#e
,bl ,w>riors

,9 ! spr+ a lady f ! /ate came 6\r h\se 63v9ce my dad 6s5d me 6a mon?-l;g
skills camp at ! ,c>roll ,c5t] =! ,bl 9 ,massa*usetts4 ,:5 %e left1 ,i sd1
8,dad1 y >5't go+ 6make me hang \ )a bun* ( bl dorks =a mon?1 >e y80 ,i
bo2$ my h1d >.d 9 my be/ ,/evie ,wond] impres.n 6make ! po9t1 b h"o/ly "o
side ( me 0 curi\s4 ,i _h be5 a ll impress$ 0! pieces ( equip;t %e _h br"\
al;g 69t]e/ me 9 ! program2 %e _h %[n u a ma*9e t cd scan ! pr9t 9 a book &
r1d ! ^ws 9 a syn!siz$ -put] voice1 ano!r ma*9e t id5tifi$ m"oy1 & %e
promis$ t ! ,c>roll ,c5t] boa/$ f> m impressive gadgets ?an ! "os %e _h
br"\4 ,m 5tic+ ?an ? 0 ! fact t ,i _h n"e met o!r bl p my age1 & ,i wond]$
if ,i wd f9d !m 6be l me4 ,my curios;y seem$ 6pull me4 ,:at sports did !y
play8 ,:at s*ools did !y g to8 ,h[ did !y r1d1 use _! canes1 & c>ry _! lun*
trays "? ! cafet]ia8

8,d y want 6g80 my dad ask$4

8,maybe10 ,i repli$1 & t 0 gd 5 = hm4 ,he sign$ me up4

,:5 we >riv$ at ! c5t]1 my dad & ,i c>ri$ my trunk "? a gazebo1 96a re/or$
old h\se1 & up a spiral /aircase 6my room4 ,! sup]visor gave u a campus
t\r1 %[+ me h[ 6/ay on ! walkways 0slid+ my cane al;g ! bord] 2t ! pave;t
&! grass4 ,on ! campus "! 7 beep+ basketball hoops1 a wood %op ) ,brl
m1sur+ tools1 &a f5c+ c\rt4 8,gd luck10 my dad sd1 %ak+ my h&4

,9 ! 5tr.e (! h\se ,i sat d[n on a b5* next 6"s o!r >rivals4 ,a girl 6my
left 0 sp1k+1 b ,i cdn't figure \ :o %e 0 sp1k+ to4 8,i got a f\r-po9t-oh
,,gpa4 ,i'm ! sm>te/ 9 my class4 ,all ! t1*]s say ,i'm v sm>t40 ,i cdn't
he> any"o 9 front ( u or 6! f> left1 s ,i figur$ %e m/ 2 talk+ 6me4 ,/range
9troduc;n1 ,i ?"\4 8,f\r-po9t-oh1 t's grt10 ,i respond$1 turn+ 6%ake h] h&4
,%e m/ h se5 a ll 2c %e re/$ h] big limp h& 9 m9e & ,i did ! %ak+4 8,i'm
,adrian10 %e sd s s(tly ,i _h 6l1n in4 ,ano!r >rival sat 6my "r4 8,hi1 ,i'm
,joey10 he sd2 8 ?roat vibrat$ z if w>m+ up 2f 8 ^ws l1p$ (f 8 t;gue4 ,z he
spoke1 8 f+]s tapp$ my wri/ & made ll tugs on my sleeve4 8,hi1 ,i'm ,joey10
he rep1t$4 8,my "n's ,joey40 ,8 f+]s tapp$ & tu7$4

8,nice 6meet y1 ,joey10 ,i sd1 gett+ up 6escape4 ,maybe -+ "h 0 a giant
mistake1 ,i ?"\4

,t ni<t "ey"o sat 9 a circle1 & we 7 ask$ 6say \r "ns &a ll ab \rvs4 ,i sat
next 6a girl "nd ,j5ny :o seem$ 6h ! scoop on "ey"o4 ,a voice boa/$1 8,i'm
,scott1 & ,i'm 96ham radios4 ,once ,i pick$ up ,hawaii & once ,i pick$ up !
,nor? ,pole40

8,n]d60 ,j5ny :isp]$4

8,i'm ,tim1 & ,i'm twelve & ,i l -ic books & squirt guns40 ,8 %rill voice
made hm s.d m* "y]4

8,he's got a bra9 tumor10 ,j5ny :isp]$4 8,t's :at made hm bl4 ,!y say he
won't see ?irte540

,"ey"o spoke3 ,kei?1 :o 0 96,black ,sa2a?2 ,alex1 :o liv$ ne> ,niag>a
,falls & _h play$ so3] 2f %e />t$ hav+ eye tr\#2 ,j5ny1 :o 0 v popul> & _h
lots ( boyfrs2 ,rick1 :o 0 96profes.nal wre/l+ & lik$ putt+ ! cobra clut*
on 8 ll bro!r2 ,adrian1 :o talk$ ab h] #e.j ,,gpa2 & ,joey1 :o sd1 8,hi
,i'm ,joey4 ,my "n's ,joey40 ,i wond]$ :o he 0 tu7+ on4

,af t we ord]$ a pizza & sat "u ! gazebo1 wait+4 ,j5ny wa/$ no "t4 8,does
any"o want 6"k :at ,i look l80

8,sure40 ,kei? gave h] ! g ah1d4

8,all ! boys ,i date say ,i'm cute4 ,i h l;g blonde hair1 a gorge\s smile1
& big gre5 eyes40

8,s.ds gd 6me10 ,kei? sd4

8,i mo/ly only date old] boys10 %e w5t on4 8,y "k1 boys :o c drive me
places & buy me ?+s40

8,y're all[$ 6date80 ,alex ask$4

8,( c\rse4 ,>5't y80 sd ,j5ny4

8,no way10 ,alex repli$4 8,my p>5ts >e v religi\s4 ,!y say ,i c't date
until ,i'm tw5ty-"o40

8,h[ d y get >.d & d ?+s80 ,j5ny ask$4

8,i don't1 re,y4 ,i us$ 6ride my bike 6so3]1 b ,i c't ride a bike anymore4
,x doesn't matt]1 ?\<1 2c ,i c't play so3] ei4 ,9 fact1 my p>5ts =bid me f
"e say+ ! ^w1 .bl or ev5 f us+ a cane10 %e a4$4

8,t's grt10 ,i sd4 8,my p>5ts =c$ me 6use "o40

8,:5 ,i />t$ hav+ tr\#10 ,alex 3t9u$1 8!y ?"\ ,i 0 trick+ !m4 ,!y sd t ,god
wdn't d t 6a family l \rs4 ,s1 ,i walk$ >.d s*ool1 cra%+ 96lock]s & tripp+
ov] p's books4 ,!n1 :5 !y f9,y />t$ 2liev+ me1 !y sd ,i m/ h d"o "s?+ s
aw;l 9 ! eyes ( ,god t ,i 0 2+ puni%$40

