I picked up the fake plastic rock sitting on the front porch and grabbed the key discreetly nestled inside. It was a routine to let myself into the Hess household as I waited for my best friend, Missy. Their house was just behind our high school in Elk Grove, a suburb south of Sacramento, California. All was quiet, save for their big golden retriever, Shane, who came over to say hello. I felt his heavy, stinky breath on my hand as I dug through the cupboards and allowed myself a snack.
