My Best Friend with Wings (sample chapters)

An Introduction

This is a memoir, written in memory of my childhood best friend who, only an unfairly few years after we both made the kind of choices that come with growing up and which saw our friendship drift apart, passed away. This is also a work of creative non-fiction, because the guilt buried deep inside had chosen to finally make its presence known through this story. All events are genuine and characters real... except for those I made up, because how else do you personify what's tearing you apart inside? And now....

I'd like for you to meet Dave: musical virtuoso, natural-born comedian, and undeniably confident lady's man--the kind of guy an awkward kid would idolize. I'd like for you to meet Dave, but my words shall have to do.

I'd like for you to meet me: passionate writer, forgetful observer, and socially anxious, confused wanderer--that awkward kid striving to be an equal to his best friend. I'd like for you to meet me, but first I must find myself.

I'd like for you to meet a girl: initially an oddly nameless text, then a sweetly secretive voice, then an adorably alluring face, then a purposefully leading hand... offered to help, but which shoves me places I'd rather not go. I'd like for you to meet this intriguing stranger, but we'll have to meet her together.

And I'd like for you to meet my grief, but denial can be a hell of a thing to work through; so come meet them all, and consider each turned page a handshake with a personal truth beyond reality. Because the tales contained within, those both tall and true, are certainly eager and ready to meet with you.