The ship landed in a lagoon near where the Lost Boys were playing. It was like seeing old friends again, and his heart leaped for the joy of it. James darted to the starboard side, his arms stretched out as if waiting to be embraced by his old friends. “My friends! I am back home at last!”

James was so happy to be home again, to see his friends so happy, and so free of the burdens adults carry in their souls. He could hardly believe he was there at last.

“Ahoy there, young men!” James couldn’t contain his joy. “What game are you playing today? May I join you?”

“Away with you, pirate! We are not men, young or otherwise!” said Peter with an indignant look on his face.

“We are old friends, you and I. Won’t you greet me as such? Surely you remember me, Peter?” asked James, smiling and waiting for his old friend to recognize him.

“I am not in the habit of making friends with pirates,” said Peter, scoffing. “Shouldn’t you be off trying to steal someone’s treasure, or kidnapping them? Whoever heard of a pirate trying to make friends?” said Peter, making the Lost Boys stop their antics and laugh. Foxy, Rabbit, Skunk, and the Raccoon Twins had Cubby in a giant slingshot, about to send him reeling across the lagoon.

“Come on, get your ship out of the way, we’re trying to launch Cubby!” said Skunk.

“Yeah, get out of here! You’re ruining our game!” said Rabbit.

“Yeah, who said you could land in our lagoon anyway?” said Foxy, sticking his tongue out at James.

“Do none of you recognize me? Surely you do, Peter!” said James, feeling keenly aware his men were watching, and he was starting to feel foolish.

James hadn’t realized Tinker Bell was on Peter’s shoulder until he saw her whisper something into his ear, making Peter’s eyes grow big with surprise.

“Is that really you, James?” he said, his expression changing, his eyes large. “I didn’t recognize you, you’re so old now.” Peter laughed, throwing his head back, his mouth open wide, just as James remembered him.

“Don’t talk to him, Peter. He’s an adult!” said Rabbit.

“We can’t trust him!” said Cubby. “He’s ruining our game!”

James didn’t understand why his old friends were acting this way. He was finally there and Peter and the Lost Boys hated him.

“Tink says you’re not to be trusted, and I think she’s right!” Peter said, but before James could answer, Smee popped out from behind James, chiming in.

“I assure you Master James is entirely trustworthy, and comes in the spirit of friendship. I have known him his entire life and I know for a fact he has wished for this day for a lifetime.”