day, Nicky stops at the McDonaldās drive thru and asks Andrew what he wants. Andrew snaps that he isnāt hungry. Nicky decides to buy him a Happy Meal as a way of avoiding food waste if Andrew truly isnāt hungry, but also so Andrew has something to eat if he actually is hungry.
no thoughts, just a twenty-year-old Nicky Hemmick feeling guilty for not having the energy to make something at home for Andrew to eat, and not knowing heās given Andrew exactly what he needed.
