Music drifts out of the workshop at the rear of the shopfront, I park my bike next to the four others and place my helmet on the seat. Harley might be understanding of how I come and go but some of the others aren’t as easy going. We are supposed to be a family and we were, we are — things are just more complicated than they used to be; when we were younger.

Harley, Josh, Zach, Carter and I grew up together. Unlike theirs, my life took a turn when I found myself at an intersection; one where I had no choice but to turn left whilst the others went right. I’ve been trying to find my way back to them ever since; I’m still trying.

When I walk through the door, the chatter stops. Let You Down by NF plays on the radio and I square my shoulders, not knowing how my presence will be perceived. Josh is taking his turn over at the pool table, his grey t-shirt tight across his biceps, showing off more ink than he had last time I saw him. His light brown hair is buzzed short and roughly spiked on top. He doesn’t look up as he pockets a ball, instead he continues moving around the table to take his next turn. Zach is working on a bike in the far left corner. He’s spread out underneath it, all I can see of him are his combat boots and denim jeans which are covered in oil and grease. Carter is sitting on the couch in the centre of the room, there is barely an inch of unmarked skin left on him that I can see. He always had the most tattoos, but the woman’s face that sits on his neck, with roses and thorns covering her is one I’ve never seen before. There is a girl sitting on his lap, she is a tiny little thing, her white blonde hair is in a pony tail high on her head, and her dark lipstick throws off, don’t fuck with me vibes.

Harley approaches me first, pulling me into a hug. He swings his arm over my shoulder and we walk towards the group. I’m close to six feet tall but he towers over me. From the corner of my eye, I see Carter stand, bending to kiss his girl on the forehead, before heading our way. He takes my hand and pulls me into a one arm hug, slapping me on the back.

“It’s been a while, Chonk.” He winks. “I’ll grab you a beer.”