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During one ca their tent, the two boys started a fire They grilled soht earlier in the day Afterward, Stanley and Roy sat around the ca to do when you get older," asked Stanley He looked up to Roy as if he were an older brother

"Me? I don't know Stanley Probably the sa to be lion food one day"

Both boys burst into laughter

"Really, you're not going to do anything different?" Stanley asked

"I don't quite know It's kind of hard to think about it, 'cause we're only fourteen I guess I'll be doing the sa then as I aave itplan for the future?"

"Papa says I' to live with my Aunt and Uncle in Missouri and make the family proud"

"A veterinary doctor, eh? You do like aniuess thathis best friend around bothered Roy "Would you come back to Arizona afterward?"

"Sure," but Stanley didn't sound too confident of his stateo to veterinary school?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Is this what you want to do, or so your papa wants for you?"

This time, Stanley went quiet and stared into the fire Then quickly looking up he reassured Roy concerning his intentions "It's okay Roy You and I will always be friends Right?"

"That's right Stanley; friends forever"

Roy did not like to think about the future that aze at the family cemetery as a reminder of how dismal the future had been for his kinfolk Too many deaths stained Roy's faht noas all that , exploring, and being independent I can't change the future; Roy thought

Reflecting on his faht future He had heard his father talk about the struggles between him and Grandfather William, and Thaddeus was always sad whenever he talked about the past Roy wanted no part in extending the family pain, but he also didn't have a crystal ball to see into the future Letting his hts and focused on the here and now