“Why would you want to go to college, Cam?”

He shrugs like he’s embarrassed, and then there’s a heavy sigh. “To see what’s out there? To get the hell out of Kensley.”

“Why would you want to leave Kensley?” No, no, no. Kennedy can’t be right about this. He can’t want to leave our town.

“Kingston . . .” His voice is quiet, but he’s using that tone he uses when I don’t understand something. “I want to see more of the world. I want more than just . . .” he looks toward the window, a wistful look in his eyes, “oil, cornfields, bonfires, and fucking Dairy Queen.”

“Hey,” I snap, but it’s semi-playful. “Don’t you dare diss the DQ. It’s the shit.”

He smiles at that, his dimples popping on both cheeks when he does. He brushes his hair out of his eyes as he looks back at me. “I’m so sorry I insulted the DQ. That was blasphemous.”

I fold my arms over my solid chest, nodding. “Damn. Straight.”

He laughs and tosses a pillow at me, which I catch easily. “I just want to see if I can get in. That’s all.”

I let myself believe his declaration—one we both know is a lie. Because I see now. I see something I’ve been blind to for so damn long. He wants out.

I stand up, slipping off my shirt and then my jeans, and climb into his bed like I’ve done since we were kids.

“I have to work early in the morning,” he says, but he’s not kicking me out. He never does.

“On a Sunday?”

He nods, yawning. “I’m going over to Mrs. Culver’s to cut firewood. She said I can take what I want, and she’s paying me.”

“Fine. I’ll be quiet then.”

“No, you won’t.” he says, another yawn taking over as he turns out the light.

But I am quiet, even though I have a million questions for him. He has to work early in the morning, and he’s already wrecked.

And also . . . I don’t think I want to really know the answer to any of my questions right now.

3. Camden

THREE

CAMDEN

“Okay, go right in. You’ve got this, kid.” Lucy looks up at me, her hair in pigtails and her eyes wide.

“I don’t want to go to school,” she protests loudly, and I smile, leaning down to look into her sweet eyes and hug her. She’s had a problem with school since day one, and it hasn’t really gotten easier. It’s not that she doesn’t want to learn and play with her friends, but she doesn’t like being away from me all day. Or Mom.