Chapter 43
Sixteen Years AgoJohn stood under the deep eaves of the school building, bricks rough against his back and arms, watching the early afternoon rain. The broad grass lawn held standing puddles, and the sidewalks and streets looked polished, brand new. But the heavy, slate gray clouds overhead muted the colors of late June flowers scattered throughout the grass and the mass of faculty cars in the nearest carpark.
The gloom seemed a fitting end to his years of going to school with his closest friend.
Whenever William came through the doors, he and John would ride home together one last time. Even with the summer stretching out in front of them, after today they’d start going their separate ways.
A few of John’s classmates stopped to chat before running out into the rain. Some he
