Overview

In a childhood flashback, twelve-year-old Rio DeLuca practices hockey at home in Boston and meets his new next-door neighbors moving into the adjoining house. He befriends eleven-year-old Hallie Hart on her birthday and also meets her brother Luke and their parents. The scene establishes Rio’s supportive family, his dedication to hockey, and the origin of his connection with Hallie, including her quirky habit of using songs to remember important moments.

Full Summary

At age twelve, Rio DeLuca practiced rollerblading and hockey drills in his Boston driveway under the guidance of his father, who encouraged balance and made sure Rio wore pads. After a few falls, Rio’s father asked whether he was still enjoying hockey and reminded him he could try other sports, but Rio reaffirmed his commitment to hockey before his father went inside to help Rio’s mother with dinner.

Alone, Rio continued practicing shots on the net set before the garage door, reflecting on his long-time neighborhood and the recent death of their next-door neighbor, Cecilia. He wished for a friend his age to move into Cecilia’s now-sold house.

A car arrived at the vacant house, and a family began moving in. A boy, Luke, about Rio’s height and age, introduced himself and mentioned he played lacrosse and was good at it. They established they were both twelve. Luke’s sister, Hallie Hart, then appeared with headphones and a cassette player, focused on the new house.

Hallie joined them and introduced herself fully as Hallie Hart. She stated it was her eleventh birthday and that the family had just driven from Minnesota. Hallie discussed choosing yellow paint for her new bedroom, pointing to the window facing Rio’s, and noted Luke had taken the larger room. Rio pointed out his own facing window, and they agreed they could see each other while she painted.

Hallie asked Rio to be friends, acknowledging Luke might object but proposing they could be open or “secret” friends. They also talked about music; Rio preferred CDs, while Hallie defended tapes. Hallie explained her habit of selecting a song to “remember the moment,” saying she would rewind to relive important events. Rio listened, intrigued by her approach.

As Rio’s mother called him in for dinner, she greeted the new neighbors with a kind smile. Rio and Hallie parted with a friendly exchange, and Rio wished Hallie a happy birthday, marking the start of their friendship and the first meaningful connection between their adjoining homes.

Who Appears

• Rio DeLuca — protagonist; age 12 in this flashback; practicing hockey, affirmed commitment to the sport; meets new neighbors.
• Hallie Hart — neighbor; age 11 on her birthday; newly moved from Minnesota; introduces her habit of using songs to remember moments; initiates friendship with Rio.
• Luke — Hallie’s brother; age 12; plays lacrosse; skeptical about Rio being friends with Hallie.
• Rio’s father — supportive parent; helps Rio practice, encourages enjoyment over pressure.
• Rio’s mother — warm presence; calls Rio in for dinner and welcomes the new neighbors.
• Cecilia — late former neighbor; her house is the one the Hart family moves into; discussed as context.
• Hallie and Luke’s parents — new neighbors; moving in and directing unpacking; father calls Luke to help.