"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 never really knew you. When I was younger, I used to pretend that you had to leave Mom, Laura, Cam, and I because you were secretly a government agent and were out there in the world doing cool spy things, but you’d always come back for my music recitals and be watching somewhere within the crowd, proud of me. It’s a nice thought. Better than believing that you just abandoned your family because of the drugs and booze. I still don’t understand how someone could chose that life over your wife, daughters, and son. I honestly don’t get why substances that can hold that kind of power and control over someone are allowed to exist. I wish they didn’t so I wouldn’t have to imagine what our lives would have been like. I’m not angry anymore. I’m not even that sad. I feel bad for you. That you let something control your life so fully that you ended up missing out on so much awesomeness that is my family. Your would-have-been family. I just wanted to say that I forgive you because as of yesterday I have finished my first year of high school. I’m a Sophomore now. With all of these “identity activities” the high school and teachers are making us do I feel forgiving and resting that chapter of my life is the right thing. My entire family, mostly my mom, says how much I look and act like you. But I am not you. I am me, and I am going to go to college and make films after I graduate. I will not let what controlled you and your entire family effect me. I am going to redefine our family name and myself because I am whoever I want to be. Just like the character Laurel did in this amazing book I finished a few days ago. Wherever you are, I forgive you. And I hope your happy.