Dan Rydell walked down a muddy driveway on the outskirts of Connecticut. As his shoes sloshed in the small puddles that had begun to form, memories flashed in his mind like a flood.
~
"Don't worry about dad," Sam Rydell told his older brother.

"He hates me. I think I have a right to worry," Dan quietly answered.

"Nah. He doesn't hate you. He's just a bit mad," Sam smiled reassuringly.

"Sam, don't ever change ok?" Dan asked.
~
It was pouring, and it made Dan more nervous and miserable

As he pulled his drenched coat closer to him, he thought of the many memories that came with this driveway.

David and himself shooting hoops.

Chasing Sam around the big oak tree, then pushing him in the tire swing.

Tossing the family football across the yard to Sam and David.

So many memories of the past...

"I shouldn't be here. Why am I here?" Dan asked out loud, and felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Because you have a hope that after so many years, your relationship with your father might change for the better," a voice next to him said.

As he turned, he looked into the eyes of Natalie Hurley.

They continued to walk down the driveway, Natalie grasped his hand.

"This is the place I earned my scars..." Dan recited from something, though he couldn't remember exactly what.

Nothing more was said as they finished the walk down the driveway.