The sun snagged on his crooked skin.

“That's what birthdays were. Days when you found out where you stood. Who was on…”

“Vasco lived in Mangrove Heights, on a bluff overlooking the river. The first ti…”

“He woke early the next morning. It was still cool, but he opened the window and…”

“He looked both proud and guilty of something. As if happiness was a reward and …”