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Prologue

GAGE

To whom it may concern,

My narade, andthe whole class write letters to soldiers

I like riddles, do you?

This one always h:

What currency do they use in space?

My h

Gotta go do my homework now!

Your friend, Tommy

I couldn’t help my chuckle as I read the boy’s letter I’ve been in the Navy for fifteen years, and I think this is the best letter I’ve ever received My family writes me every once in a while, but this is different I have a real chance to connect with soht need me

After being in this hell hole for soworse rather than better, I like the idea of starting fresh once my tour is over in six months

Tommy

“I hate you!” I’ain because my dad ditched me I don’t hate her; I know she does the best she can I just wish my dad were here

“Toory Anderson” Her voice is quiet, and I can tell she’s sad I hate h, and she doesn’t understand that “What is going through your s, baby?”

I’ down my cheeks I don’t kno to make her understand that I need my dad “Cassie threw that stupid pencil first She deserved it!”

“Miss G said– “

“Miss G is stupid! You’re stupid! Cassie’s stupid!” I see the tears pool in Mom’s eyes at my words, and mine stream down my face harder

Sto my feet, I run up todown on my bed, I scream into my pillow like I’ve seen Mom do so many times before

I just want my dad

Paisley

I ache for my little boy’s pain I hate that he feels abandoned by h school sweethearts, had our entire lives planned We thought ere ready to be intimate at sixteen

We were so wrong