Darrel Curtis and Paul Holden were inseparable in their early high school years. Both were star athletes. They spent countless hours practicing together, pushing each other to be their best. They were known as the dynamic duo, their bond unbreakable. As graduation approached, a rivalry began to brew. Paul received a scholarship offer for college football, while Darrel was left feeling overshadowed and disappointed, having missed out on similar opportunities despite his talent due to his parent's death. The two began to drift apart, their once-strong bond strained by unspoken jealousy and hurt feelings.

Darrel Curtis hadn’t set foot in the old diner for years. It was a place where he and Paul Holden had once spent countless hours after practice, discussing everything from school projects to their dreams of the future. Tonight, though, Darrel had no choice but to return. The diner was the only place hiring after he’d lost his job at the roofing company.

As he walked in, the familiar jingle of the bell above the door and the warm aroma of coffee and fries instantly transported him back to simpler times. He approached the counter, trying to ignore the knot in his stomach. It was then that he saw Paul Holden, now a college student back for the summer, working behind the counter.

Paul looked up, his expression initially blank. When recognition set in, his face stiffened. “Darrel Curtis,” he said, his tone guarded. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”