Dan Versus Nature (38 page)

“I don’t think so . . .” Erin says.

Please don’t say anything, please don’t saying anything. Not now. Not yet. Let me be the one to break the news to her.

“You’re not one of my patients . . .” Hank continues. “I’m a dentist,” he explains. “But it’s not the teeth I recognize. It’s definitely the face . . . You’re not, like, on TV or anything?”

Erin laughs. “Yeah, right!”

“Huh.” Hank shakes his head. “Sorry. It’s just so strange. I really feel like I’ve seen you before!”

Charlie clears his throat and steps forward. “If I may interject. It sounds to me as though you’re experiencing a simple case of déjà vu, which neuroscientists have described as a sort of memory-based analogue of an optical illusion located in the hippocampus region of the brain. Occasionally, the pattern-separation circuit misfires, and a new experience — or, as in this case, a face — that’s merely
similar
to an older one seems identical. In layman’s terms, Mr. Langston, I believe you’ve experienced a bit of brain flatulence.”

Oh, God, Charlie, you’re the best.

Hank chuckles. “If there’s one thing I learned on our trip, it’s not to argue with you, Charlie!”

Mom, Erin, and Charlie laugh. I lean back, wishing I had my sketch pad with me — I’d capture this moment so that I could keep it with me forever.

“I wuv you,” Baby Robbie coos from across the room. “I happy. I sleepy.”

I smile and let my eyes drift closed. My sentiments exactly, Robbie.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Writing any novel is a leap of faith. You never know exactly how it will turn out (or even
if
it will turn out). All you can hope is that you’ve set yourself on a decent course and that you have a solid foundation of amazing people who will help you through the dark hours when things get rough. And they will get rough because they always get rough.

I am extremely lucky to have such a group of incredible people on my side, and I would be beyond remiss if I didn’t thank them.

I offer my sincerest gratitude to:

Kaylan Adair, my phenomenal editor, who never remembers quite how much she helps me with my novels. I, however, remember quite clearly, and I know for certain that this book would not be anywhere near what it is today without her wisdom, intelligence, and humor.

Jodi Reamer, my amazing literary agent, whose encouragement and support have been unwavering.

All the awesome people at Candlewick Press. I can’t tell you how lucky I feel to be a part of the Candlewick family.

Matt Roeser for creating such a kick-ass cover.

Copy editor Erin Dewitt for sifting through the text with her fine-tooth comb. Please accept my deepest apologies for making you look up words like “ball sack” and “fecal-scented.”

Ken Freeman and James Fant for helping me kick off this new book.

John Stead, who regaled me with his fascinating wilderness and bow-hunting stories. Also, a big shout-out to his sons, Nick and Michael, who’ve read all my books.

Sophie Goulet, who introduced me to John over a meal of wild boar and bear.

All of the tireless teachers, librarians, booksellers, and parents who have been so wonderfully supportive to me and my books over the years.

My dad, whom I miss dearly, and whose heart (and watch) found their way into this book.

My mom, who keeps pestering me for “that next novel!”

Robert and Camille for their love and support.

Emily, David, Will, Amy, and Ory. Constant sources of love and inspiration.

And, as always, my wife, Meg, the love of my life, my rock, and my champion.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or, if real, are used fictitiously.

Copyright © 2016 by Don Calame

Cover illustrations: copyright © 2016 by Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images (bear and plane); copyright © 2016 by CSA Images/Getty Images (bugs, trees, and face)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in an information retrieval system in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, taping, and recording, without prior written permission from the publisher.

First electronic edition 2016

Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 2015954529

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