August 5, 11:53 A.M. James Madison High School, Band Room

A day at Band Camp was almost over. I had learned a lot. In particular, how to march, play, and get along with those much younger than me all over again. However, most of the experienced members knew that the whole band wasn't quite on the same page.

Ms. Andrews said, "It's time for a Drum Major pep talk! Greg?"

Before Greg spoke, I glanced around me. The whole trombone section crowded around me, with Jaci and Karrigan being the closest near me. They both looked at Greg with curiosity, waiting for the all-important message to be delivered. After a brief silence, he started.

"I'd like to start off by saying that this first real day of Band Camp was an experience for all of us, both physically and emotionally. Losing one of the best band members we had was very hard for me to grasp. Reggie was such an amazing person; benevolent and caring, resourceful and outspoken.

Unfortunately, he was cut down by a megalomaniacal, psychotic shadow of a person who had nothing to lose. Sybil Mackey, in hindsight, is a terrible person. But we mustn't let this act of savage violence stop us. If her actions prevent us from doing what we love, then she has won.

Mr. Wright has inspired us to do what is very hard to do: carry on after something hard. He has allowed us to have a slight bit of closure about the whole thing. For now, our music and marching are rough, but I think that with time we'll be able to improve that. What's important for now is that we stay committed.

We've got a lot of the season ahead of us, and plenty of good times. I'm sure that this season's got a lot in store. We'll just have to see where it takes all of us. So go out there, strive to be the best you can be, and be here tomorrow, ready for some more band at 7 in the morning. Good luck to you all."

"Good luck, everyone," I mumbled softly, hoping the remark wouldn't be taken as a sarcastic prattle.

The band room cleared out quickly. Most of the section dispersed, heading out to the parking lot to wait for their parents or to go to their cars. Before long, the only other people left were Ms. Andrews, Jaci, and me. Ms. Andrews headed to her office, while Jaci and I stayed in the band room. I sighed and clasped my hands together, which got Jaci's attention fairly quickly.

"Mr. Wri— er, Phoenix… how does it feel to be back?"

"Well, Jaci, to tell you the truth…" I said, "I love it here. We've got a long road ahead of us, but we'll make it work in the end. We always do."

She turned her head and looked at me. Her hands ran through her well-combed, but slightly scruffy, dirty blonde hair before replying.

"I agree. But it just doesn't feel the same without Reggie here. He was an awesome person. A year ago, he was the person that gave me the inspiration to try out for section leader. I was determined to become the best section leader I could."

"So Reggie was a really influential person in your life," I said.

"He was. He was so determined to make a difference in people's lives. He wanted to see people learn to have confidence, both for the present and the future. It's just that I'm not sure what's going to happen now because he's not here anymore…"

Jaci sighed as she began to place her music back inside her band folder. Her hands were a little shaky, and she grasped the pages tightly.

I asked, "Jaci? Are you upset because Reggie isn't here anymore? Are you worried that new freshmen won't listen to you because they won't think you are committed?"

"Y-Yes. That's my main concern. That and the fact that Reggie was one of the best people I've known. He had a charm that nobody else had. I'm just worried that the band is on a downhill turn. And based on the reception of Mars, I don't think some of the freshmen particularly enjoy the show."

Jaci's head drooped and her eyes closed.

I sighed, "Jaci, I understand how you feel. Some of the closest people to me are not the same as they used to be. My friend, Larry Butz, was charged with a murder he didn't commit. My co-counsel, Maya Fey, was kidnapped and extorted as part of a scheme. Her sister and my mentor, Mia Fey, was murdered because a man didn't want the truth about his 'business' to get out."

Jaci gasped, "Oh my God! Y-You have gone through a lot… How have you persevered?"

"Jaci, I used my confidence to help push me forward. Even after tragedies, do what you love. And always seek the truth."

"Like Greg said, 'if terror makes you stop doing what you love, then the terrorists have won'?" she asked.

"Yes. Indeed. When I see you tomorrow, I expect to see you to be ready for some more awesomeness. Marching band is an awesome thing, as it should be. See you later!"

Jaci Summers' light blue eyes lit up as I gathered my belongings and walked out of the band room. Perhaps she felt touched by my presence and the advice I had given her. Whatever she was trying to indicate with that child-like look of amazement, I knew certain that the Jaci I would see tomorrow would not be the same Jaci I had met earlier.