This is purely speculation on my part, but hey, stranger things have happened in Tree Hill! (Crazy nanny in a cornfield, anyone?)

Though One Tree Hill‘s ninth, and final, season will feature the return of some old favorites — Dan Scott, Chris Keller, etc. — it was officially announced Aug. 4 at the Critics Television Association’s summer tour that Nathan (James Lafferty) will only be around for “multiple” episodes. How do YOU think they’ll explain his absence? Let the wild speculation begins!

While Nathan will most likely just be away on business a lot — he became a sports agent last season, remember? — I’d like to think it’s also possible that creator Mark Schwann has the kind of twist in store that only One Tree Hill can give us.

That’s right, kids, I’m talking about a good old-fashioned Uncle Keith/Quentin-style death that comes out of absolutely nowhere. While I’d be sad to see Nathan go, it certainly would give Bethany Joy Galeotti some solid material to work with — not that I’m not on the edge of my seat over the prospect of watching Haley run a café all season…

Plus, what better excuse to get Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) and Peyton (Hilarie Burton) back in Tree Hill than a funeral?

OK, the sanity police just arrived to take me away, so drop me a comment with YOUR thoughts on Nathan’s awkward absence next season. Where do you think he’ll disappear to?

— Andy Swift

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