We knew each other a long time ago, Clare explained. But people change. We’re different now than we were then. We have you guys and…
Liam knows where we keep the board games, and Dad knows which drawer has the first aid stuff. We’re basically already a family. But families…

January 1945. The island of Luzon is burning under the weight of a collapsing Japanese empire. Explosions echo across the hills. Tracer rounds carve through…
“Yes,” he said when they broke apart. “Yes, yes, let’s move in together. Yes, let’s build an actual life instead of two half- livives we’re…
Maybe. I’m not sure. Well, Liam said pragmatically, if they were a good friend before, they’re probably still a good friend now. That’s what mom…
very scientifically reasoned argument about the educational benefits of peer learning. These kids are dangerous. Terrifyingly smart, Clare agreed. What did you tell him? That…
The reasonable, mature decision to end things rather than attempt long distance with no clear end point. They’d both cried. They’d both agreed it was…
We’re just we’re spending time together, getting to know each other again, seeing if this works. But you already know each other, Tess pointed out…
That’s that’s a big step, Clare said. We’ve already taken big steps, Laya pointed out. You two kiss in the kitchen when you think we’re…
He reached for his notebook, started sketching a rough diagram. Excuse me. The voice was young, clear, unexpectedly close. Ethan looked up. Three girls stood…


