The late afternoon sun dipped low, casting a warm glow over the quiet suburban street. Conner's family truck rumbled slowly into the driveway next door, tires crunching on the gravel. Skie stood on her porch, arms crossed, her gaze fixed on the familiar yet ever-so-slightly-different house.
Conner stepped out, his frame a silhouette against the fading light. He glanced over at Skie, her expression unreadable—equal parts curiosity and something like unease. Their eyes met for a moment, then quickly flicked away.
"Feels different, doesn't it?" Skie's voice was barely above a whisper.
"Yeah," Conner replied, his grin awkward but warm. "New neighbors moving in today. Guess we're not the only ones growing up around here."
Skie nodded but didn't say anything more. Together, they watched as a small family emerged from the house—a mom, dad, and three boys, the youngest clutching his mother's hand tightly.
"That's Dylan," Conner said softly. "We're gonna be neighbors now."
Skie swallowed, trying to push down the flutter of nerves in her chest.
Ten years ago, that day marked the start of something none of them could have predicted—a friendship that would change everything.