The Universe Rings (A Ringing Purpose)

Prologue

The overhang dining room lights cast a golden hew over Kenneth's brown hair, laying uncombed in natural waves. Crickets chirped in the Wichita Kansas night, and he ignored the longing to go outside as he read an article on his tablet. His hazel-green eyes reflected on the dim screen—so did the mole on his jaw, but he pretended that didn't exist.

Though it was late, Kenneth hunched over in his chair at the table, doing his homework that was due tomorrow. He had just celebrated his fifteenth birthday the day before, August twenty-fourth. So he hadn't had much time to get caught up on homework—no one does homework on their birthday.

A wave of exhaustion hit Kenneth. He rested his head on his arms, and he couldn't stop himself from falling into a deep sleep...