Swallowing Stones

Teenager Jenna Ward stands outside on July 4, watching her father repair a leak in the roof. Her father suddenly buckles and falls limply forward, rolling off the roof and coming to rest on the ground at Jenna’s feet. He’s been struck in the back of the head by a bullet.

Across town, Michael MacKenzie has just shot his new Winchester rifle, a birthday gift from his grandfather, into the air. Later, he sneaks off with Amy Ruggerio to hook up in his garage despite his girlfriend Darcy being at the party. Michael thinks this is the greatest day of his life and has no idea that the bullet he fired has killed a man.

Michael

Michael is excited to take his driver’s test the day after his birthday. He’s been practicing for the exam and anticipating the freedom that will come with having a driver’s license. He thinks about Amy while he gets dressed. Although he enjoyed their tryst, he doesn’t think highly of her. Amy has a reputation for being easy to hook up with. Michael feels she proved that, but he can’t help but feel a strange affection toward her.