A story that reveals the hidden secrets of family violence and its origins. How it can be visible to everyone and no one sees it. As a young boy trapped in this world our main character systematically develops a series of secrets in an attempt to reveal the truth.

CHAPTER 1-THE TREASURE TROVE

“Come on, let’s go down to the river” Willy said. “Dad says not to. He says there are snakes and other varmints, and we could get bit” said Miles. Willy looks up and smiles “don’t be afraid, we won’t go that far down. Just to the first ledge so we can explore the woods.” “I am not afraid. I just don’t want to get in trouble. My butt still hurts from the last time” Miles said. “Come on Miles, just for a little while” Willy said. “Fine” Miles said. They took off running towards the edge of the woods where the river was located.

The woods surround a trailer park, where they live, and hide it from their neighbors. The trailer homes around them are run down, with trash in the yards, and cars on blocks, most of which have been sitting there forever. The mobile homes themselves are old and literally falling apart. One trailer has a whole exterior wall fallen off and the owner used cardboard and duct tape to replace it. The neighbors are rarely seen outside, and when they are, they look as worn out and decrepit as their homes.

Miles and Willy are stepbrothers that are the same age, ten years old, and they love to explore. Especially in places that are forbidden. As they approach the edge of the woods, Willy slows down and looks back.

Miles, although taller than Willy, is a much slower runner. Willy stops to wait for his brother to catch up. “Let’s go down over here where there is a trail.” As they walk over and enter the wooded area, they can feel a major change in the temperature.

Walking down the trail, they could see a whole world of new things appear right before their eyes. No more dead grass and dirt patches. No more old run-down homes.