The next morning, John had fixed breakfast. Grace told him, "You really know your way around the kitchen, John." He said, "Well, when you grow up with a mother who won't cook, you have to learn to do it yourself." Grace felt sympathy for John. Poor John! she thought. He really did have a rough life. After breakfast, John drove Grace back home. During the ride, she said, "John, my uncle told me that after I graduate high school, I might not ever see some of my friends again. Was this true for you?" John said, "I wish I could say no. I had a pretty good circle of friends in high school, but I lost touch with many of them. They went to college. I chose to focus on my music, and I never saw them or heard from them again." Grace asked, "Do you miss them?" He said, "Sometimes. Allen and Peter are the only friends I have left from high school." She asked, "What about Stan?" John said, "I didn't know Stan in high school. Allen, Peter, and I met Stan after high school." After a pause, Grace said, "John, I think I want to be a musician. Do you have any advice?" He smiled and said, "If you want my advice, use your own material. It shows your talent. If you do cover songs, stick with what you know. Don't be a rocker trying to do a rapper's song." She asked, "Do you think I have a chance of making it?" He said, "As long as your music comes from your heart, not your head, you'll be just fine." After they arrived at Grace's house, Grace went up to her aunt and uncle. They hugged her. She then turned to John and said, "Thanks for everything, John." He said, "You're welcome. If you need me, you know where to find me."

THE END