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Terry squeezed gently as his jaw clenched. “I read the police report. Studied the accident investigation notes. The accident happened because of the storm. Lightning struck a tree and fell on the road ahead of the bus. Because of the darkness and rain, your driver couldn’t see it until it was too late. He tried to overcorrect and ended up sliding on the slick surface. The back end came around, hit the tree, then the bus rolled. Leaking gas ignited with sparks and started the fire.”

Asher slammed a clenched fist against his chest, his breathing constricted. “But I was the one who agreed to let them drive so we could make the next venue. Me. I made the decision to keep going. We had to make time on the road. The guys were over their hours, but I allowed them to keep driving. They were tired. Their reflexes were slower. If I’d said no, then we would’ve hung out at the hotel and woken up safely the next morning. I’m the selfish one who needed the roar of the crowds like an addict needs a hit. I got so lost in my own self-importance that I endangered everyone. Got so caught up in the lifestyle that I lost sight of what mattered most.”

The memory of that night ravaged Asher’s brain as the squealing metal, screams, and roar of the fire echoed in his ears. His own screams as flames seared his skin. The anguish ofrecovery. Because of his pride and selfishness, he lost some of the best people in his life.

“You don’t know that. You may think that, but who knows what could’ve happened had you spent the night? You’re not God, Ash. You need to let go of something that wasn’t your fault. The accident was a tragedy. No one’s denying that. But no one blames you but you. Let it go.”

Let it go.

Three words that were easy to say but so hard to do.

Asher lifted his eyes and searched his uncle’s face for condemnation, but all he found was compassion. He swallowed, the boulder in his throat growing. The anguish in his chest twisted his heart so tightly that Asher winced at the pain. “You lost your son. How can you stand to look at me?”

A lone tear trailed down Terry’s cheek as he nodded slowly. “I did. And I miss him every single day. But that doesn’t dilute the love I feel for you, Asher. You’ve locked yourself in this emotional prison for the past five years and refused visitors.”

“I couldn’t stand to see anyone’s judgment, so it was better to be alone where I couldn’t cause any more pain. Even you and Aunt Angela split soon after I showed up at the ranch. I figured you couldn’t stand the sight of me. Of what I cost you.”

“Oh, man.” Terry sighed and lifted his hand off Asher’s shoulder. He dragged it over his face, wiping another tear off his cheek. “We didn’t leave because of you—at least, not for the reasons you’re thinking. We left because we trusted you to take such good care of the place. I told you that.”

Asher nodded, then shook his head. “I didn’t believe you. Figured you were just being nice.”

“I’m sorry our trip left you with those feelings. You weren’t meant to live out your days being a recluse burdened by the past. God created us for relationships, first with Him, then with others. Your family loves you. Not for what you’ve done or didn’tdo. But for who you are.” Terry strode across the room and opened the door. He stepped outside, then returned carrying two guitar cases and set them on the bed next to Asher’s duffel.

Asher’s heart dropped to his feet as he caught sight of the black cases laying side by side. The same cases he’d opened a few days ago for the first time in five years. He looked at his uncle. “You’ve gone back to the ranch?”

“We made a short trip back before showing up to your dad’s party. Found this open on the couch in the living room. Gotta admit—felt like a sucker punch to the gut. Too many times, Jared sat in that same spot, ankle on his knee as he strummed chords and worked out lyrics. I grabbed his case, then headed to your room and found yours.” Terry shoved a hand in his front pocket. “You weren’t meant to be a solo act either. Not in life or in your career. You were meant to play with other people. You thrived on that stage with others playing around you. That’s just how God created you. Jared’s gone, but you’re still here. It’s time to embrace that again and stop going through life as a one-man band.”

One-man band.

He didn’t want that either. He longed for relationships again.

“I don’t know what to do. Where to go from here.” Asher flipped the latch open on his guitar case and ran a finger around the curves of the body and across the soundboard. “I feel like I have to constantly prove myself, to measure up, to be enough. I keep thinking if I do more, then maybe that will be enough to earn my dad’s respect.”

“You’re a young dude with plenty of options. Take some time and explore what’s out there.” Terry clapped a hand on his upper back. “Your dad is proud and stubborn, but I have no doubt about his love for you. You don’t need to perform to be loved and valued. God gave you a gift—a talent for music. You can use it to honor Him and bring light to others. But do it for the joy and notfor trying to earn your place anywhere…or with anyone. Decide where you want to go but leave the baggage of the past behind.”

Asher’s eyes shifted to the packed duffel sitting on the bed. He pulled in a deep breath and released it slowly, feeling lighter than he had in a very long time. He turned back to his uncle and threw his arms around him. “Thanks, Uncle T.”

“Anytime, man. You’re a great kid, Ash. A fine man. Now you need to embrace that and move forward.”

Move forward.

He wasn’t quite sure how to do that. How to release the past and people’s perceptions of him. But more than anything, he wanted to shake off the shackles of his own grief and start fresh.

But not by himself.

He lifted the guitar from the case and closed his fingers over the neck. The weight felt right as his fingers touched the strings.

The itch to play came back with a vengeance, something he hadn’t felt in a very long time. “Mind if I crash at the ranch for a little while longer?”

“You’re always welcome at the ranch.” Terry raised an eyebrow and shot him a pointed look. “But you need to straighten things out with your dad first.”

Asher nodded. “I will. I promise. But first, I need to finish what I started on the island, then I’ll clear the air with Dad.”

Terry smiled at him. If Asher were a hopeful man, he’d hope it was pride beaming from the older man’s eyes. “As long as you’re not running anymore. Face your future with faith and courage. I’m proud of you, man.”

Hope exploded in Asher’s chest. He returned the guitar to the case and snapped it shut.

For now.