8,no (f5se10 ,kei? 9t]ject$1 8b yr p>5ts seem re,y weird40 ,:5 ! girls
left1 ,kei? & ,i immly turn$ 6,tim1 ! only "pi,y see+ memb] (! gr\p1 =a
rat+4 ,despite h] [n claims1 ,j5ny only got a 8fair0 rat+1 b ,alex got a
8babe0 rat+4

,! next morn+ 9 -put] class we sat 9 front ( ,brl tactile -put] scre5s &
voice syn!siz]s & le>n$ h[ 6cr1te simple programs4 ,we wrote "o t wd ask !
subject 8 "n1 age1 & bir?"d1 & !n wd s+ happy bir?"d1 9s]t+ ! p]son's "n4
,x wd 5d 0tell+ ! p]son h[ _m "ds until 8 next bir?"d & promis+ 6s5d an
;,e-mail bir?"d c>d4

,dur+ free "t we cd play special -put] games t 7 all ^ws & s.d e6ects4 ,"o
0 a fantasy game call$ ,eamon1 9 : y 7 ! h]o & cd *oose yr w1ponry 6fi<t
ag/ ! gobl9s & trolls :o lurk$ 9 ! deep passageways (! ca/le4 ,c>l1 \r bl
-put] 9/ructor1 _h alt]$ ! game's programm+ s t "o (! w1pons y cd *oose 0 a
bl p]son's cane4 ,i'd lau< ea* "t ! dry -put] voice li/$ ! selec;ns1
8,sword8 ,spe>8 ,mace8 ,l;g :ite cane80 & :5 ,i'd type in1 8cane10 & x
respond$ )1 8,! j\rney ah1d is l;g & dang]\s1 b y >e wise1 bl w>rior1 made
wise 2y yr ye>s40

,! be/ -put] game 0 "o we play$ af h\rs4 ,kei? _h smu7l$ x in4 8,s(t
,porn10 he :isp]$1 putt+ my f+] on ! ,brl title atop ! disk4 8,x's black
m>ket1 design$ 0"o (! _w's mo/ brilliant bl p]v]ts40 ,9 ! game1 y w&]$ "? a
se$y1 ,las ,vegas-l t[n try+ 6make ! move on ?ree 8lu/y lasses40 ,di6]5t
"*s wd give y clues4 ,a bum sitt+ on a g>bage c wd say1 8,*icks likes
fl[as4 ,:y don't y get '] "s80 ,or a ba?room att5dant wd su7e/1 8,get my
dates (f ! ba?room wall4 ,:y don't y r1d a few80 ,or a pawn%op [n]1 8,h[
'b\t ? r+1 pal4 ,sell x 6y *1p4 ,n"e "k1 x mi<t -e 9 h&y40 ,! game 0 full (
p]il\s turns4 ,= 9/.e1 if y didn't give "o girl ! r+ & fl[]s 2f mak+ yr
move1 h] muscle-b.d bro!r wd da% \ (! next room & b1t y 6a pulp )a b>bell4
8,y >e dy+ n[ ''' y >e n a g5tleman ''' ,t w t1* y n 6tr1t a lady l a '''0

,a few boys & ,i /ay$ af class t afn1 miss+ d9n]1 play+ ! game late 96!
ni<t4 ,ne> midni<t1 we f9,y obta9$ ! key we _h be5 look+ = f ! doorman 9 !
lo2y (! ,playboy ,bunny ,hotel4 ,we _h 6bribe hm )a special pack ( smokes
b"\ f a drug/ore cl]k ) m"oy /ol5 f an "u_w cas9o4 ,! key got u 6! ro( (!
build+1 ":1 ac 6! -put]1 a b1uti;l ,playboy ,pet sat 9 a hot tub4 8,get 9 !
hot tub10 ,i typ$1 & we all crack$ up z we he>d ! monot"o -put] voice r1d1
8,ooh aah1 ooh aah1 ooh baby ooh baby aah ''' game ov]40

,! next "d 9 class1 ,c>l 9troduc$ :at he call$ 8sy/ems40 ,z he expla9$ !
3cept1 he took (f 8 %oe & biz>rely reque/$ ea* ( u 6feel 8 sock4 ,:5 my
f+]s 9ve/igat$1 ,i notic$ a safety p9 runn+ "? ! top (! sock4 8,! safety p9
at ! top m1ns !y're black2 plac$ 9 ! mi4le1 !y're blue1 & plac$ at ! toe1
br[n4 ,sy/ems10 he sd ag1 8y won't survive )\t !m40 ,=! re/ ( class1 we
le>n$ 6p]=m a v>iety ( tasks 0cr1t+ sy/ems4 ,"s"ts1 ! sy/ems 7 f> f obvi\s1
b :5 we all bra9/orm$1 we usu,y came up ) "o4 ,i le>n$ 6op5 a c>ton ( milk
f ! correct side1 0feel+ =a t9y 9d5t,n4 ,i practic$ fill+ a glass ) juice
0hang+ ! tip ( my po9t] f+] ov] ! side (! glass until ! juice t\*$ x1 &)a
hot dr9k1 : wd scald my f+]1 ,i le>n$ 6judge ! full cup 0! wei<t4

,at ! 5d ( class1 ,c>l ev5 %[$ u h[ to 8he>0 objects4 ,he expla9$1 8,y may
n 2lieve ?1 b s.d vibr,ns >e 3/antly b\nc+ (f objects & !n mov+ back 6u4
,x's call$ e*oloc,n1 or son>4 ,bats h x2 s d humans4 ,si<t$ p j n"e le>n
6use x40 ,6prove ! !ory1 ,c>l _h ea* ( u walk d[n an empty hallway4 ,he _h
clos$ all b "o (! doors al;g ! side (! hall4 8,tell me10 he sd1 8:5 y r1* !
op5 door40

8,t's ridicul\s10 ,i repli$1 b :5 ,i walk$ d[n ! hallway1 ,i cdn't 2lieve
x4 ,i /opp$ 9 a/oni%;t :5 ! 3f9$ s.d b\nc+ back at me1 su45ly1 on my "r1
*ang$ 6op5 s.d4 ,i r1*$ my h& \ "r & felt ! op5 frame (! door4 8,don't take
no = an answ] :5 y're look+ = yr sy/em10 ,c>l 5d$ class 0say+4 8,y may h
6look 2y ! obvi\s1 b y'll f9d x40

