No really, I'm okay. I'm also a great liar.

checking items off the bucket list i never thought i'd get to

I take a trip around the entire city, doing something I promised to myself I'd do if I ever published a book. I have a Sharpie in my hand and Annabelle by my side.

We stop in the first bookstore at 9:39 A.M., prepared for an entire day of this. I nod to the worker, who just smiles back, then we head to the D section.

Annabelle spots the sunset-pink spine almost immediately, and pulls out the book. My heart swells at the sight on the white cover and the orange type and the fact that it's my name and the three hundred nine pages are all there and they're off-white and the type is exactly how I wanted it to look and Annabelle's hugging me from behind and suddenly my cheeks hurt from how much I'm smiling.

I take the Sharpie and flip to the copyright and title pages, then jot down a small note to whomever buys this book.

Hey! I just wanted to say that whoever you are, you can do it! This story started off as three bullet points during class and look at it now! You are unique and anything you do is a gift to the world. Take care of yourself. — Hazel

Annabelle pulls out her Polaroid camera and takes a picture of me writing. After shaking it into visibility, she takes my Sharpie and dates the photo, then slides it into the front of the book. She kisses me on the cheek and the rest of the day blends into our memories.