Outside Reading #5

James goes on a walk at the rehab center, and he tries to lose himself and think about nothing: 

"I listen to the leaves. I stare at the ground. I try to lose myself. I try to forget where I am and why I'm here, I try to forget about what lies in front of me. I try to forget about death, Prison and recovery. I try to forget that here is a World outside of that which is in my head and I try to froget that there is a world within my head. I try to forget everything. The whole fucking mess. I walk, stare, try to lose, try to lose, try to lose... I want to forget, but I can't" (Frey 140).

Often, people try to forget the bad things that have happened to them, but it never works. When it comes down to it, forgetting never helps. The people at the center try to tell James that. They say that the 12 steps are the only way, but he still tries to find an alternative. He is not yet willing to give the 12 steps at try.