"Not at all. I didn't grow up around here, after all." His running sneakers were touching wood chips now when he passed the gates and he took in the feel of it as he looked around. 'Where should I start?'

Then, the self-awareness was back. He had come here to do something. Something of deep importance.

Still, he could indulge himself a little. The swingset had side-by-side seats, one of which he helped himself to right away. "Sit by me? I'd feel weird about monopolizing this thing."