My mother's mouth drops. 'Emmy...don't say those things Emmy. Remember, we don't talk about those things.'' Yes Mom. I remember. That's why I'm here, looking like this.'An orderly knock on the door and announces that visiting time is over. My mother and I look at each other awkwardly, and hug.' I love you,' she says.' I love you too, Mom.'' You aren't telling them too much are you?' she asks, afraid. I sign. 'No Mommy, I'm not.' She's visibly relieved. She leaves the room. The orderly comes back and escorts me back into the main room. I just sit and laugh to myself." (after Emmy's suicide attempt) ~ The Finer Points of Becoming Machine