,c>l wd probably n"e "k h[ important sy/ems wd 2come 9 e aspect ( my life1
"picul>ly 9 ! m.ta9s1 :5 try+ ?+s no bl p]son _h "e d"o 2f4 ,i wd look = t
secret sy/em ,i hop$ wd make ! adv5ture saf]1 easi]1 m e6ici5t1 & "s"ts1
simply possi#4

,9 \r afn class at ! ,c>roll ,c5t]1 we sat >.d a ta#1 & ,c>l ask$ u
6reflect on ! si<t$ _w's p]cep;ns (! bl4 ,j5ny />t$3 8,my frs didn't ?9k ,i
wd 2 a# 6put on my [n makeup4 ,t's :y ,i'm "h1 6prove !m wr;g4 ,i c't wait
=! ,8,makeup ,)\t ,mirrors0' class40

8,"s"ts1 :5 p f9d \ ,i'm bl10 ,kei? sd next1 8!y />t talk+ re,y l\dly &
sl[ly4 ,i alw talk back 6!m 9 ! same way1 ,8,,r1d ''' ,,my ''' ,,lips '''
,,i'm ''' ,,n ''' ,,d1f1 ''' ,,i'm ''' ,,bl1 ''' ,,ok80'0

8,i hate x :5 a wait] says1 ,8,:at w he 2 hav+80'0 ,tim sd %rilly1 & ,scott
jump$ "r in1 8,or :5 y pay = "s?+1 &! ca%i] puts yr *ange 9 yr fr's h&40

8,isn't x 9t]e/+10 ,c>l sd1 8t ! pro#m isn't alw bl;s1 b all ! false
assump;ns surr.d+ bl;s1 & t 9cludes yr [n4 ,once1 a lady want$ 6ask me h[
l;g ,i _h be5 bl1 b %e 0 too afraid 6use ! ^w1 .bl4 ,maybe1 %e ?"\ t bl;s 0
a k9d ( demon & j ! m]e m5;n (! ^w mi<t give x ! p[] 6rise up & cru% my _s4
,s1 9/1d %e ask$1 ,8,h[ l;g h y be5 a p]son ( si<t.s;s80' ,= "s ( y1 bl;s
is / a demon1 wag+ a w> 9side y1 b if y c a3ept bl;s = :at x is1 & lay x
6re/1 if y give x a place & make x a "p ( y1 l hav+ br[n hair or gre5 eyes
or 2+ tall or %ort1 !n ! demon w )] away & x w die40

,at ! 5d ( class ,c>l told u t on week5ds we'd make field trips 6,bo/on
museums & 6a ,r$ ,sox game1 sail+ on ! ,*>les ,riv]1 t&em bik+ on ,cape
,cod1 hik+ & horseback rid+ 9 ,v]mont1 & mo/ 9trigu+ 6me1 a rock-climb+
week5d 9 ,nor? ,3way1 ,new ,hamp%ire4 ,! motiv,n 2h ! recre,nal program 0
cle>4 ,! lady :o _h f/ visit$ me at my h\se _h ask$ me :at my ho2ies w]e1 &
,i _h told h] t except = wre/l+1 ,i didn't h any4 ,i _h sign$ up =a s*ool
wood %op & an >t elective1 b ! wood %op t1*] 0 n]v\s 2c ! class "w$ ) saws
& plan]s1 &! >t t1*] 0 n]v\s 2c 8 class "w$ ) ;,x-,acto knives4 ,s1 ,i _h
be5 turn$ d[n = bo?1 due to 8liabil;y issues40 ,i 0 al re/rict$ f ,,pe 2c
!y mo/ly play$ ball sports4 ,=tunately1 h["e1 ,i _h f.d wre/l+1 b ,i knew
mo/ bl kids my age w]5't s =tunate4 ,! ,c>roll ,c5t] t1*]s _h want$ 6cr1te
opportunities = bl te5ag]s 65joy ! \tdoors1 take "s calculat$ risks1 & 6pu%
!mvs a ll fur!r ?an !y mi<t o!rwise4 ,al? ^! r1sons al"o wd h be5 5\<1 ,i
?9k _! motives 7 ev5 deep]4 8,! human circuitry is all 3nect$10 ,c>l sd 6u4
8,if y c le>n 6pu% yr body1 yr bra9 isn't f> 2h40

,= \r f/ activ;y1 we w5t swimm+ at ! local ,,ymca4 ,we play$ freeze tag1 &
,i 0 3/antly look+ =a *.e 6free ,alex4 ,:5 ,i got ne> h]1 %e :isp]$1 8,ov]
"h40 ,:5 ,i fre$ h]1 ,i t\*$ h] %\ld] & felt h] sat9y swim /rap ag/ h] sk9
& z %e turn$ 6escape1 h] l;g1 ?ick1 wet hair bru%$ ag/ my face4 ,halfway "?
! game1 ,j5ny *ang$ ! rules s t a p]son cd only 2 fre$ 0a t1mmate swimm+ "?
t p]son's legs4 ,:5 ,i swam "? ,alex's legs1 bru%+ 0h] smoo? calves1 ,i 0
close 6s5sory ov]load4

,dur+ ! tag games1 ,kei? wd sit on ! side (! pool1 idly slapp+ 8 h&s ag/ !
3crete4

8,:at's up80 ,alex ask$4 8,don't y want 6play ) u80

8,x's k9d ( emb>rass+10 he admitt$4 8,y see1 my p>5ts1 !y don't all[ me
6put my h1d "u ! wat]4 ,!y say t if ,i g "u ! wat]1 ,i'll get 4ori5t$ &
won't "k : way is up40

8,s1 y'll dr[n80 ,i ask$1 3fus$4

8,t's :at !y ?9k10 he repli$4

8,well1 :at d y ?9k80 ,alex ask$4

8,h[ %d ,i "k80 he sd4 8,i've n"e put my h1d "u ! wat]40

8,well1 let's f9d \10 %e sd1 gra2+ 8 >m & pu%+ (f ! wall ) h] leg4 ,kei?
lau<$4 8,no1 no1 ,i c't60 b he 0 alr fall+ 96! wat] & spla%+ 2s ,alex4 ,_!
lau<t] 2came mut$ z _! h1ds w5t "u4 ,:5 !y em]g$1 ,kei? 0 / lau<+4 8,x
isn't true10 he scr1m$4 8,x's a 3spiracy4 ,i've be5 li$ to40 ,& t />t$
,alex lau<+ ag4 ,%e cd "sh[ fix ?+s 9 s* a natural way4 ,tr1d+ wat] ne>by1
,i wi%$ ,i _h a phobia t ,alex cd help me ov]come4

