Dan was twenty three.

He was uploading pictures from his camera onto his computer, deleting ones that weren't good and editing some. Currently, he was playing around with a photo of the ocean he had taken not too long ago during a storm, a fork of lightening flashing above the raging waves. Something about the white streaks running through the dark, angry water gave him a warm feeling, as though he could do whatever he put his mind to, making this one of his favourite pictures he had ever taken, even though he needed it less now than before.

Since his mother had been arrested, he had been staying with PJ in his new apartment, and so far life seemed to be going quite well. He had a job, a place to stay, and a friend. He was still working on getting to a college of some sort, but he was sure he'd get there eventually, it would just take some time.

"Hey, Dan!" PJ called from his room. "C'mere for a sec!"

"Ugh. Is it really so important that I have to get up?" he groaned back in response.

"Yes! Get in here!"

Sighing, Dan got up and went to join him excited friend in front of the computer.

"What is it?" he asked, trying to read what was on the screen.

"Look!" PJ exclaimed, pointing at the screen. "This school is offering discounts and even full scholarships for people who can enter this art competition! They're picking a few of the best submissions and giving them an opportunity to go to the school!"

"And?"

"Dan, they have a photography course!"

He stood there for a second, staring at the screen. The college seemed close to his house, and also appeared to have quite a success rate.

After looking at a bit more information, Dan turned to PJ and simply said, "where's my camera?"