Reunion is finally out in the world, which feels slightly rude, considering how long it took me to write.

This one did not arrive in a clean little lightning strike like Night Rider. No five-hour miracle draft. No glamorous 2 a.m. sprint to publication. This story took its time, changed shape, annoyed me, fought me, and at several points became something very different from what I thought I was writing. It started as a journal entry and slowly turned into a story.

Reunion clearly had its own plans, and I’m ultimately thrilled with where it landed. It leans into that push and pull of having one thing very much on your mind while maintaining the outward version of yourself you’re expected to be.

I hope everyone enjoys the heat and humor in Reunion. And if you don’t, please lie to me gently.