Jerome and Greg played on the dirt road halfway between their homes when they were kids, and found much better games to play there when they grew older. It's their special spot, the perfect place for Greg to propose, and the worst place possible for the accident that takes his life.

Devastated by the loss, Jerome visits that lonely road on the anniversary of Greg's death, only to discover that not all endings are permanent.

A joke. That's what it had to be. A cruel, sick joke.

Jerome stared at the car door for what felt like an eternity. The rain fell harder. When it began to trickle under his collar, curiosity got the better of him. One slow step at a time he approached, gazing into the darkened interior. Just like outside the vehicle, inside there were no lights, not even on the instrument panel. When he placed his hand on the car's canvas top, a jolt traveled up his arm, and he swore the damned thing leaned into his touch.

No words were said, none were needed. The invitation was clear. He sucked in a cool, deep breath and exhaled slowly, fogged breath mingling with the chilly mist. He stooped and slid into the car. The door closed without his help and the Mustang accelerated, barely crawling down a side road. Something swung from the rearview mirror. Even without seeing it clearly Jerome knew it was the tassel from a graduation cap. There was no other explanation; he must be hallucinating. How much had he drunk?

When the car came to a full stop Jerome finally spoke. This was their spot, where they'd come every Saturday night throughout high school to make out and where they'd spent their last night together. "I'd like to see you." The instruments lights began to glow, creating a surreal landscape of shadows and light on the driver's face. Dear Lord. There was no way it could be who it looked like. Could there?

A husky, well-remembered voice drawled, "How have you been?"

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Blackraven's Reviews

it was one of the BEST reads I’ve enjoyed in a long time. And I’ve enjoyed a lot of great reads, but this story is such a paradox of satisfying and disturbing…and somehow Ms. Winters makes it work (full review)

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