Written from Alex Shepherd's point of view, these diary entries serve to flesh out Alex's character prior to Homecoming. It highlights the more important aspects of his life, such as his poor relationship with his parents, his closeness to both Elle Holloway and his brother Joshua Shepherd, and his activities in a military unit prior to the events of Homecoming. In addition to Alex's entries, there are also two other diaries, written from the perspectives of Elle Holloway and Deputy Wheeler, both written along the same timelines.