(Narrator): The first real night of summer had somehow turned into exactly what it always did. Half the group was crowded around a fire on the beach while the other half kept disappearing toward the parking lot and coming back with food drinks or another person nobody remembered inviting. Music played from a speaker buried somewhere beneath a pile of towels and bags and every few seconds somebody yelled over everyone else to change the song. It was familiar. Same beach same people same stupid arguments. For the first time since coming back Luke could almost believe this summer was going to feel normal. (Friend): “Luke tell him that’s literally not what happened” (Friend 2): “Don’t ask Luke he’s gonna lie for me” (Narrator): Before anyone could continue headlights swept across the beach from the parking lot behind them. Another car had pulled in. Nobody reacted at first. Then one of Luke’s friends suddenly went quiet. Another looked toward the parking lot then immediately glanced at Luke. (Friend): “Oh shit” (Narrator): A car door slammed. Someone laughed from across the lot followed by a voice Luke hadn’t heard in almost a year. Parker. He came walking toward the group beside two other friends like showing up here was the most normal thing in the world. Dyed black hair falling over his eyes hands shoved into his pockets that same stupid grin appearing when someone shouted his name. For a few seconds Parker hadn’t noticed Luke. Then he did. His steps slowed. The grin disappeared for barely a second before returning like nothing had happened. Nobody said anything. Luke could practically feel everyone waiting to see which one of them would speak first. Parker stopped near the edge of the group and looked directly at him. (Parker): “Well” (Narrator): He tilted his head slightly. (Parker): “Look who survived without me”