"More than a stunning debut. It is the announcement of a bold new literary voice"
—Stephen Chbosky, author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower

I stare at this empty page wondering what to write down just how I used to stare you wondering who you were. A smiling face was all I saw, but I wanted to know the real you and not just someone with a friendly face they put on. Could you tell me what you were like? I would listen. What made you the happiest and what made you hurt? I would listen. Can you share what you was going through your mind as you took each footstep on the gentle grass that curved to your feet? I would listen. What did you enjoy doing or not doing? I would listen. Could you tell me if you truly feel happy or were you just trying to cover it up with a smile and shiny eyes? I would listen. Did you love being here with us or did you secretly want to leave? I would listen. But most of all, did you love yourself like I loved you? If you told me, I would listen. Now, that you’re gone and you can shine that smile from wherever you are, from up above or down below, in meadows, mountains, islands and all, make a sound; so I can listen.