He was a big part of my life. He and Grandma came over every Sunday for dinner, and that was always his philosophy. My grandma would ask about my grades, but he would ask me about the fun stuff I did that week.

Somehow, him talking about it on his deathbed just solidified the man I wanted to be. The fact that he died happy, surrounded by a family who loved him, really made me want to strive to do the same.

It stuck with me, even five years later. He died, but he left me with that. It’s why I try like crazy not to take things so seriously. Why I want to have fun.

And it gave me the strength to end it with Kennedy.

That shit wasn’t fun for anybody.

10. Camden

TEN

CAMDEN

“What are you doing here?” I stand at my window, looking at my best friend, who’s only in a hoodie, despite it being pretty cold outside. “Where’s your coat?”

“Just let me in.” He sounds sad. He looks damn sad. I huff but move out of the way so he can climb into my window like he always does. I have no idea why he never uses the front door. It’s not that late, and it’s a Saturday.

This week sucked. We barely spoke to each other, and to say I’m surprised to see him here is an understatement. After closing the window, he stands there with his hands in his pockets, looking awkward, like he doesn’t know what to do. Which is really fucking weird. “What’s up? You okay?”

He shakes his head slowly and then sits on the edge of my bed, still looking uncomfortable. I don’t know what’s going on, but I know it’s not good at all. He hasn’t looked like this since his grandpa died.

“Kingston. You’re freaking me out. What’s going on?” I sit next to him on my bed, wearing a black t-shirt and flannel pajama pants my mom got me last Christmas. I was planning to go to bed soon, since I have to wake up early to go cut firewood. But if he needs me, I’m here.

“I broke up with Kennedy.”

Okay, didn’t expect that. Still, it’s not like someone died. “O-kay. I’m sure you guys can fix it.” I try to swallow away the bile my statement causes to rise in my throat and push away my own feelings because that’s what I do best. He needs me right now. “In fact, I know you can. You guys have been through rough patches before.”

He shakes his head at me, looking determined. “I don’t want to fix it. I want to be done with her. I can’t take it anymore, Cam. I can’t do it.”