A Breath Too Late
Page 15
Regina (thank you for letting me borrow your name!) and Shona, my soul squad. You both are creative goddesses. You’ve been with me from the beginning and have been witness to some of my most life-changing moments and epiphanies. In fact, you often were vital in the manifestation of them. It is such a privilege to be your witness. It is an honor that you were mine. Thank you. For pushing me, loving me, celebrating me, and believing in me. Our moments together sparkle with magic.
Mama and Papa, your creative hearts left us a legacy of artistic love. I miss you so much, but when I need you, I feel you near. When I signed my contract, I surrounded myself with your handwriting and heirlooms because I knew none of this would have been possible without you.
Dad, you’ve become one of my most cherished cheerleaders and greatest friends. Your strength and support have meant so much to me. You’ve been such a source of comfort over these years. You are an amazing father and grandfather, and I am so happy that we have you in our lives. The #1 Papa Jorge and Daddio. Thank you for reminding me to focus on the important and to not be afraid to honor myself along the way. Lori, thank you for being such a beautiful addition to our family unit. You have braved so much and are such a testament of love. We are so lucky to have you in our lives.
Martina, my sister and chivi. You are so gloriously YOU and I am always taken aback by your heart, talent, and brilliance. Damn, woman. The world better get ready for you. I feel like I could make being proud of you my profession. You never let me forget who I am and where my heart is leading me. Keep shining bright, love. The world needs you full blast. So do I.
Oh, my mama bear (aka the sasha). Where would I be without you? Not here at all. Your strength, audacious optimism, and beautiful openness to life are a marvel. You sacrificed, you loved, you gave and gave. For me. For us. For the dreams we wanted to make real. Our coffee table was the altar to all our hopes. I am blessed to be your daughter. We found our art and hearts at the same time. Thank you. You always told me to be unafraid of flying even when we felt lost in the dark. Look at our lives now. Storms have come, but we still have this wide-open blue sky. Let’s fly higher. And as you soar, remember that your wings (and song) are beautiful.
Jese, mi vida, you make me laugh, you hold me up, you squeeze me tight. You have been the rock on which I have sharpened my blade and the foundation on which I can stand, sure and certain. You are my anchor when I feel unsteady and drifting, and your shoulder has been my refuge. You remind me that I am limitless and that nothing is impossible. You have given me our beautiful children and this life so full of love and devotion. You are strength, heart, love, power. I am humbled by your faith, hard work and sacrifice, and bright and tenacious spirit. You bring color to my life every day. I am proud of the man you have become and honored to have you by my side.
Gio, my little dragon. You kept your momma strong while I was on this journey. You showed me what I was capable of. You also taught me that sleep and cuddles should never be taken for granted and that it is very possible to live your happiest days hanging on smiles and baby giggles. Daddy and I waited a long time for you. Thank you for choosing us to be yours.
Juliette, my daughter, it is my greatest honor to be your mother. You are all heart and love and art. I remember how my whole life stuttered awake at the sound of your heartbeat. I started writing again because of you. I knew if I was going to ask you to live your dreams then it was time I started to live mine. Dream, my little wonder woman. And then live a life full of them. I love you.
About the Author
Rocky Callen, the daughter of an Ecuadorian immigrant, has long lived a life of service ever since she was a thirteen-year-old advocating for her undocumented neighbors. She interned at NASA at twelve years old, started lobbying congress at thirteen, and wrote and produced student radio stories at NPR at fourteen. She was a behavioral therapist for over ten years. She is an MFA student at Vermont College of Fine Arts and lives outside of Washington, DC, with her husband, daughter, and brand-new baby boy. A Breath Too Late is her debut novel. Follow her on Twitter @rocky_writes.
Vist her online at rockycallen.com, or sign up for email updates here.
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Contents
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Dedication
Author’s Note
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
The Year of Graduation
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
The Last Day
Chapter 53
Now
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Help Is Here
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Copyright
Text copyright © 2020 by Rocky Callen
Henry Holt and Company, LLC
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Library of Congress Control Number: 2019949141
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First hardcover edition 2020
eBook edition April 2020
eISBN 9781250238801