You know when your Gramma Jo says lives can change because of simple things? Well, I can tell you they can. My life changed because of a name. And it was a good one. So, call me Willie, the used to be Willow Jo Crook. My family ain't no crooks though, no matter what Jimmy Roberts spits about my kin. Welcome to our cozy town in the woods.

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"Willow Jo!!!" Ma yelled from the kitchen. She was cookin' bacon an' eggs for Pa before he went off to work. Pa worked anywhere he could in the summer, but mostly our farm. His skin would get a dark tan, rivaling Tucker and I's tans from runnin' around like c'yotes.

"Ma, I'm Willie," I told her as I came from my room. I was 14, an able-bodied girl, growing into my new name. …show more content…
I can call you whatever I like. Now, wake your Pa, tell 'em the food's ready." A rooster crowed from on top of the barn as I walked straight to Pa's side of the bed. I shook him, he smelled of cigarette smoke and wood chips. If he was wasn't plantin' or harvestin' crops or workin' in town, he was fixing the barn or makin' things for the