1 Prologue

Summer, 2006

It was a scene like any other Wednesday. When they'd all gather in the playground that was their own definition of a jungle. Youth, especially early youth, had a way of making even the most ordinary places or objects come to life with a distinct feeling of importance. There's a reason why it's distinct, above all things. A distinct yet unexplainable feeling.

The sky was dark, but twinkling in delight. Much like the children below. Dark, in a sense of not knowing what's to come ahead for them. But twinkling, for it was this exact ignorance and naivety that made them shine so bright unlike anyone else.

Megan, who remained seated on the same bench for several minutes nearby, could only watch everything before her like a bittersweet television show. Her friends, lost in cloud after cloud of unrelenting joy. It almost felt surreal and far-off to her. But then, the mildly cool and salty breeze coming from the ocean just a few feet away swept her wavy hair naturally. As if she was one with it, the enchanting body of water comforted her.

Her thoughts unexpectedly made their way out of her mind before she realized. "It's always going to be like this, right?"

Cascading, lanky Zoe, who'd been standing on the sidelines for a while decided to sit next to her and replied, "What do you mean?"

"This. Us. Everyone together." Megan's usually expressive eyes were unreadable, as they remain focused on their friends.

The silence that followed lasted longer than they both intended.

Zoe finally lets out a long sigh. "Let's hope so."