Chaucer's Story: Ashes to Atom

By Ginny Bowman

Before the twins, before the riches, before the addictions, there was only Charlie. Set twenty two years before the events of Ashes to Atom: the Dust Remains, Chaucer tells the story of his defining moment.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ginny Bowman
• Release date: Nov 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393991625

Book preview

Honey, you can’t be serious. Buddy Dorsey’s low, patient voice hummed through the door making Chaucer’s stomach turn. He tapped his foot and heard Echo responding but couldn’t make out the words. She’d insisted on going to see her father alone, leaving Chaucer standing awkwardly in the hallway. He figured he ought to go in, but no one relished facing their girlfriend’s father. Especially not when—You’re pregnant? Honey, he heard the pause and imagined the elder Dorsey centering himself, that’s wonderful. There’s always room at the table. My table, living with me.

The men’s bunkhouse is there, his guide pointed, you should’ve been given a number when you received your contract.

Fourteen-year-old Tommy Chaucer nodded, trying to keep up while ogling the large farm.

If you can’t read, just ask someone to direct you, he went on.

I can read, Chaucer piped indignantly.

The guide shrugged. Some people can’t, especially from the northland.

Chaucer frowned but didn't respond. He'd seen more than enough of his neighbors burning books for warmth to feel the need to correct his guide. His mother had thought it was funny when he picked up a picture book and had taught him the sound of the letters. From there it was only a matter of determination and patience, two qualities the boy had in spades. What he didn't have, was money. So when rumor had it that Buddy Dorsey needed farmhands in the far flung land of Lenexa, he'd jumped at the chance.

. . . but your supervisor should go over that tomorrow when you report to your greenhouse.

Oh, alright, Chaucer said, tucking a wayward strand of  hair behind his ear and wondering if it was too late to ask which greenhouse. Paying attention had never been one of his talents.