Page 1 of Pieces: A Companion Piece

PIECES

It’s the year of 2023.

Three years after the Game Series concluded.

In the middle of The Renegades.

An idea by Lane Madison.

Edited by Lucas Carter.

Proofed by Cameron Leroux.

Illustrations by Lucas West, Corey Cruz, Sloan Wallace, and Jordan Hackett.

Words by us.

We miss you, Shay.

FOREWORD BY LANE MADISON

Shay,

I can’t save you, so I have to practice patience and have faith in River and Reese to do what they know best. I can’t be there for you, so I have to believe I can be by your side once you come home instead. I can’t ease your pain, so I have to settle for at least showing you how much you mean to so many people.

I hope you’ll find strength in our love for our community’s fiercest fighter.

You might feel like the darkness is about to swallow you whole. You might feel like your recovery is taking forever. You might feel lost at times. But we are here. No matter where in the world your journey takes you, we are here, waiting for you to find your way back home.

Mr. West asked me what I wanted the cover of this little book to look like, and I knew immediately the photo I wanted to use. Do you remember when I took it?

The color was easy too. It had to be the color of your eyes. That unforgettable shade that made your mom say you have fairy-tale eyes.

She was right.

I miss every part of you, brother. Every piece.

Lane

PS: If you’re reading this, it means you’re safe again. It means I owe a world of gratitude to River, Reese, and Greer. It also means we get to shower River and Reese with emotional torture at the end of the book.

FROM TATE & KINGSLEY

From Tate

We miss you so much, Shay. Yesterday, Lane suggested that we turn this notebook into an actual book for you, and I hope you read it before you see any of us. Because I can only imagine how overwhelmed you will be once you come home. And I believe that now. Master Greer and his brother joined the rescue operation last night, and I have to believe good will prevail.

Either way, I don’t want you to feel any pressure. We will wait. We will have all the patience in the world for your recovery. If you want to see us one by one, go for it. If you want a quick five-minute reunion before you kick us out of your house, by all means. Don’t let anyone else set the pace. Your comfort comes first. Same goes for messages and online activity. I’m sure the moment we hear of your rescue, we will reach out and express our utter joy. Don’t feel pressured to respond to anyone.

Thinking of you,

Tate

From Kingsley

When your world grows dark,

bare your scars.