I never made promises lightly and there have been some that I've broken...

October hits the hardest -- Unraveling trees in brisk nights. I am reminded of the coldest night that started it all.

Reminded is an understatement; I'm brought right back to that evening as if time has folded in on itself. Walking, dazed down Main Street -- alone and barely clothed in torn jeans and a t-shirt. I was only 17, and I was invincible. I kept looking back at traffic, hoping someone would stop and give me a ride the rest of the way home.

Someone did.

I can see my breath in sputtering bursts as childhood escaped me. No one warned me that autumn could unravel a young man too.