FL: The day I turned twelve, I was certain it'd be my favorite birthday yet, but then I got the letter.

There were big days and there were small days and there were bad days and there were good days and I suppose I could pick any one of 'em for my "once upon a time."

FL: No one was awake to see it happen, except Rickman.

LN: "Well," I say, and I squeeze my dad's shoulder, "once upon a time, there was a girl and her dad."

BC: Dear Marcus...

FL: In the laundry basket on the kitchen floor was a lump.

The morning the great white came to Rockport, my best friend and I were sticking our fingers into the coin returns of every pay phone in town.

FL: Everything started on the day I had that close call with Tank.

BC: Louie doesn't have the best luck when it comes to nurturing small creatures--not even lighting bugs, worms, or goldfish.

LL: More on this story as it develops.

When the song ended, Marcus and I both collapsed on the couch with big, identical smiles, and I felt grateful and happy and full.

LL: "What a day..."