Chapter One

Jack’s First Day Of College

I took a deep breath, staring out at the brick buildings and green quads of the campus, and then glanced over at my dad. His face was a little grayer than it used to be, the skin under his eyes slack from too many nights of restless sleep. The prior year had been difficult, now that Mom was gone. It was a miracle I’d even made it here.

“Jack,” he said, giving me a half-smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, “this is your chance. A fresh start. I want you to make the most of it. Forget about all the… tough stuff we’ve been through.” He reached over and clapped a hand on my shoulder, his grip tighter than usual. “Your mom would want this for you. She’d want you to live your life, have some fun. College is where you’ll forge bonds that will last the rest of your life. These are supposed to be the best years, right?”

I nodded, though my throat was so tight I couldn’t get any words out. The thought of leaving him behind—alone in that house where every room still had some memory of her—felt like peeling off a layer of skin.

He gave me a small, forced laugh and squeezed my shoulder. “Listen, I don’t want you worrying about me. I’ll be fine. I want you to make friends, go to parties… hell, even break a few rules if you have to.”

I managed a weak laugh in return, more to humor him than anything. He gave me another squeeze and then pulled me into a hug, holding on longer than usual. I felt his breath hitch, and I knew he was trying not to lose it.

“Love you, kiddo,” he said, pulling back and blinking fast. “Go make me proud.”

“Love you too, Dad,” I murmured, trying to keep my own eyes dry. But it was too late—the tears were already stinging at the edges.

He gave me one last nod, a look that was equal parts pride and worry, and then he turned and got into the car. I watched as he drove off, feeling a strange emptiness settle in my chest.

“I’m going to make this work,” I whispered, wondering if Mom could hear me. “The next four years will change my life forever.”