,at m1ls1 "ey"o hung _! canes 0! door (! cafet]ia4 ,i guess ! /aff felt t
fifty bl p 9 a 3f9$ space1 hold+ trays & sw++ _! canes1 0 a recipe = 4a/]4
,we /ay$ 9 ! lun* l9e 0trail+ \r feet al;g a tactile /rip1 b ,i got us$ 6!
g5tle bump (a body ag/ my back or ! bru% (a h& acr my leg4 ,9 a si<t$ _w1 ?
mi<t h be5 3sid]$ sexual h>ass;t1 b at a bl camp an o3a.nal t\* 0 a tol]at$
"p ( life4 ,ev5 ,alex wd br1k ! codes (! si<t$ _w4 ,%e wd l1n 9 :5 %e talk$
6me1 f> pa/ b.d>ies ( p]sonal space1 h] nose only a few 9*es f m9e4 ,i knew
%e 0 j try+ 6see my face1 & ,i 0 ?ank;l h] w1k eyes cd n detect a zit1 or a
possi# piece ( lettuce cau<t 9 my front tee?4

,af lun* ,kei? broke \ 8 big boom box & jamm$ ,black ,sa2a? tunes4 8,d y
he> t awe"s rhy?m guit> "un1? ! base80 ,kei? %\t$4

8,oh1 y1h10 ! o!r boys repli$ 5?usia/ic,y4

8,:at ab t 9cr$i# drum set "u ! electric guit>80

8,def9itely10 !y repli$ ag4 ,i seem$ 6be ! only bl p]son 9 ! room :o cdn't
he> any?+ he po9t$ \4 ,i tri$ 64c]n "o 9/ru;t f ano!r1 try+ 6sep>ate !
electric guit>s f ! bass1 f ! drums1 b !y all m]g$ tgr 9 a hodgepodge (
bl>+ s.d4 8,i love ^! lyrics10 ,kei? sd4 8,he's s++ ab :5 he w5t "? drug
rehab 9 #'gb10 & all ! boys wd li/5 9t5tly4

8,w[6 ,t's p[];l40

8,t's deep40

8,did y he> t80 ,kei? ask$ gr&ly4 8,x's a metaphor4 ,he's re,y ! cat]pill>
crawl+ up ! t9 c40

,2+ music,y 9cl9$ 0 suppos$ 6g h& & h& ) bl;s4 ,x 0 suppos$ 6be "p (!
package d1l4 ,y 7 born )! trag$y ( bl;s1 b y 7 al giv5 ! gift ( music 6c>ry
y "? ! sad;s4 ,y 7 suppos$ 6play ! piano or s+ ) p]fect pit*1 b "s"o _h
=gott5 6b.s me )! gift4 ,i cdn't ev5 appreciate music1 ! only bl guy 9 ! _w
:o _h no idea :y ! cat]pill> 0 crawl+ up ! t9 c4

,! music seem$ 6"w ! boys 96a fr5zy4 ,tim jump$ >.d play+ ! air guit> &
boys -pet$ ag/ ea* o!r 9 elaborate drum solos4 ,kei? p.d$ 8 h&s furi\sly on
! ta#1 8 h&s gett+ fa/] & fa/]1 "w+ t[>d ! climax4 ,!n1 ) "o la/ :ap on !
ta#1 he 5d$1 say+ br1?.sly1 8,top t60 & ano!r boy 2gan ev5 m furi\sly4

,! next "d we w5t on a field trip 6a ,bo/on ,r$ ,sox game4 ,=! ride 6! p>k1
,i squeez$ 96! back hat* (! camp /,n wagon 2t ,rick & ,scott1 :o 7 bo?
"pi,y si<t$1 or z ! t1*]s at ! c5t] t]m$1 8"pials40 ,s9ce ,i 0 tot,y bl1 ,i
0 t]m$ a 8total40 ,x seem$ z ?\< ,scott & ,rick's te/o/]"o levels 7 l9k$ 9
"s way 6_! level ( vi.n4 ,h[ m* !y cd see 2came a f]oci\s -peti;n4

8,c y see ! teleph"o pole80 ,rick ask$4 8,:at color is x80

8,black10 ,scott respond$4

8,no60 ,rick %ot back hotly4 8,x's gray1 do(us40

8,:at ab t pickup80 ,scott ask$4

8,":80 ,rick ask$4

8,"r 9 front ( yr nose1 asswipe10 ,scott repli$ fi]cely4

,x 0 l a bl v].n ( ,b1vis & ,butt-,h1d4

,rick--,:at color's t guy's hair on ! sidewalk8

,scott--,br[n8

,rick--,y're ly+1 j]k-(f4 ,y j guess$4

,:5 we f9,y >riv$ at ,f5way ,p>k1 ,i 0 glad 6escape f ! two battl+ "pials4
,"o "p ( me lau<$ at _! ridicul\s rivalry1 b ano!r "p ( me 5vi$ !m4 ,!y _h
bo? b"\ 96! subtle messages t si<t m1nt p[]1 & ,i 0 =c$ 6admit t ,i _h too4
,i _h notic$ x ev5 at a camp =! bl1 ! way a "pial wd l1d a gr\p ( totals "?
! campus 6class or ! way a total girl wd %[ imm 9t]e/ 9 a boy af le>n+ he 0
a "pial4 ,i _h ev5 felt ! hi]>*y on a gr\p hike :5 totals 7 =c$ 6hold a
sec;n (a l;g ?ick rope1 :ile "pials 7 all[$ 6walk al;g ! side4 ,i felt l a
dork1 trail+ al;g on a l1% :ile ,alex walk$ solo4 ,i _hn't want$ 6cause a
sc5e1 ?\<1 s ,i took a subtle approa*1 b>ely ac"kl$g+ ! rope's exi/;e 0only
bru%+ my f+]tips ag/ x & frequ5tly lift+ my >m 6/ret* or yawn4 ,:5 "o (!
si<t$ t1*]s scold$ me = lett+ g1 ,i repli$ casu,y1 8,oh6 ,! rope6 ,i'm hav+
s* a grt "t talk+ 6,alex1 ,i -pletely =got ab x40

,9side ! p>k1 ,i maneuv]$ myf next 6,alex & manag$ 6sit next 6h] 9 ! /&s4
,?ank;lly1 we 7 a few r[s away f ! o!rs4 ,sitt+ next 6h]1 ?\<1 ,i 0 3sum$
0! ?"\ t %e wdn't l me 2c ,i cdn't see4 ,i wdn't 2 a# 6tell h] h[ ! batt]
look$ z he :ack$ "o \ (! p>k )! bases load$ or :at _h happ5$ on ! giant
/adium video scre5 6make "ey"o h[l 9 hy/]ics4 ,!n ,i _h an idea1 a surefire
way 6impress ,alex1 despite ! fact t ,i 0 a total4 ,9 my backpack 0 my
,walkman4 ,quietly ,i pull$ x \ & slid x 96my front pocket1 runn+ ! l;g
cord (! h1dph"os 6my e> f>!/ f ,alex4 ,i subtly tun$ ! radio 6! game
play-by-play4 ,i hop$ ,alex cdn't see ! small plug protrud+ f my e>4

