The truth is, when it gets really quiet, when the silence gets too loud, i really start to miss everyone.

When we were all getting ready to leave, I walked up to my grandfather and gave him a hug and kiss on the cheek. He wiped my lip print off with his palm and gave me a look. He doesn't like the boys in the family to touch him. But I'm very glad that I did it anyway in case he dies. I never got to do that with my Aunt Helen.

Craig said the problem with things is that everyone is always comparing everyone with everyone

There were other stories and other names. Second Base Stace, who had breasts in fourth grade and let some of the boys feel them. Vincent, who took acid and tried to flush a sofa down the toilet. Sheila, who allegedly masturbated with a hot dog and had to go to the emergency room. The list went on and on.

My dad said I did the right thing. I hope I did, but it's hard to tell sometimes.

I don't know what's wrong with me. It's like all I can do is keep writing this gibberish to keep from breaking apart.

It's too bad you're not gay. Then again, if you were gay, I would never date you. You're a mess." You know, Patrick? If I were gay, I'd want to date you." Of course.