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“I miss the beach,” says Vann “I loved the beach The beach was ht me real peace, my only peace”

I flinch,to copy his hands Or is it hio to this beach town as a kid, down by the Gulf It’s my only happy memory I have with my family, stepbrother and stepdad included”

“I miss the taste of salt on my face” He chuckles “It’s a weird way to say it, but it’s how it feels like”

“The taste … of salt … on your face,” I htfully

“Don’t break the chain,” Vann half-scolds me

“Sorry” I clearBut the Spruce pool is only open during the summer, and it’s always overrun by children who probably pee in it I don’t get to go out to the Strong Ranch to swim, unless Jimmy’s home”

“I wishat me like I’m a monster”

“I …” His words catch ain I try to stay focused “I … wish my stepdad would respect me more”

“I’ a motorcycle”

My face wrinkles up “You want to steal a motorcycle?”

“It belongs to me My mom has the keys I want it back Don’t break the chain, Toby,” he growls again

“Sorry, sorry,” I hiss, then snap back to it “I wish I … hadout

Now it’s Vann’s turn to hesitate After a moment, his voice softens when he says, “I’et to spend more time around you, and you make this town suck less A lot less,” he adds, his eyes flicking to mine

I feel ot kicked out of your old school and ca a slow, painful death in this town until you arrived”

“I wasn’t actually kicked out All my friends were rich pricks with trust funds Cash to burn Drugs Alcohol Connections”

My eyes flash “I … I think I’m the reason my dad left”

Vann stopsout the worst in people, no matter where I live”