8,? is silly10 %e sd4 8,i c b>ely see ! field40

8,don't worry10 ,i sd4 8,i'm a walk+ 5cyclop$ia :5 x -es 6baseball /ats4
,yep60 ,i sd importantly4 8,:at wd we d )\t ,am]ica's grte/ pas"t80

8,i don't 2lieve y10 ,alex lau<$4

8,oh1 y1h60 ,i *all5g$1 & !n proce$$ 6p>rot "ey?+ ! radio ann\nc]s sd1 ev5
if ,i _h no idea :at x m1nt4 8,wade ,bo7s is f/ 9 ! l9eup td4 ,he's batt+
?ree twelve & is second hi<e/ 9 ! l1gue 9 sacrifice bunts40 ,=! 5tire game1
,i b>rag$ ,alex )a fanta/ic >ray ( facts1 all tak5 f ! radio's -;t>y4
8,w[60 ,i ro>$4 8,a bat-splitt+ gr.d]4 ,x s.ds l a worm burn]4 ,t's :5 !
ball rolls all ! way 6! f;e40

8,h[ wd y "k t80 ,alex ask$4

8,0! way ! bat s.ds4 ,x takes ye>s ( practice 6id5tify t sort ( ?+40 ,alex
didn't respond4 ,i knew %e _h 6be impress$1 b ,i worri$ %e mi<t 2 gett+ a
ll suspici\s4 ,i told myf 6t"o x d[n a ll1 b ,i cdn't resi/4 8,johnson
loves 6/1l bases4 ,i bet ya he'll try 6/1l second10 & ev5 2f ,i f9i%$ my
s5t;e1 ! cr[d 0 /&+ & go+ wild1 2c1 wd y 2lieve x1 ,johnson _h j /ol5
second4

,ne> ! 5d (! game1 a /range ?+ happ5$4 ,\ (! blue1 a l>ge b1* ball l&$ 9 my
>ms4 8,:at ! hell80 ,i sd4

8,:at a nice pres5t10 ,alex sd4

8,:at %d ,i d ) x80 ,i ask$ h]4

8,if a b1* ball fell \ (! h1v5s 96my lap1 ,i'd keep x10 %e repli$4

,on ! field "o (! play]s1 an ob/9ate pit*] p]h1 m/ h be5 /all+1 refus+ 6?r[
! ball1 2c a few fans1 & !n a few m1 2gan scr1m+1 8,?r[ ! ball1 jackass60

8,:y don't y ?r[ x1 /upid80

,z ,i f.d ! plug 9 ! b1* ball & pull$ x \1 air :i/l+ "? ! hole1 ! cr[d 0
gr[+ ev5 angri] )! /u2orn play] on ! field4 ,! s.d ( _! prote/s rose 9 an
e>-splitt+ cresc5do4 ,i wdn't want 6be 9 t guy's %oes1 ,i ?"\4 ,:y didn't
he j ?r[ ! ball8 ,i imag9$ ! cocky pit*] b.d+ up & d[n ! field1 hold+ !
ball up smugly 9 8 h&s1 taunt+ ! je]+ fans4

,i laid ! b1* ball 9 my lap & l1n$ d[n on x ) my *e/4 ,x :i/l$ l\d] & 2gan
6sag4 ,maybe ,i'd give x 6,alex af ! game4

,? lunatic on ! field 0 ab 6be pummel$ 0fifty-?\s& irate fans4 ,ev5 !
ann\nc]s1 9 my ,walkman1 7 gett+ 96x4 8,:o's ? jok] ?9k he is80

8,i don't "k1 ,rodge1 b he seems 6be mak+ a r1l spectacle ( hmf40 ,!n !
p]son 9 ! s1t "r 2h me1 yell$ 9 my e>1 8,?r[ x1 moron60 &1 ) %r9k+ horror1
x dawn$ on me1 z fi]y-hot ne$les %ot "? my sk94 ,! jok]1 ! spectacle1 !
moron 7 "o &! same4 ,!y 7 all me4 ,9 "ts ( tr\#1 we 9/9ctively turn 6! "os
:o we h fai? w protect u4 8,alex60 ,i pl1d$4

8,y bett] ?r[ x60 is all %e sd4

,! once r.d firm ball _h 2come a jellyfi% 2t my palms4 ,i /ood up & h1v$ x
away 6a cacophony ( 9sults4

8,asshole60

8,fr1k60

8,?r[ ! ll bum \60

,escap+ qkly d[n ! h&icap elevators1 ,alex1 judg+ ,i _h pd su6ici5tly = my
trick]y1 expla9$ ! ,bo/on tradi;n1 8,in ! sev5? 9n+ /ret*1 "s"o ?r[s \ a
b1* ball &! fans pass x >.d ! /adium4 ,i ?"\ "ey"o knew t1 especi,y y1 a
walk+ 5cyclop$ia40

8,a baseball 5cyclop$ia10 ,i repli$ hu6ily1 8n a b1* ball 5cyclop$ia40

,t ni<t1 "ey"o cr[d$ ti<tly 96,alex's room 6li/5 6a 3t9u,n ( ,/eph5 ,k+'s
.,pet .,semat>y on tape4 ,bodies lay on ! b$s1 ! *airs1 & all ov] ! floor4
,i 0 / sm>t+ ov] ! b1* ball 9cid5t4 ,dur+ ! mo/ t]rify+ "p1 :5 ! ll devil *
crept d[n ! hallway t[>d 8 "f's room1 wield+ a scalpel1 ,i 9*$ on my belly
acr ! floor1 mov+ sl[ly1 s t ! "pials wdn't pick up on ! move;t4 ,i w1v$ "?
bodies1 us+ _! %u4]+ murmurs z a guide4 ,ly+ at ! foot ( ,alex's b$1 ,i
wait$ =! ll boy 6lift ! scalpel 6his "f's ?roat4 ,!n ,i r1*$ up1 f9d+
,alex's ankle dangl+ ov] ! side (! b$1 & lock$ on4 ,i let \ a fi]ce gr[l1
&1 9 response1 %e let \ a hi<-pit*$ scree*4 ,h] leg %ot up & h] body b\nc$
>.d on ! b$4 ,!n "ey"o 0 scr1m+ &! scr1ms 7 -p.d+4 ,i lay on my back on !
floor smil+4 ,mis.n a3ompli%$4

