"Nothing much, just some local drama," he replied with a shrug. "Teen stuff. They probably think we're up to something, given our history."

Her old friend, who had been part of a group known for their adventurous spirits, looked a bit out of place in the casual setting. "I know, I know. Life got in the way, and I guess we just drifted apart," he said, a tinge of regret in his voice.

Abella noticed the exchange and raised an eyebrow. "What's going on?" she asked her friend.

They spent the next hour catching up, reminiscing about old times, and sharing stories about their lives since high school. Abella learned that her friend had started a small business, something he had always dreamed of doing. The passion in his eyes as he talked about it was infectious.