ould still recall how he felt during his first few months at Laos International High School.

ntil Troy

f getting people to open up. More than anything, he understood what it meant to carry emotional wound

while Sam grew to respect Troy, he still kept so

ly asked, "So... what exactl

"You ready t

, then gave a

ause you're my guy," Troy said, lowerin

no

e skip school twice a week, randomly, to avoid suspicion. Then we del

" Sam e

grinned. "After the weekly audit, he adds a

I ask... what's

you know, the better. Just focus on getti

around. What if we get caught-by the school or worse, the police? We're not even adults. If we

on changed. He

eat your dad was. Well, guess what-this isn't Neverland. This city doesn't care i

pped c

nanny. You could pay your tuition. You could aim for a

orry about directions. I'll guide you. I wouldn'

ye. "Stop whining. Act like a

e John - a man who, despite their situation, never complained about the burden of takin

nd appliances disappearing, sold to cover mounting debt. Th

ok the old time clo

l of hi

c of h

of everythi

oment was his time to act-to start pushing back against life

a man means, he thought. T

p his mind to ask Troy

oached Troy and said, "Give me a

is closing, Sam. Mr. Reddington is

eone-caught Sam's eye near

of the unforgiving sun, radiating like something ou

thing about her

t even he could hear it in his chest. As she

sidewalk and crossed

r voice like a melody h

am

him lik

feelings. The hear

isbelief, then

ya.