,! next afn ,i 0 walk+ up ! spiral /aircase af class :5 ,i he>d ,alex's
voice on ! l&+ abv me4

8,":'s yr scalpel1 devil *80 %e ask$1 h] voice drift+ 2t annoy.e &
play;l;s4

8,i left x 9 ! ?roat ( my la/ victim10 ,i sd1 b z ! ^ws came \1 ,i cd feel
a ?ick cool liquid dripp+ on my h1d & slid+ d[n my =eh1d4 ,my h&s jump$ 6my
h1d & t\*$ %av+ cr1m4

,alex gi7l$4 8,oh1 y1h1 & ,i he>d ab ! sick ll game y boys 7 play+4 ,s(t
,porn10 %e sc(f$1 & !n b.d$ up ! /airs4 ,i *as$ 2h1 b h] h1d />t 0 too grt4
,i imag9$ h] l;g muscul> legs l1p+ away4 ,i w&]$ up & d[n ! hallway1 li/5+
=a ru/l+ 2h a door or a sli<t gi7le1 b he>d no?+4 ,!n1 ,i knock$ on ,tim's
door4 8,want 6be my f/ lieut5ant80 ,i qkly ask$4

8,y1h10 he answ]$ excit$ly 2f ev5 "k+ 8 assign;t4 ,he foll[$ me 96! ba?room
": we crumpl$ up toilet pap] 96balls & wet !m "u ! s9k4 8,!y're call$
so7ies10 ,i sd4

8,cool60 ,tim repli$ z ,i plopp$ "o 9 8 h&4

8,if y f9d h]1 don't let h] "k4 ,j -e get me10 ,i ord]$4 ,pr[l+ d[n ! hall1
,i he>d a noise 9 front ( me4 ,n hav+ "t 6react1 ,i *uck$ ! wet ball ( pap]
& he>d ! splat4 8,uh1 gross6 ,tot,y gross60 ,i he>d ,j5ny's :9e4 ,adrian1
2h h]1 pe]$ ov] h] %\ld]s1 h] dim eyes /ra9+4 8,]ik8 ,]ik80 ,a wad ( pap]
%ot pa/ my %\ld] & explod$ on ,adrian4

8,!y're call$ so7ies60 ,i he>d ,tim yell %rilly f 2h me4

,soon ,j5ny & ,adrian 7 bo? pr[l+ "? ! hallway1 _! h&s cramm$ ) gobs (
/icky wet pap]4 ,o!rs op5$ _! doors & 7 greet$ ) splatt]s1 &! halls 2came
fill$ )a b>rage ( spe$+ wet missiles4 ,"! seem$ 6be no /rategies1 goals1 or
t1m"w4 ,any flick] ( move;t g5]at$ a half doz5 gooey balls hurl+ 9 t
direc;n4 ,! fre% splat ( toilet pap] ag/ b>e fle% f$ ! "picipants4 ,9 !
mid/ (! battle1 ,tim gra2$ my >m4 8,i ?9k ,i saw h] 9 ! closet4 ,ov] "h40
,8 voice 0 extra %rill ) excite;t4 ,i fill$ a pit*] ( wat] f ! s9k1 s(tly
/epp$ 9side ! room1 & %ut ! door4 ,i pret5d$ 6look >.d4 ,!n1 ,i mov$ 6!
closet1 b5t ov]1 & felt "? ! empty %oes ly+ on ! floor4 ,soon1 my f+]s felt
a pair ( sn1k]s t 7 m fill$ \1 & runn+ my h&s up !m1 felt a pair ( ankles4
8,if ,i didn't "k any bett] ,i wd ?9k "s"o's /&+ 9 ^!40 ,t made ,alex gi7le
& %e l1p$ ov] me1 da%+ t[>d ! door4 ,i 0 r1dy )! wat]4 ,x spla%$ ov] ! back
( h] h1d z %e grop$ =! door h&le4 ,!n we 7 bo? lau<+ z %e turn$ >.d 6face
me1 gra2+ =! pit*]4 ,!n we 7 tumbl+ on ! floor1 bo? wre/l+ =! pit*]4 ,i cd
smell ! sweet cl1n fragr.e ( h] soap & cd feel h] br1? ag/ my *eek4

,abruptly1 ! door slamm$ op5 & ,c>l's voice 0 bell[+1 8,:at ! blazes is go+
on up "h80 &1 8,:at is x t ,i've be5 /epp+ in80 ,?ank ,god1 he 0 bl hmf &
cdn't see ! two ( u tussl+ >.d on ! gr.d4 ,we /ood up qkly & 7 m>*$ \ 96!
hallway4 ,o!rs 7 sl[ly em]g+ f _! hid+ places4 ,=! next two h\rs z ,i1 al;g
)! o!rs1 scrap$ wet toilet pap] bits (f ! floors1 walls1 & ev5 ! ceil+1 ,i
wore ! :isp] ( h] br1? ag/ my sk94

,! la/ f\r "ds ( camp 7 devot$ 6! anticipat$ rock-climb+ \t+4 ,on ! van
ride 6,new ,hamp%ire ,i tri$ 6imag9e myf scal+ a v]tical slab ( rock4 ,i
pictur$ ! granite surface z smoo? & /rai<t z ! walls 9 my room4 ,i wond]$
h[ my body cd /ay /uck 6xs surface4 ,climb+ a rock face seem$ dang]\s &
risky & defi$ r1son1 & 2c ( ^! ele;ts1 ,i 0 immly attract$4 ,i wd 2 do+
"s?+ t normal p wrote (f z crazy4

,on ! trail 6! base (! climb ,i rac$ ,alex1 sw++ my cane furi\sly 9 front (
me1 ,alex runn+ h>d =a mo;t & !n /opp+ 6get h] be>+s4 ,h] l;g legs won \ 9
! 5d1 & %e t\*$ ! rock face f/4

,:5 "ey"o >riv$1 ,nick1 \r 9/ructor1 ga!r$ u >.d & fitt$ u ) ge>4 ,! small
cle>+ 2came a *aotic mass ( tussl+ bodies ) fly+ elb[s & knees z ea* ( u
wre/l$ ) h>;ses1 helmets1 & climb+ %oes4

