"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

It’s almost been two years since you have passed away and it still kills me to think about it. People keep asking me why I don’t want to get my license and the way you passed is one of the reasons why. Now I know you didn’t see the ice because it was black ice and I’m just afraid that the same thing will happen to me. I know you can see how well I’m doing from up there. I dedicate every single race that I have to you and I want to keep making you proud. I’m probably getting a new pair of spikes for track this year but don’t worry I will write your name on the new ones as well. Also, Super Papaw told me that you told him that I shouldn’t be sitting in the corner on the basketball court and should use my speed to my advantage. I’m upset with myself because last season I did the exact opposite of what you said to do but I have been putting a decent amount of work in during the offseason and this will be my best year yet. I loved having you as my gym teacher and you have been my favorite gym teacher. I did cross country for the first time this year and I remember you saying that you ran cross country in high school. So as much as I hated running that much, I pushed through all of the practices and dedicated my first season to you. I’m looking for a really big goal in track this year. I either want to win the ECC for the 200-meter dash or possibly make it to regionals. I will never forget the words that you told me and have stuck with me for years, “You are the fastest kid that I have ever met.”