Reading Response #2: Ashfall

   
  This is who I picture Alex as.  A quiet, socially awkward, outcast kind of kid.

Alex is a typical teenager in regards to always arguing with his mom and not wanting anything pertaining to family involvement.  His attitude didn't change when his parents announced that they had planned a spring break trip to his uncle's small farm in rural Illinois.  Alex expected his mom to put up fight and force him to attend their small vacation, but is quite shocked when his mom casually agrees for him to stay home alone.  The rest of the family packed up their stuff and offered their goodbyes to Alex.  He rebelliously rejects their invitation and heads back up to his bedroom.  Moments after arriving his bedroom begins to shake and Alex is effortlessly tossed around like a rag doll.  Alex immediately wonders if his family is safe or even alive, but the answer to this question is quickly put on hold when he is knocked unconscious.  When he regains his surroundings one thought is on his mind, "I wish I would have said goodbye."
   
     "If I would have known I might never get to argue with her again, maybe I would have replied.  Maybe I would have hugged her instead of turning away." Page 2
    
     "Thank God my sister wasn't home.  If she had been in her room, she would be dead now.  An hour ago I had been looking forward to a week without her.  Now I wanted nothing more than to see her again." Page 14

     We are all guilty of saying things that we don't really mean in the heat of an argument.  What sets people apart from each other is whether or not they apologize.  I like to live my life by the forgive and forget motto.  If someone does you wrong then forgive them, forget it even happened, and move on.  The worst thing you can do is hold a grudge.  Always tell the people are closest to you what they mean to you because you never know when you will have to say goodbye.