Mr. Halback, because you introduced Meursault to a bunch of jaded teenagers back in the day. And everyone in that senior English class (especially, especially Kris Trego!) because we met Meursault together. I can still see us as we were in that classroom, stumbling through life, trying to figure out the world and find our place in it.
Lauren Gibaldi Mathur and Jessica Low Martinez, because you are amazing writers and the dearest friends. And because when I said I was writing a story with an opening scene of a bear mauling, you both grinned perfectly and said, “Yes…do it!” Also, because “It’s never over….”
Susan Frith, because of conversations and coffee and tea and characters standing over our shoulders demanding our attention.
Mami, Papi, Nancy, y David, lo que es ser familia, verdad? Viejitos, cuando pienso las tierras que viajaron, peligrosas y lindas, para encontrarse, me quedo sin palabras. Y como nosotros nacimos de ustedes. Es un gran misterio, un milagro, como se juntaron todas nuestras almas. Solo Dios sabrá. Pero doy gracias. Que lindo compartir esta vida con ustedes. Como los quiero.
Martha y Trinidad Sanchez por enseñarme la belleza del desierto. Suegra, usted especialmente por compartir su cariño y los tésitos que curan tanto.
Ava and Mateo and Francesca, because of car rides and sun-drenched streets and orange soda and music so loud we dance in our seats and open windows to let in hot breezes and you three, you three, with me always, feeling so good. Feeling so cool.
Nando, because you see what I can’t and you tell me until I believe and you make what always seems out of reach seem possible. Because of fireworks and sad nights on coffee shop patios. Because of flowers you let be and mariachis and the old man singing. And because…infinitely because.
And finally, forever, Patti Magee, because of 1994, high school, and you with your poetry readings and dimmed classroom full of so many words and ideas. Your voice leading us, giving us confidence and making us feel like we mattered. I found my way to you in college, and years later, to the English department where it was one of my greatest privileges to teach with you. I hope you know how much you made me love literature and wonder about everything, everything, and how much you taught me, and what a hand you had in making me the person I am. I hope you are somewhere reciting Blake’s “The Tyger” and making the universe answer. I will miss you. I hope your spirit is in every forest, in every tree, in every place you ever camped and sought and just were and every place you wished to go. I hope you made it to Alaska. O Captain!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JENNY TORRES SANCHEZ is a full-time writer and former English teacher. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, but has lived on the border of two worlds her whole life. She lives in Orlando, Florida, with her husband and their children. Because of the Sun is her third novel. Visit her online at jennytorressanchez.com and on Facebook and follow her on Twitter at @jetchez.
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Because of the Sun Page 19