Where We Belong

2. Where It All Started

Cole's heart pounded as the "Welcome to Willow Creek" sign came into view, weathered but still standing tall after all these years. His hands gripped the steering wheel, knuckles white against the black leather.

15 years had passed since Cole last traveled this stretch of country road, flanked on either side by rolling fields that now stood empty, crops long harvested for the season. Much had changed, but Willow Creek looked frozen in time. Cole blinked back unexpected tears, overwhelmed by memories of carefree afternoons spent playing football in those fields with his best friends - Ashley, Brian, Dia and Ella. The Willow Creek Five, inseparable since elementary school. Until Cole made impetuous choices that fractured the group right before they left for college.

Cole pulled up to his childhood home. The cobalt blue shutters and colorful garden were just as he remembered. No sooner had he switched off the ignition than a honeyed voice cried out his name in delight.

"Cole! My baby." His mother, a sweet plum of a woman, bounded down the front steps to embrace him tightly, welcoming her son home after so long away.

She ushered him inside where the rest of the family awaited to regale him with inquiries about how he had occupied himself in his time apart from the fold. Inside, the house still smelled like fresh baked apple pie. A deep warmth washed over Cole as he crossed the threshold into the home where he had taken his first steps, spoken his first words, and rested his head each night under this roof that had always meant family, love, and belonging. He settled into the familiar comfort of his mother's chatting as she caught up on every detail of her boy's life beyond these walls.

Following an effusive dinner filled with familial warmth and mirth, Cole retreated to the sanctum of his childhood bedroom and sifted in pensive silence through the relics of his bygone childhood. As twilight descended over the homestead, he took his leave and set out for the pre-festival gathering, the amber glow of the setting sun ushering him on his way. He embarked into the coming night with a reluctance to let go of the fleeting joy of this homecoming, yet an eagerness to reunite with old friends under the guise of the harvest festival and create new memories to sustain him in the days to come.

He pulled into the Black Bear Inn's parking lot, exhaling slowly. He sat staring at the entrance, anxiety crawling up his spine. After fifteen long years, could the Willow Creek Five find their way back to forgiveness and friendship? Or were some wounds too deep to heal? Cole stepped out of the car, ready to face his past.

Inside the cozy lobby, Cole heard a familiar laugh that jolted him back in time. Ella stood hugging Ashley, looking radiant as ever. Cole froze, shame flooding his heart. But then Brian called his name and pulled him into a brotherly embrace. Maybe hope still shone like the flickering fire in the old stone hearth. The Willow Creek Five, together once again.