When We Ride: A Novel

by Rex Ogle

He’s just the boy he was before life came along and insisted he be a man in a hard world.

“That’s where you’re wrong,” Mom shouts after me. “You can’t dance with fire and not get burned.”

I don’t know which is worse. A life ruined or a life ended or if there’s any difference

at all.

I see him for the first time in years my brother is really

scared little boy locked inside the shell of a man too old before his time.

I will go off to college, this town left behind me, and all I will take are memories including those of a friendship now gone.

And please, every one of you, remember: life isn’t an easy ride for any of us. But it sure is worth it. Keep driving.