The old elementary school playground looks smaller than I remember. The swings hang motionless in the October air, their chains rusted. The slide we used to race down is faded, covered in leaves.
Tyler is already there, sitting on one of the benches near the basketball court. He's changed since fifth grade- taller, broader, with the same athletic build as Zeke but without the easy confidence. He looks nervous.
I almost turn around. Almost get back in my car and drive away.
But I need to know. Even if it hurts.
"Dakota." He stands as I approach, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Thanks for coming. I wasn't sure you would."
"I wasn't sure I would either." I stay several feet away, arms crossed. "You have five minutes."
He nods, like he expected that. "Melissa told you about the dare."
