Page 1 of If By Chance

Prologue

Six years ago.

“Dead.”

I stay still, not breathing as I slowly come around from a brief doze.

“Dead,” the little voice repeats.

We’re in a cemetery. Everyone is dead.

I risk peeking through one eye, but the sun is blinding. I put a hand over my eyes. Sight finally adjusting, I dig my palms into the grass and shoot upright, pressing my back against the stone.

Blue eyes greet me.

They look like mine, and it takes a moment to realize I’m not dreaming.

His dark hair falls over his forehead, and it’s long over his ears. He giggles at my fright.

I shake my head. “No. I’m not dead.”

He presses a chubby palm over his mouth, shoulders shaking.

What’s so funny?

I fell asleep in a cemetery. My hair is in knots, and my face is blotchy from crying.

I look like a body they forgot to bury.

“Buddy, where did you go this time?” A man’s voice floats through the air.

The little boy’s eyes widen.

“Dada,” he says, pointing in the voice’s direction.

Heat floods my cheeks.

I look like a mess, I’ve fallen asleep at my best friend’s grave, and I’m pretty sure I’m still drunk from my college graduation celebrations last night.

I hold my finger over my mouth.

“Go,” I urge him. “Your dad is looking for you.”

He giggles again.

Please go, kid.

Footsteps grow closer.

“Quick,” I beg.

He needs to leave before his father thinks I’m trying to kidnap him.

I should have stayed dead.

He plucks a star-shaped sticker from his little t-shirt and sticks it to my forehead.

Shocked, I glance around. “Thanks.”

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