tune. 12. cb.

My parents aren't musicians - you can't really afford to be in the Seam. The nice part of the Seam, sure. But still. They don't even sing that much, and when they do it's anything but well. People assume they like music, and I guess everyone does - there's not enough around here. But no, my parents didn't name me for their hobby or interest. They just liked the name.

So I'm Tune Walker, only child. My parents said if they'd had any more kids we'd be right at the edge of the Seam, where kids barely last past the age of 6. I had wondered why my seventh birthday was such an event back then, now I get it. Seven is a milestone like nineteen is. Like twelve is, but not an omen.

And you'd think since I'm such a success story I'd be a perfect little angel, but in truth I give my parents grief. I don't mean to, not really - we just have different ideas on how to live. I like to live dangerously, they think living itself is dangerous.

So I prove them right.