Carline had this theory that we all get stuck at certain points of our lives, that they come to define us and exert a kind of gravity. Most of Daniel’s stories orbited around his momma, a woman who never was, if you asked Carline. In his head Daniel was still ten years old. Though now he was adding tales from the Farm to his repertoire. Just like Daniel, to turn a pathetic stint in County for one too many DUIs into something romantic and glamorous. Like he was Cool Hand Luke. Please. She envied Danny’s power to change mistake into myths.
–From Beasts and Children by Amy Parker