John stared down at the ticket in his hand. Oklahoma City. One way.

His father had handed it to him last night, along with the letter. His uncle had a job for him if he wanted. It would give him a chance to start over, where nobody looked on John Bender with 20/20 hindsight. No more the Criminal.

If he went though, would it be giving up? He thought of Brian, of Andy, of Claire and Allison. In his shoes, would they see this as an escape route, or as sneaking out the back door? Would his father respect his going more than if he stayed and fought for his future here? Would his mother accept his motives, whatever he did?

Sometimes your life is changed by a single step. John never understood that until now.

From the distance came the strengthening siren of the approaching train┘.