Amy and Mike have always been inseparable siblings. But after Mike got drafted to fight in Vietnam, it's not only Amy who acutely feels his absence - his pregnant wife, Laura, also misses him dearly. Amy copes by writing and burying herself in her summer job and her own dream world. But, this tomboyish loner is growing up at the same time, starting a relationship with budding musician Jeff, who's got his own trouble to contend with. Meanwhile, in Vietnam, Mike battles with both physical and psychological enemies while protecting an orphaned girl. In this stirring drama of growing up, falling in love, and of the innocent victims of war, family remains at the center.

|| Featured FREE story with exclusive paid chapters - previously a paid story || When Haley discovers the truth behind Xavier, whose silence holds a deeper meaning, she sets her mind on making his life better one small step at a time. ***** Haley Rosamond is happy with her simple life, content under the wing of her father. Well-protected, she has no idea of the darkness surrounding Xavier Hunt, with his all-black attire and infrequent presence in school-accompanied by his bruises and scars. That is, until Haley catches a glimpse of Xavier's reality and is made to question everything she knows about family and life in general. The truth, she realizes, couldn't be more different from everything she has heard. Supported by her father, Haley sets her mind on helping Xavier any way she can, and what begins with tutoring sessions, free food, and random acts of kindness blooms into friendship and something a little more. But when Haley's admission into her dream college and another tragedy in Xavier's life threaten to undo everything she has worked for, Haley needs to decide if she'll stick by Xavier or simply be another person in his life that disappears. [[word count: 80,000-90,000 words]] Cover designed by Holly Thurston

M., a college sophomore, is haunted by the events of a year ago that ended another girl's life. In an attempt to clear her conscience, she writes her confession down in a battered notebook addressed to a stranger. This search for redemption is far more painful than she ever imagined, and she struggles to cope with her grief and guilt. As M. spirals deeper into herself, she must ask what the cost of absolution is...and if she's still willing to pay it. [ Wattpad featured story | cover by MayTijssen ]