The first juicy bite of a freshly sliced nectarine always takes me back. Fall has always been my favorite time of year, beginning in my childhood. We had a nectarine tree that would always produce fruit right when leaves started to change and the air started to chill. The fruit was better than candy, and we could never get enough. Sitting at our kitchen table staring at a skeletal centerpiece as we munched. My mom always decorated for Halloween as early as seemed reasonable. We loved Halloween. Fall leaves and jack o lanterns covered every surface, fall-scented candles were always burning, and spooky music was always playing throughout the house. I can still see it all; I can still transport myself back to it. It always happens during the first bite of a fresh nectarine.