ping, clutchi

e bedroom window. My bedroom

w to my pho

he day M

e godda

d, my heart hammering

The pillow. Dad'

could

to fin

e, a wild hope battl

ere. Pack

ik

ror was back in his eye

d me?" he whispe

u doing? We

He grabbed his box

house. A "For Sale" sign was

e door a crack, her

e're leaving. Ple

d the door

or later told a nosy neighbor

cornered Alex in

ee, Alex? You h

e he was goin

t stay away from u

his arm fr

lled. S

pariah.

cold, coiling

ened when