8,is my h>;s on backw>ds80

8,^! rock %oes >e kill+ my feet40

8,? helmet keeps fall+ ov] my eyes40

8,:at ! hell does t matt]1 idiot80

,!n ,nick famili>iz$ u on h[ 62lay \r "pn] z he climb$ 0runn+ ! rope "? a
t9y metal device call$ an ,,atc & h[ 6secure \r h>;ses 6! rope )a special
climb+ knot call$ a figure ei<t4 ,f9,y we 7 r1dy4 ,nick expla9$1 8,:5 ,i
climb1 ,i scan ! rock ) my eyes4 ,i look up1 se>*+ = pot5tial holds1 *alk
m>ks1 places 6re/4 ,i h"o/ly don't "k :e!r x w "w1 b yr h&s & feet & e>s w
h 62come yr eyes4 ,y'll h 6scan yr h&s acr ! rock & li/5 = 9/ruc;ns f yr
"pn]40

,we sat on ! gr.d1 *e]+ ea* p]son on z !y climb$4 ,i got pretty n]v\s :5
,j5ny only made x a few feet (f ! gr.d 2f %e got fr1k$ \ & want$ 6-e d[n4
,:5 x 0 my turn1 ,i /ood up & ti$ ! knot 6my h>;s ! way ,nick _h %[n4 ,i
t\*$ ! rock4 ,x wasn't q z smoo? & /rai<t z ,i _h imag9$ b x 0 / 9timidat+
& ?rill+ 6get (f ! gr.d4 ,? f/ climb 0 :at ,nick call$ a 8fric;n climb10
slop+ smoo?ly up at a sixty-degree angle4 ,! holds 7 practic,y non-exi/5t1
j r.d$ poli%$ bulges & %all[ 3cave di%es1 b ! angle 0 mod]ate 5 t ,i cd re/
my palms ag/ ! curv$ holds = bal.e :ile ,i c5t]$ my wei<t ov] ! /icky ru2]
soles ( my climb+ %oes1 : 5a#d me 6/ep g+]ly up ! face4 ,z ,i "w$ hi<]1 ,i
ga9$ mo;tum & 3fid;e & t[>d ! top1 0 practic,y runn+ up ! slab4 ,nick yell$
up excit$ly1 8,al"r1 monkey boy60 ,my he>t 0 p.d+2 ! cool m.ta9 air bit
deep 96my lungs4 ,my calves1 =e>ms1 & f+]tips 7 *>g$ ) life2 mo/ ( my face
0 tak5 up 0a giant too?y smile4 ,*uck ,y1g] cd n h be5 m exhil>at$ :5 he
broke "? ! s.d b>ri]1 & z ,nick l[]$ me d[n on ! rope1 ,i 0 alr anticipat+1
) n]v\s 5]gy1 mov+ 6! next level4

,= my second climb ,nick sd1 8,? is a /eep] r\te ?an ! la/4 ,fric;n won't 2
5 6hold y 6! rock40 ,i f.d ! angle (! f/ t5 feet z mod]ate z ! f/1 b !n ,i
/opp$ z ! angle abruptly /eep5$1 my legs1 *e/1 & *eek press$ up ag/ a %e]
face1 : want$ 6%ove my body ov] backw>ds4 ,i _h no clue h[ ,i wd propel my
body 6! top1 hang+ 0! /r5g? ( my f+]s & toes2 ! idea ( x 0 lau<a#4 ,z ,nick
_h sd1 my h&s 7 my eyes1 b at l1/ on ! gr.d1 ,i 0 free 6take "t 6feel >.d &
9ve/igate my _w4 ,on ! wall1 h["e1 ,i felt trapp$4 ,my desp]ate grip 0 !
only ?+ lock+ me 6! rock face1 & if ,i let g 6feel >.d1 ,i wd surely fall4

,nick told me 6move left &1 z ,i 9*$ delicately 9 t direc;n1 my h&s fell
96a n>r[ v]tical crack4 ,i jamm$ a foot & h& 96x & tri$ 6pull myf up1 b !
rock 9 my face kept pu%+ me back4 ,af a few tries ,i turn$ my body sideways
& 2gan mov+ up ! crack pa9stak+ly sl[4 ,soon ! crack n>r[$ ev5 m1 & ,i mov$
"r onto ! face4 8,"!'s a big knob a ll abv yr left h&10 ,nick call$4

,my h& flopp$ >.d ! rock frantic,y4 ,no knob4

8,r1* hi<]40

8,"h80 ,i yell$1 "o foot turn$ sideways on a microscopic peb#1 my o!r w$g$
pa9;lly 9 a pocket4

8,t's n a knob4 ,keep feel+ left ''' ,?ree 9*es m ''' ,t's m l ?ree feet
'''0

8,"h8 ''' ,"h8 ''' ,"h80 ,ev5tu,y ,i made x 6! top1 b ,i sp5t ! major;y (!
"t re/+ on ! rope ) my burn+ =e>ms dangl+ at my sides4

,0! 5d (! ?ird "d1 ,i 0 f9,y le>n+ 6a3urately locate ! holds t ,nick
direct$ me t[>d4 ,nick's 9/ruc;ns seem$ 6be ! only di6];e 2t panick+ & f9d+
a hold4 ,s on ! la/ "d1 :5 he /opp$ giv+ u direc;ns1 ,i 0 annoy$4 ,nick
9si/$ ?\<1 8,? sport is all ab self-reli.e1 ab mov+ upw>d "u yr [n p[]4
,6be 9dep5d5t1 y're go+ 6h 6f9d yr [n way up ! rock40

,t morn+1 ,i hung f a prec>i\s f+] pocket1 ) "o foot sl[ly los+ grip on a
slop+ l$ge1 "k+ t if ,i didn't f9d ! next hold )9 seconds1 ,i wd fall4 ,i
ne$$ 6f9d "s?+1 any?+1 b ! face 0 s massive1 a hold cd 2 hid+ any":4 ,at f/
my h&s & feet l1p$ & flail$ >.d ! face1 j hop+ 6get lucky & f9d "s?+4 ,at
l1/ a doz5 "ts1 z ,i /ru7l$ up ! face1 ,i cdn't f9d any?+ & fell back ag/ !
secure rope4 ,my >ms 7 m exhau/$ ?an af a wre/l+ mat*4 ,:5 ,i 0 ab 6fall1
my natural reac;n 0 6panic1 b ,i =c$ myf 6scan my h&s & feet /1dily &
sy/ematic,y acr ! rock face4 ,i /ret*$ my limbs z f> z !y wd r1*1 scann+
abv1 2l1 & 2s me = t hi45 8?ank god0 hold1 j at ! $ge ( my r1*4 ,z ,i got a
few feet hi<]1 ,i decid$ 6"w ! face us+ a grid patt]n1 =c+ my h& 6slide & n
6jump acr1 s t x wd cov] e 9* (! rock4 ,i al 2gan 6r1lize t if ,i cd tra9
my feet 6f9d ! holds t my h&s j 4c>d$1 ,i'd save myf half ! "w4 ,t[>d !
top1 z my =e>ms burn$ & my f+]s 2gan 6feel limp1 j :5 ,i ?"\ ,i cdn't hold
on a second l;g]1 ,i'd f9d a hold1 maybe n ! be/ "o1 b 5 6keep me /ick+ 6!
face a few seconds l;g]1 5abl+ me 6claw my body up a few m 9*es4

