Thumbsucker Page #4

between him and his potential.

And with college just ahead...

- ... Justin needs to maximise right now.

- Yes.

- Well?

- Well, I feel that...

...in light of recent behaviour,

that Justin needs an adjustment.

Justin, have you ever suspected...

...that you were different

from other teenagers?

Not as patient,

can't finish what you've started.

Terrified of being left alone,

but angry when you feel crowded.

- A little.

- It's classic hyperactive teen.

Attention deficit hyperactivity

disorder. ADHD.

We'd like you to think about

a stimulant drug treatment for Justin.

- You mean, like Ritalin?

- That's one of the many drugs...

...that a doctor could prescribe.

There's Adderall, Clonidine, Tenex.

If this is all just coming down

to medication- -

Look, I think that my son can

handle this if he puts his mind to it.

Mr. Geary, don't you feel that Justin

could do much better?

Justin has exhibited...

...some of the behaviour

that fits this particular profile.

Excuse me, these symptoms

they have here, they're pretty vague.

" Ignores information.

Makes mistakes.

Seems restless.

Avoids, dislikes or is reluctant...

...to engage in work that requires

sustained mental effort. "

What'd you think, Justin?

So my problems are

just because I'm hyper?

It says I'll have more confidence

and self- control.

- I'll have better relationships.

- Is that how you feel? Out of control?

It just all sounds too easy to me.

You know, take a pill, change.

What if Mrs. Wood is right?

What if the trouble was, all along,

I just can't concentrate...

...I can't focus on anything?

It just still seems too easy.

Haven't you ever wanted to change?

- Yes, I have. But it's not that simple.

- Maybe it is.

Amazing.

Joel.

What happened?

I changed.

- What do you mean, you've changed?

- I mean, it works.

It really works.

- Your pills?

- Yeah.

I never thought that I

would feel so clear.

- Who'd like to talk on whiteness?

- Whiteness stands for eternity.

The blankness

of uninterrupted time.

It represents both innocence

and extinction.

The beginning and the end.

How are you doing

with the medication?

- I read Moby Dick straight through.

- That's great.

- But how do you feel?

- I feel...

...like me.

I never really did before.

Have you had any other breakthroughs

besides the book?

It used to be kind of a hassle

to put on underwear in the morning.

But now it's kind of easy.

I listened to the words

to the Pledge of Allegiance today...

...and they gave me chills.

I've always felt that you have a real

sensitivity when it comes to language.

And I know that you're smart.

I think that you see a lot more...

...than you take responsibility for.

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