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

Colten joined me downstairs a moment later with his own flashlight—a tiny LED one he kept on his keyring.


“Yeah.” I pulled on the chord and activated the fuel inside the generator, like starting up a lawn mower. It took effect immediately and light filled the room.


Back upstairs, Dad had already retreated to his room.


“Wanna hit the hay?” I asked. The movie didn’t sound like fun anymore. I’d prefer to get to bed.


We went to the bathroom and I retrieved a disposable toothbrush for Colten. I left him to it while I changed into pajamas in my bedroom. When he finished, I switched him spots. I took my time washing my face and brushing my teeth. My thoughts weighed the pros and cons of what could happen next.


Snuggling: it was cute and sweet and I’d be perfectly happy holding and being held, however, I’d been banking on staying at Colten’s and my body was ready for action.


Chapter 43