,s9ce ,i cdn't 8see0 2y ! r1* ( my h&s1 plann+ my r\te up ! face seem$
impossi#4 ,e>li]1 ,i _h r1*$ d1d 5ds ": ! face seem$ 6g su45ly blank4 ,z ,i
hung on1 ,nick coa*$1 8,foll[ ! clues 9 ! rock4 ,a r\< brok5 sec;n mi<t l1d
6a crack1 a %all[ groove 6a deep] groove4 ,a crack mi<t 4appe> & resume j
an >m's l5g? away40 ,i 0 r1liz+ t ! b1uty ( climb+ 0 6jo9 ! 9congru5t "ps1
6l9k ! cracks1 grooves1 b[ls1 nu29s1 knobs1 $ges1 l$ges1 & pockets & 3v]t
all ( x 96a road map1 et*$ 9 my m9d4

,s1 0?ra%+1 grop+1 & bloody+ ! rock1 ,i "w$ my way up ! face1 & despite !
di6iculty1 ,i _h p[]$ my body up a piece ( rock t seem$ impossibly =eign 6a
horizontal _w4 ,at ! top ,i sat on a pocket-%ap$ l$ge ) my palms flat ag/ !
rock & my legs dangl+ ov] ! side4 ,i 0 ov]:elm$ 0! s5s,n (! m.ta91 0! w9d
at my back1 0! brilliant textures 9 ! rock1 ! 9t]mitt5t patt]ns ( cool;s &
h1t "u my t\*4 ,x 0 z ?\< my s5ses _h awak5$4 ,e s.d1 smell1 & t\* 0 s
vivid1 s brilliant1 x 0 alm pa9;l4 ,bl;s1 ,i ?"\1 0 a damn nuis.e4 ,x _h
def9itely made climb+ m di6icult1 =c+ me 6climb 9 a di6]5t way ?an mo/1 b x
_hn't /opp$ me f do+ x1 or ev51 lov+ x4 ,n"e ag wd ,i ?"u d[n a basketball
c\rt on a fa/ br1k or jump a dirt bike ov] a ramp2 ! pa/ 0 d1d1 & no matt]
h[ m* ,i f"\1 "! 0 no reclaim+ ! d1d4 ,b "o hundr$ feet abv tree l9e )! sun
9 my face &a s.d ( op5;s all >.d me1 n"o ( t seem$ 6matt] z m*1 2c1 ,i _h j
4cov]$1 ,i cd climb4

,af ! l;g "d ( climb+ we came home 6! cab9 we _h be5 %>+ 9 ! woods4 ,we
play$ ,brl ,trivial ,pursuit & talk$ ab \r exp]i;es4 ,x 0 unanim\s3 "ey"o
_h a bla/1 ev5 ,j5ny1 :o at f/ 0 s fr1k$ \1 %e _h /opp$ talk+ =a :ile1 a
r>;y = h]4 ,at ! 5d (! "d %e _h ev5 rappell$ d[n ! side (! rock face1
clut*+ ! rope ) :at ,nick _h describ$ z ! 8:ite-knuckle d1? grip10 b %e _h
d"o x4 8,t 0 l1 s amaz+4 ,i c't 2lieve x4 ,i broke a f+]nail1 b ,i did x40
,alex & ,i walk$ \tside & climb$ up on a slop+ b\ld]4 ,we sat sil5tly =a
:ile1 & !n ,alex ask$1 8,:at d y miss ! mo/ n[ t y're bl80

8,no?+60 ,i sd at f/1 n want+ my m9d 6l+] 9 ! pa/4

8,"! m/ 2 "s?+ y miss10 %e p]si/$4 ,!n1 ,i gave 96x & let my m9d w&] "? my
si<t$ life4 ,rid+ my bike 6! res]voir & d[n al;g ! ,gl5 9 ! summ]1 spr9t+
full bore acr a field--,i wei<$ ! possi# responses4 ,!n ,i came ^u x3
faces4 8,i miss p's faces10 ,i sd4 8,i miss look+ 96p's eyes1 & ,i miss
see+ _! expres.ns *ange f sad 6happy1 f ang] 6lau<t]40

8,d y wond] :at ,i look l80 %e ask$1 & )\t wait+ = me 6respond1 sd1 8,y c
feel my face40

,i lau<$4 8,bl p only d t 9 movies10 ,i sd1 b ,i r1*$ \ despite myf1
t5tatively t\*+ h] *eekb"os1 lips1 nose1 =eh1d2 b my m9d cdn't seem 6assem#
! pieces 96a coh]5t picture4 ,h] face kept -+ \ z a c>toon image4 ,i cdn't
tell :e!r %e 0 visu,y b1uti;l anyway1 s ,i gave up & clung 6! ?+s ,i cd
"u/&1 ! ?+s ,i cd t\* & he> & smell4 ,^? 7 5\<4 ,!y 7 all ,i ne$$3 ! music
( h] lau<1 ! bru% ( h] hair acr my *eek1 ! fragr.e ( h] cl1n sk91 ! :isp] (
h] br1?4

8,i wi% y cd see me10 %e sd ag4

8,i c10 ,i utt]$ & l1n$ =w>d4 ,%e m/ h l1n$ =w>d too1 2c my lips t\*$ h]s4
,we kiss$ =a l;g "t &1 lat]1 %e lay ) h] h1d 9 my lap & we li/5$ 6!
crickets &! f>away hoot ( [ls4

,af ,i got home ,i made a tape = ,alex4 ,i _h my frs tell jokes 96!
record]4 ,"s ,i _h 6$it1 2c ,i didn't ?9k !y'd g ov] too well ) h] religi\s
p>5ts4 ,!n ,i made up ll skits 9volv+ ,kei?1 ,j5ny1 ,tim1 &! o!rs & p]=m$
all _! voices4 ,& la/ly ,i took a *.e & told h] t h] go+ bl wasn't h]
fault2 t ,god wasn't puni%+ h]1 2c ,i didn't ?9k ,god "w$ l t4 ,i _h ?"\ x
too1 t life 0 a puni%;t1 made up ( only losses4 8,y1h1 he takes ?+s away10
,i sd 96! sp1k]1 8b he gives o!r ?+s back &1 9 a /range way1 ^? new ?+s c 2
j z gd or ev5 bett]4 ,i ?9k y j h 6look =! new ?+s a ll h>d]40