Synopsis

To those whom much is given; sometimes too much is asked in return. If you could cure HIV with a simple touch, would you? What if you had to die the slow, painful death of an AIDS victim to do it? Does your answer change if it?s for a family member versus a friend? What about a total stranger? Imagine being faced with this type of dilemma everyday. What some call a blessing, Zo? knows only as a curse. Zo? is born a true empathic. She not only feel the pain and sorrows of others, but she take on their illnesses. Zo? is forced to live a life without any direct human contact.

*** Please excuse the blank pages. This ebook is also available in print edition. The balnk pages were added to comply with printer's requirements.

EXCERPT

Chapter Four

A New Beginning



We moved so many times over the years I?ve lost track of where we lived over
the years. We finally ended up in this dirt hick town called Hodges. It always
bugged me at first that everything was named after its founder, Elroy Hodges.
But what was most annoying is that no one else seemed to mind but me. But there
was one thing I did like about this town. For me it would be like a new
beginning. At the age of sixteen, for the first time I would be allowed to go to
a public school. 



I remember my first day at the local high school. At first glance it appeared
to be just like every other high school I?ve ever driven past on our way into or
out of other towns. The grounds were well kept, almost too well kept. There was
a statute of the counties founder, Elroy Hodges, right smack in the middle of
the schools front lawn. In fact his statute was every where. It was in front of
the bank, the hospital, heck there was even one on top of the movie theater. His
name was immortalized over the school?s entrance, ELROY HODGES HIGH SCHOOL. 



∞∞∞



It?s a beautiful autumn morning; students are beginning to arrive for school.
Some arrive walking in large groups, while others arrive in smaller groups or
alone. Old rusty buses pull up and drop off kids. Parents pull up in old pickup
and even a tractor or two pulled up to drop off their kids. 

Zo? sits in her mother?s brand new SUV looking out at all of the kids going to
school and interacting with each other. She appears to be unable to move.

Janet places her hand on Zo??s shoulder. ?You don?t have to do this if you?re
not ready.? 



Zo? turns her head and looks at her mother, ?Yes I do.? She opens the door and
steps out of the SUV. 



She can feel all eyes on her. Every inch of her body is covered by clothing,
except for her face. She?s wearing a knit ski cap on her head. Everyone else is
still wearing summer clothes. 



She closes the door. Places her book bag on the ground and looks through the
window at her mother, ?I?ll walk home.?



A look of concern close to panic comes over Janet?s face, ?I don?t think that?s
a good idea honey.? 



?Mom, I?ll be alright. I promise. Like, it?s only three blocks.?

Janet lets out a nervous sigh, ?Alright but if you?re not home within fifteen
minutes I?m coming to look for you.?



Zo? smiles slightly and responds in a soft voice, ?I love you too mom.?

Zo? adjust her knit mittens and pick up her book bag. With a deep breath she
makes her way through the ocean of glares and whispers. She looks back at her
mother and waves bye to her.