Today is the day I’m reclaiming my life.
Ten months ago, some kid, a student at Rothbert University I’d never met or taught in class, tried to take it from me. And then he succeeded in taking his own. I guess I should feel bad about that kid, but he didn’t leave me much room for sympathy. I’m 38, a tenured professor at a prestigious university. I’ve come a long way from where I started. And today I have to hobble onto campus like a witch from a Grimm’s fairy tale, on a cane, and try to take back what was mine.
Honestly? I can’t think about that kid much at all. Is it self-centered to be thinking of yourself when you’re the one who got shot for no reason whatsoever and had to give up a year of your career to physical therapy and pain? What I’m thinking about is that long walk up from the parking lot to my building. What I’m thinking about is that first moment when I see someone I know, and here I am, broken and diminished. And—Doyle. I’m thinking about Doyle a lot these days, even though I was the one who sent him away.
That might have been a mistake. I’ve made so many mistakes in my life. That’s the one thing you get from facing your own mortality. Perspective. I was never one for putting up with nonsense, but now that I’ve come through the other side, I don’t want to waste any more time. Also: now I know who my friends are. Doesn’t the saying go that you only need one true friend? I guess I have that.
They’re going to stare, aren’t they? The students. The faculty. People stare when I go to the grocery store, when I walk down the street—which I try not to do. What I’ve learned is that it doesn’t take much to become the wrong kind of celebrity in this little ’burb. Everyone seems to know who I am. My fifteen minutes of fame are getting used up on this. It’s almost like I’m not human anymore, like I belong to the public now, instead of to myself.
Like—some wiseacre calls me every morning at 2 a.m. just to breathe into the phone.
It’s not a problem. I’m usually awake, anyway.
So they’ll stare. It’s human nature to stare. I bet I could do my next sociological study on it. If I wanted to.
Let them stare. Let them talk behind their hands. I already know what they think was going on between me and that student. Let them try to take my life from me. This time, I’ll be holding on with both hands.
You can read more about Amelia in The Black Hour, Lori’s debut novel, published by Seventh Street Books which is available at retail and online booksellers.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 6 p.m. eastern on July 14 for the chance to win a copy of THE BLACK HOUR. (US entries only, please.)
Meet the author
Lori Rader-Day is the author of the mystery The Black Hour, out July 8 from Seventh Street Books. Born and raised in central Indiana, she now lives with her husband and dog in Chicago. Best-selling author Jodi Picoult chose one of Lori’s short stories for the grand prize in Good Housekeeping’s first fiction contest. Other stories have appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Time Out Chicago, The Madison Review, and others. Visit her at LoriRaderDay.com, on Facebook or on Twitter.
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I’ve heard so much about this book. It sound really good so I hope I win. Congratulations, Lori, on its publication.
Interesting This looks a bit different than most cozies. Would love a copy.
Just read the piece for this book! Wow it sounds great, Would love to win a copy! thanks Dru for the chance.
This sounds so sad,,,
This sounds really different. I would love to read it!
I am so intrigued by the excerpt—thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of this book!
It sounds interesting, I would love to read this
sounds a little dark but I’d like to give it a try.
This sounds like such an interesting book, I look forward to finding out how she takes her life back.
I’ve already been lucky enough to read The Black Hour, but just wanted to say what a wonderful, tangled debut it is for mystery lovers!
This sounds like a moving read.
That was a great Day in the Life. It just whetted my appetite for more. This sounds like an excellent book, I’d love to win it. Thanks carlscott(at)prodigy(dot)net(dot)mx
What an emotional introduction for me. This perspective will make for an amazing read.
Wow, this book sounds like a very poignant account of someone’s life after a tragic incident. It really makes you think about the mystery part of it….what will it be?
Lauigl [at] carolina [dot] rr [dot] com
This sounds excellent!
This certainly sounds deep and different. A new angle for a story is always good I guess.
This sounds like a real good book – one that will make you think and give you some insight about the main character.
Word of mouth on this book has been great.
Sounds like a great read.
This book sounds really different and interesting. I would love to read it. Thanks for this chance to win it.
A friend was telling me about this book the other day. I need to read it!
contest is closed.