Marty Smith was born in Accident, Maryland, and his whole life reflected it: he missed the game-winning free-throw junior year, got chicken pox twice in grade school, even lost his mother to cancer. To break this supposed curse, he fled Accident as soon as he graduated high school.<br><br>Now, ten years later, Marty must face his past when he's forced to care for his suddenly-immobile father. Marty knows his close-minded hometown hasn't changed, but seeing an old classmate named Colten Williams makes him wish things were different. The more time he spends with Colten, the more he wants to stay. Accident isn’t so bad when viewed through Colten’s eyes.<br><br>Or is it just the curse lulling him into a false sense of security before it pounces again?

The Accident Curse

I followed the flow of spectators to the show yard. It had bleachers set up all around its rectangular perimeter. I grabbed a seat toward the front and tried to slow my breathing.


A screechy voice came over the loudspeaker. “And now, we’re moving on to the dairy cow competition. Here are our competitors.”


The line of cows and owners entered single file. I spotted Colten last. Lola Belle had a different harness on, though it looked more worn than the previous one. He led her with a hand on the rope and a tall stick by his side. Only six cows entered the yard, and the competitors led them around the outside edge.


As they passed in front of me, Colten caught my eye and grinned. I gave him a thumbs-up.


The group completed two circuits of the yard then fell into place in front of the judges. Once settled, the three judges began to circle around the cows.


Chapter 40