Symptoms of Being Human

Solo and Bec take Riley to Park Hills Community Hospital, where Riley is examined. Through hazy periods of consciousness, Riley’s parents arrive to support them. Riley remains emotionally conflicted in the aftermath of their reaction to Riley’s coming out. They urge Riley to talk to the police, but Riley refuses.

Solo visits Riley and tries to cheer them up with pink Starbursts and Doctor Who. When Riley asks if Bec also came, Solo responds that Bec hasn’t been answering her phone. He apologizes for telling Riley that they invited harassment with the way they dress, and offers his Chewbacca backpack to Riley, though Riley insists he keep it. Solo reveals that he and Bec went looking for Riley after Bec found out online that Riley was outed. Bec “just seemed to know where to go” (274-275), though she “was freaking out” (275), and Riley mentions it may have something to do with Bec’s transgender sister. Solo promises to watch more episodes of Doctor Who with Riley and leaves wearing his Chewbacca backpack.

Riley is discharged from the hospital on Thursday morning, plagued with guilt that their parents are taking time away from work and the reelection campaign to take care of them.