To the boys at the heart of this story: I’m sorry for everything that has happened to you. The world is a dark place, and it tears at me that you had to walk through its shadows at such an age. But there are people who love you and there are people who will do anything to you. And if they are not there, I hope you remember that there are no monsters that will not bleed. This life belongs to you. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.