His refusal to truly face his grief results in unexpected feelings such as anger at his coach, increased fights with his sister, resentment of more responsibility in helping his mother, and disillusionment with football. He even gets into a fight with his best friend, Rolf, who never fights anyone.

He's angry about his mother's friendship with Paul Lindquist, his father's business partner, and he's suspicious of the guy in a black pickup who keeps showing up around town. He's also ticked that even his coach seems a little too interested in his mother.

Teenagers Abbey and Cooper are in their final year at high school, both have problems they are trying to escape from, and run away together.

Lily and Sarah's dad don't seem to be reuniting... and whatever happened to Sarah's mauve ribbon?"
 

"Lightening flashed in the forest, turning the trees into black silhouettes against the sky. Waves spilled between the tree trunks, washing out the tiny ferns and mushrooms that stood there. Sarah clung to a tall birch, slippery with rain, as she scanned the forest floor. Where was he? "