Avery is sixteen years old and from the United States. Her entry for the May Writing Challenge was one of those chosen to be a featured story.

Our fists connected, bruises blossomed, spreading across our chins. Brother and I, outside the garage of our summer home, grabbling each other, rolling around in the dirt, yelling.

Minutes later, my father, a tall, middle-aged man, rounded the side of the house and pulled us apart by our overalls. A gruff, scolding voice filled our heads the rest of the day.

Later that night I found Brother sitting on the dock, feet dangling over the edge. I kicked my shoes off, rolled up my overalls, and sat down, extending a peace offering, a toasted marshmallow, and a piece of chocolate.