A Rose in the Dark.

prologue.

1992.

The year was fresh with of hope and renewal that spread across the rising city of Oakland and the greater Bay Area.

The streets were alive with the energy of possibility, as if the entire region was ready to cast off the shadows of the past year and embrace a brighter future. Downtown Oakland buzzed with life, the sounds of laughter and music spilling out of clubs and cafes, blending with the ever-present hum of traffic.

The iconic Bay Bridge stood tall, linking Oakland to San Francisco, a symbol of the connection and potential that defined the area.

For many, the New Year was a time for celebration and reflection. Fireworks had lit up the sky the previous night, their brilliant colors mirrored in the waters of the bay, illuminating the faces of families gathered on the shoreline.

It was in this atmosphere of excitement and anticipation that Donald DeGrate found himself walking home, his heart light after a night out with his friends, celebrating the arrival of 1992.

Donald had spent his night at an LL Cool J concert, the beats and rhymes still echoing in his mind as he made his way through the familiar streets of East Oakland.

The concert had been everything he'd hoped for and more, a perfect cap to the holiday season and a promising start to what he knew was going to be a staple year. It was the second half to his graduating senior year, and was going to the start of his promising college career.

His laughter mingled with his friends' as they reminisced about the night's highlights, their steps slowing as they each peeled off towards their respective homes.

When Donald finally reached his front step, he could hear the soft, melodic strains of a piano emanating from inside. He smiled, recognizing the familiar sound of his mother, Rose, playing one of her favorite pieces by Grover Washington. He opened the door quietly, not wanting to disrupt the moment, and stepped into the warm embrace of their home.

"Ma," Donald greeted softly as he entered the living room, his voice a blend of affection and exhaustion. "You're not sleep?"

Rose looked up from the piano, a smile spreading across her face. "How could I be? You been out and about all night."

Donald chuckled, moving to sit beside her on the piano bench. "I'm good, ma. Just had a great time with the boys. We went to that LL Cool J concert at the colliseum. It was hot."

Rose raised an eyebrow, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "A concert, huh? Sounds like you were with more than just your boys. You sure there wasn't a young lady by your side?"

Donald laughed, shaking his head. "Nah. She would need your approval first." the man joked.

Rose's smile softened, and she reached out to tousle his hair. "I spoke to your brother earlier. He's still out in Florida on that engineering trip with his soon be to be frat brothers. You know how serious he is about being a part of the D9 at UC Berkeley."

Donald rolled his eyes, leaning back against the piano. "Yeah, he's been dreaming about being a D9 since forever."

Rose's grin widened with pride. "Dalvin is my little smarty pants. Mr. Rule The World. But you, Don, you're my musical genius. You remind me so much of myself. Innovative. And determined. Just promise me one thing, will you?"