Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

Aven’s mom urges Aven to encourage Connor to attend a support group for kids with Tourette syndrome. Initially, Connor does not want to go, but Aven insists that it is for her too, because she would like more friends. The group is facilitated by Andrea, who also has Tourette’s. They meet Dexter, a boy who has coprolalia, a less common form of Tourette’s. Dexter involuntarily shouts inappropriate words and phrases, including “chicken nipple.” He also has OCD. Other kids include Josh, who has motor tics and whoops; Rebecca, who must wear gloves because she slaps herself; Jack who shrieks and has other tics; Mason, who pulls his hair and has over 50 tics; and Zachary, who rolls his shoulders. Though he is nervous at first, Connor relaxes into the group’s lighthearted conversation. Aven finds the group reassuring because no one cares that she has no arms. Connor agrees that meeting the group was a positive experience, but still wishes he did not have Tourette’s.

As fall advances, Aven continues to practice soccer with her dad, though she is becoming less interested in the sport. At school, kids have become used to her and ignore Aven instead of staring at her.