The last thing I wanted to do was go back, and I had been trying to convince Daddy and my mom to let me drop out for days now, but neither of them would budge. Even Isaac had scolded me and told me to stay in school.

"It will be fine. I promise. It's your last year and then you never have to go back."

"I know, Daddy. I'm just a little worried, but I know you won't let me be sad."

"I won't," Daddy vowed. "And Dylan Chambers is in your year. He was a friend of mine. Not a close one, but I spoke to him not long...