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 can sit here, right?” I asked, eyeing the dog wearily. “Or have I been demoted to the back?”


“Get in. It’s past Sammy’s bedtime. We need to get home.”


I sat down and pulled the door shut. Sammy immediately jumped onto my legs and tried to lick my face. I patted her head then gently pushed her down into a sitting position.


“How you holding up?” Rick asked softly.


“I’m okay for now. I don’t ever think I’ve felt this heartbroken.”


“He sounds like an amazing man. You said he’s coming out for Christmas, right? I can’t wait to meet him.”


“You’ll love him, Rick. He’s so down to earth. He’d love this little mutt, too.”


Rick glanced at me as he made the turn that put up on the north side of the airport, heading toward the 202. “I’m surprised you’re letting her on your lap, Marty. You never wanted to touch her before.”


“She’s okay,” I replied, looking into her brown doggie eyes.


Chapter 47