Young Adult | Romantic Suspense

Some summers fade like they were never really there—moments that melt into the long stretch of years that follow, half-remembered and harmless. Then there are the others. The ones that never leave, no matter how many winters come between. In the summer of 1987, I was fifteen and believed nothing bad could happen beneath a blue sky. Days lasted forever back then. Time bent itself around the rhythm of bike wheels, Wiffle Ball games, and the occasional scolding from someone’s mom. My world was small but complete—anchored by my best friend, Kevin, and the girl who was starting to change everything, Sammi. For nine days, we chased adventure the way only kids convinced they’re invincible can. We found a cave that wasn’t on any map, made promises we didn’t know how to keep, and laughed until our stomachs hurt. It was messy, reckless, and alive in a way life rarely is after. If I could go back, I’d tell that version of myself to slow down—to memorize the sound of Kevin’s voice, the glint in Sammi’s eyes when she dared me to keep up. I’d tell him how fast everything can change. But you never know which summer is the summer until it’s gone. This was mine. My nine days of summer.