I don't own the characters, just the story.

Troy walked across the well-cared for grass and stopped at a brown stone. He knelt down and traced the letters on Chad's grave with his finger:

Chad Danforth 1990-2006

All good things must come to an end; and only the good die young.

In loving memory of a loving son, loyal friend, and caring young boy.

"Words aren't enough, Chad." Troy felt the tears come again, and didn't bother brushing them away. He realized, in that instant, that this was it. Words on a stone. That was all that was left of his friend. Those words were the only thing left to represent an entire life.

Troy ducked his head and cried, his hand still resting on the stone. He loved the feel of that stone. He had memorized it-the color, the texture, the size-he'd memorized the whole thing like you would a face.

Because this was his friend's face.

"Things aren't the same without you Chad. I know I've told you that a hundred times but..." his words drifted off, and Troy took a deep, shuddering breath.

"Ryan took my spot. Did you know that? He didn't want to; I had to practically beg him to take over for me. But he'd great. The worst part was Gabriella's reaction. Especially for the kissing scene." Troy fell silent. He didn't know what else to say.

"I quit basketball, too. Man, you really messed me up." Troy was angry now, because now he had something to be angry about.

"You messed me up bad, Chad. You messed up my game, you messed up my girl, you messed- up- my- LIFE!" Troy banged his hand against the stone with each word. He felt the tears stop and straightened up, leaving behind a basketball.

Troy walked back out of the cemetery. He was glad he had walked, because he needed a chance to clear his head. He needed a chance to figure out what he was going to do.

He needed to get his life back.

Troy walked through the cemetery gates. Half-way down the block, he looked back at Chad's grave. He saw-or thought he saw-something. Some dark person standing there, staring back at him. Shaking his head and frowning.

Troy rubbed his eyes with his fists and looked back at the grave. Could it be? Was it him?

But there was no one there.

Troy looked at the grave closer. He realized with a start that the basketball was missing.

Gone without a trace.

So...what do you think? No, don't tell me, just review.