The Simple Wild (Wild, #1)

by K.A. Tucker

They can’t sense my loneliness, or the knot in my stomach. That’s the magic of social media, I guess. But there’s also an odd comfort to hiding behind the illusion. If I stare at myself beside the orange-and-yellow toy plane long enough, and reread the effervescent caption enough times, maybe I’ll start to buy what I’m selling, too.

“That girl ran like I’ve never seen anyone run before,” my dad murmurs. “She wanted to make sure the ground finished me off.” I wanted to make sure you’re okay. Because I was worried. Because I care.

“No. I figured you’d jump at the chance to ruin my favorite sweater,” I say instead.

I’ve spent the last twelve years dwelling on all the things Wren Fletcher isn’t. I should have had the guts to come and find out all the things he is.

“This is my last flight, kiddo,” he announces with grim certainty. He reaches over and takes my hand, and the smile on his face is oddly at peace. “And I can’t think of a better person to have spent it with.”