Spring was back in the air, and Brody was beyond ecstatic. His band was playing at the Spring Festival in his neighborhood this year, and he should probably be rehearsing, but he most definitely wasn’t. He was out on his board, skating around the city without a care in the world. The sun was shining, and all that winter depression was melting away from the world. People were just coming alive again, which made everything more fun.

He had just grabbed a sandwich from his favorite cafe, and was heading toward the skatepark. He figured he had a little bit of time before the lead singer in the band, Marcus, called him back to duty. He had his headphones on, and was scrolling on his phone trying to find a song that was stuck in his head. Which, in retrospect, wasn’t the best idea. He absolutely body slammed into someone, sending both of them tumbling onto the concrete.

Brody’s headphones were knocked off, so he could definitely hear the person he ran into cursing him out. At that moment, his phone rang, lighting his screen up with Marcus’ name. Without thinking, he clogged the person’s dirty mouth with what was left of his sandwich and answered.

“I’m coming, you don’t have to even say anything,” Brody said immediately as he jumped up and grabbed his board, hanging up the phone.

As he ran off, he turned around, jogging backwards as he called back. “I’m really fucking sorry! You can have the sandwich though! Come to the Spring Fling Festival, and I’ll find a better way to make it up to you, I swear!” he yelled before he was off, sprinting to avoid the wrath of Marcus.

The day of the Spring Fling came around in a flash. It was a pretty day, and everything around them was blooming. The neighborhood had gone all out this year with food trucks, vendors, games for kids, and just good community. Brody had actually cleaned up for this event the best he could. Nice jeans, a green linen button down, clean sneakers, the works. He had sorta forgotten about the person he ran into until after his band had played their set.

He was stepping off the small stage, and ran right into them again. However, this time, he managed to catch them in a cheesy dip pose before either of them could hit the ground. It only took him a minute to realize who he had run into again.

“Oh my god, hi,” he grinned. “I forgot you were coming. I’m glad you’re here though. I promised I’d make up for our last, uh, encounter.”

He pulled them up before he wiped his hands off on his pants. Then he held his hand out toward the stranger politely.

“I’m Brody Boone,” he introduced himself.