Social Themes
"No. It's not okay. You're not going." He used the voice.
"Excuse me?" "You can't tell me what to do!"
"Oh yes I can—I'm your father!"
"Since when?"
I hit something.
I have no idea what it is. All I know is that my bike slams to such a sudden stop that my butt comes off the seat and my feet leave the pedals. But I continue to grip the handlebars because I have the crazy idea that if I just hang on, everything will be okay.
My face is wet from the rain, but the water trickling across my lips tastes of salt, and I realize I am crying. I shift forward slightly and open my fingers on the reins, letting Keltie increase her pace as we disappear into the trees. The sodden leaves muffle the sound of her hooves. Out here in the woods, I feel safe.
"First dead person, kid?" John says as he pulls the ambulance into traffic.
I decide not to answer him, because I don’t want to get into it. I eye Holly, but she's not answering for me. How much does she know?
I'm not alone in my obsession. I'm just more organized than most guys. I keep track of things.
