Forget six degrees of separation, most locals are only three people away from sharing relatives-another of the 4,724 reasons I need to leave this town.
I start my morning in the cemetery, letting the sound of nearby birds fill my excited soul. When I can't hang with friends, I escape to my favorite place. It's a short walk across my neighbor's pasture and the chain-link fence keeping livestock from disturbing this area, never stops me from entering. The cemetery where my dad rests requires a drive and is frequented by the citizens of Athens paying their respects. In this long-forgotten cemetery, I often think of my dad, talk to him, and contemplate my future. It also allows me a break from my mother, her drinking, and often hurtful words.
Now, I think about the importance of this day f
