The author discusses reading "The Bridge to Terebithia" to a third-grade class prior to release of the film version. Reading of the final chapter followed by two days the April 16, 2007 shootings at Virginia Tech University, just seventy miles from the classroom. Although none of the college students from the author's town died, everyone knew someone who was close to the tragedy. The writer discusses the changed landscape that blurred the line between fiction and truth, the decision to proceed with the reading, and the sharing that took place as children discussed the book, the Virginia Tech tragedy, and personal losses. The author draws parallels between the classroom experience and the Christian practice of testimony, defined as "telling the truth of our lives out loud to one another." While acknowledging the role of organized faith, the writer also celebrates the everyday capability of creating an alternative arena to share stories and express feelings, a space made safe by fictional friendships brought to life in the midst of reality.