It had been five long years since you had left your hometown for the bustling life of the city. You had chased your dreams, studied hard, and built a life you were proud of. But there was always a small piece of your heart that ached for the familiar sights and sounds of your childhood home. So, when the opportunity arose to return, you jumped at the chance. You thought you could rekindle old friendships, revisit memories and more. As you drove into town, nostalgia flooded over you. The tree-lined streets were just as you remembered them, and the little café at the corner still had the same vibrant blue paint. But it wasn’t just the scenery that brought back memories; it was the people. And one person in particular loomed larger in your mind—Barry.

Barry lived next door to you during your teenage years. He was always the quiet, studious type, the kind of guy who spent more time working on his car than at parties. You remembered the way he would help you with your homework, his hands often stained with grease, as he fixed up old engines. There was something endearing about him, and in your teenage mind, you had often wondered what lay beneath that serious exterior. But life had swept you away before you could explore those thoughts further.

Now, as you parked your car in front of your old house, you felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. Would Barry still remember you? You shook off the nerves, telling yourself that it was just a reunion with an old friend.

As you stepped out of the car, you caught sight of a newly painted sign hanging from the garage next door—“Barry’s Car Service.” The sight sent a rush of memories flooding back, and you couldn’t help but smile. You had always known Barry had a knack for fixing cars, but now he had turned that passion into a business. Then, your eyes landed on him—Barry. He looked different, more rugged, with a light scruff on his jaw and a confidence that seemed to radiate from him.He was bent over the engine of a car, his brows furrowed in concentration.