"Tai, are you sure you don't want to play one more game?" Davis nearly pleaded.

"Yeah, c'mon Tai," Ken picked up the ball. "I'll verse you."

"Can't guys," Tai ran his arm across his forhead. "My mom's waiting for me to come home and try her eggplant cupcakes."

Ken turned a dark shade of purple. "Serious?"

"Yeah," Tai said as he gulped down water. "I'm the only one, since Kari's out with TK—"

"WHAT?!" Davis ran to Tai and grasped his arm.

"Hey, I'm drinking water here!"

"They're out— They're out—" Davis choked, red in the face. "ON A DATE?!"

"Suppose so," Tai answered. "Get a grip, Davis, you've had too much coke. See you guys later." He strolled away.

Tai opened the door to the strong scent of something burning, no doubt his mother's cupcakes.

"Tai, you're home!" Mrs. Kamaya emerged tousle-haired from the kitchen.

Tai stared. "Mom, what happened to you?"

"Oh nothing, nothing. Go up to your room now, I'll be a moment." She dismissed him with a wave of her hand.

Tai went to his room. "Great, my room smells like burnt eggplant."

He plopped onto his bed. Something caught his eye. He bolted up. On his shelf stood a frame. Inside was the group photo taken on Christmas Eve, when Matt had been on a trip. Tai picked up the frame and scanned the photo. Izzy, Mimi, Micheal, Joe, Davis, Kari, TK...

"Sora," he whispered. He traced his finger along her face. Then his gaze fell to the figure next to her. Himself. After studying it for some time, he said, "I've really got to cut my hair." After awhile, it dawned upon him that the photo had been there since last year. Why had it seemed like he had noticed it for the first time? This gave him a sinking feeling.

"Tai! Ready to try my cupcakes?"

"Oh no," Tai muttered to himself. "I"ll be right down!" he trudged downstairs.

Ring!

"Tai, could you get that please, my hands are full." Mrs. Kamaya said from the kitchen.

Tai picked up the phone. Saved by the phone. "Hello?"

"Is this the Kamaya residence?" The voice was brisk and businesslike.

"Yes, can I help you?"

"Thank god I've reached you. There's been an accident."