I take a breath and let it out slow. Because I know what I was right about now, even if I didn’t know why. My pen touches the page, and I scrawl a single line across the blank paper.

I knew I needed to come home.

Acknowledgments

There are probably four thousand people I can thank here. Coworkers who are kind on a hard day. People who let me in during rush hour. Baristas who make my coffee and make me laugh. My giant fur ball, Wookiee, who always uses all 112 pounds of himself to hug me when I’m sad. Friends who lift me up. Friends who make me think. In truth, if you’re in my life—if I’ve laughed with you or talked with you or shared a meal with you in this last year—you are part of why this is possible. Thank you all.

But there are a few people that this process is impossible without.

To Jody. Always. Your voice on the other end of the line is my anchor. You steady me in the storms, my dear friend. I can’t thank you enough.

To my brilliant rock star agents, Devin Ross and Suzie Townsend, who make every bit of this process smoother and easier and more fun. I am so lucky to have you on my team.

To my unstoppable, unbeatable Sourcebooks Fire team: Eliza Swift, whose instincts and comments turn my poopy rough draft into something I’m proud to have written, Cassie Gutman, Sarah Kasman, the art team who designed this gorgeous cover, and the marketing geniuses who do things I truly don’t understand. My publishing house is the best because of you. Thank you.

To my wonderful OHYA sisters, but in particular Edith Patou and Margaret Peterson Haddix, who offer kindness, wisdom, and friendship. Thank you all so much.

For the wondrous librarians in my life who offer so much support, Christina and Liz and Ben with his endless Cold Car commentary. You are wonders to me. I am beyond grateful.

To so many fellow writers who help me keep my chin up when this gig is rough. Mindy McGinnis, Robin Gianna, Jasmine Warga, Jen Maschari, Carmella Van Vleet, Nancy Roe Pimm, Romily Bernard, and so many others. Thank you for getting it and for encouraging me time and again.

To David, for endless patience and understanding with the travel and the deadlines. Thank you so much for all the support. And always, always, always, to the loves and lights of my life: Ian, Adrienne, and Lydia. Every word. Every book. All of this is possible because of the joy and love and hope you bring into my world. You are the air in my lungs, guys. I love you.

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