2007 Regis is twelve. Entering into a new school and has already made plenty of new friends while doing track meets. He meets two new boys named Dalton and Jared Parker, that just moved to their little town. Dalton is the oldest, a lanky tall Asian boy that takes Karate lessons and gets Regis to soon join him. While Jared is the first person that challenges Regis to a race and Regis doesn’t know whether to be amused or angry at the tiny boy before him. During these races Stella likes to join them sometimes, but then there are times when she goes off. Regis notes that when they all sit down for a break and his and Stella’s mother brings watermelon for all of them to share, Regis eyebrows frown at her hands that are covered in black soot.