“You know the Oakses have a son who never comes to see them?” I spoke into the dark, rolling on my side to face her. “Why not?” I shook my head. “I’m not sure. They had a falling-out, but I don’t know what it was about.” “That’s too bad,” Tegan said softly. “I’d give anything to see my parents again. I miss them so much.” “I know.” I hugged her in the dark but she didn’t weep. This was a loss grown old and dull, like a knife left out in the rain. But Tegan returned the hug with full strength, and it made me feel important, worthy of her friendship even if I didn’t come from perfect people.
