Maybe this seems a bit silly of a thing to celebrate, but it’s on my list as one of the happiest times of my entire life.
I love Disneyland. That’s an understatement, but I don’t know how to put it into words that don’t involve neon flashing lights. I’ve only been a few times, once when I was about 9, again when I graduated from high school, and—as a complete and utter surprise for my 30th birthday.
This trip was put together by my wife, Rowan, and it was a huge group effort. Friends and family all donated to make this thing happen. My editors, author friends, Mom, sister…everyone pitched in. I had no idea until they set things up at my job, complete with a cake and a Rapunzel theme (she’s my favorite Disney princess), and a card (that said “Happy 3rd Birthday!”) and two tickets to Disneyland.
It wasn’t even just Disneyland, either.
It was Universal Studios, and getting surprised by my bestie, Nyrae Dawn, with an evening at Medieval Times.
This entire trip was emotional and dream achieving for me. I’m not a person who gets to vacation often, unlike some who are able to visit Disneyland multiple times a year, and the fact that so many people made this happen? I have never felt more loved, appreciated, and spoiled in my life.
A big part of this was, growing up with severe depression, I used to think I’d never make it to 30. But I did, here I am, and I got to spend it riding Pirates of the Caribbean five times in a row. Best. Birthday. Ever.
Be sure to check out Kelley’s newest release, co-written with her wife Rowan Altwood,
Other Breakable Things
out now!
According to Japanese legend, folding a thousand paper cranes will grant you healing.
Evelyn Abel will fold two thousand if it will bring Luc back to her.
Luc Argent has always been intimately acquainted with death. After a car crash got him a second chance at life—via someone else’s transplanted heart—he tried to embrace it. He truly did. But he always knew death could be right around the corner again.
And now it is.
Sick of hospitals and tired of transplants, Luc is ready to let his failing heart give out, ready to give up. A road trip to Oregon—where death with dignity is legal—is his answer. But along for the ride is his best friend, Evelyn.
And she’s not giving up so easily.
A thousand miles, a handful of roadside attractions, and one life-altering kiss later, Evelyn’s fallen, and Luc’s heart is full. But is it enough to save him? Evelyn’s betting her heart, her life, that it can be.
Right down to the thousandth paper crane.
Kelley York is the author of HUSHED and SUICIDE WATCH. She was born and raised in central California, where she still resides with her lovely wife, daughter, and an abundance of pets. (Although she does fantasize about moving across the globe to Ireland.) She has a fascination with bells, adores all things furry – be them squeaky, barky or meow-y – is a lover of video games, manga and anime, and likes to pretend she’s a decent photographer. Her life goal is to find a real unicorn. Or maybe a mermaid. Within young adult, she enjoys writing and reading a variety of genres from contemporary with a unique twist, psychological thrillers, paranormal/urban fantasy and horror. She loves stories where character development takes center stage.
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