The Impossible Knife of Memory

Hayley rides the bus home. It is a very hot day, and she does not want to go to the football game. She tries to call Finn, but he does not answer. Wondering if he is already on his date, she decides she is not going to go. When she gets home, she sees several vehicles parked outside her house. There are over a dozen young soldiers inside, singing and drinking. Her dad is drinking soda and “looking more like himself than he had in months” (83).

Andy takes Hayley out to the backyard, which has been freshly mowed by a couple soldiers. The men are building a fire pit. Andy’s friend Roy chats with them about when Hayley was a baby. Hayley is surprised to hear her dad mention her mom, Rebecca. Hayley is also surprised that her dad is sober and having fun. He is also telling war stories, which he normally hates doing.

Michael, Andy’s friend from high school, arrives. Hayley does not like him because he is creepy and she suspects he sells her dad weed. She decides she would rather go to the football game.