"Yeah, I think she was, probably still is. She'll need her friends. And I'm proud of you for not being afraid of who you are. Brandy's a lucky girl."

"Thanks. We'll be there for Kaylin and Dani. For Coach, too. We've already talked about it, me and the team."

"I believe you, and I'm proud of you."

***

Mother - I'd like to see you for lunch today, if you're free.

I ran my hands over my eyes. It was Tuesday morning, and I'd been dreading this text for the last two days. The news stories hadn't let up, if anything they were getting worse. Sandy had turned off her...