𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡

4

ANTHEA

╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝

As I made my way to the living room, I couldn't help but miss my parents. It had now been six days. The house felt so empty without them-I mean, I had Aiden and Tyson, but still. It just wasn't the same.

Sitting down on the sofa, I grabbed the phone and dialed their number. As it rang, I couldn't wait to tell them all about my week. It had been eventful, to say the least.

"Hello?" My mother's voice rang through the phone.

"Hi Mom, it's me, Anthea," I replied, a smile spreading across my face.

"Anthea! How are you, sweetie? How's everything at home?" she asked, sounding genuinely happy to hear from me.

"I'm good, Mom. But I miss you and Dad already," I admitted, my voice cracking a little.

"We miss you too, darling. But we'll be home soon. Now tell me, how was your week?" my father's voice boomed in the background.

I took a deep breath and began to tell them everything. I told them about how my friends and I went to the beach and spent the entire day soaking up the sun and swimming in the ocean. I could almost hear my parents laughing as I recounted the funny moments of our trip.

"I wish you were there, Mom," I said, pouting a little.

"We wish we were there too, sweetheart," she replied.

I continued to fill them in on how school had started, how the classes were going, and how I was trying to stay on top of things. They listened attentively, asking questions and offering words of encouragement.

"Oh, and before I forget," I added, "the guys and I are planning a short camping trip today. We'll be out in the woods near Lake Pine. I've got everything packed-and don't worry, Aiden and Tyson are coming too."

There was a brief pause on the line.

"Camping, huh?" my dad said slowly. "You sure you'll be okay out there?"

"Yes, Dad. We've done all the prep-food, supplies, first-aid kit, the whole nine yards. We'll be fine, I promise."

My mom sighed softly, though I could tell she was smiling. "Alright, just be careful and check in when you can, okay?"

"Of course. I'll keep my phone on me."

"I can't wait for you to come back, so I can show you everything," I said, feeling a little nostalgic.

"We can't wait to see it all. We're so proud of you, Anthea," my dad chimed in.

As our conversation came to an end, I couldn't help but feel grateful for my parents. They may not be physically present, but their love and support crossed any distance.

"I love you both so much," I said, my voice filled with emotion.

"We love you too, Anthea. Take care of yourself and we'll see you soon," my mom said, her voice soft and full of love.

Not long after I hung up, Joss and Dong were the first to arrive at my house, their backpacks slung over their shoulders and grins on their faces. Aiden and Tyson were already ready, both excited and trying to one-up each other with who would build the best fire. Lastly, Eros showed up, a cooler in one hand and a sleeping bag in the other.

As we made our way into the forest, we were all in high spirits, laughing and joking around as the late afternoon sun filtered through the trees. The path was quiet, the only sounds being our footsteps crunching over fallen leaves and the occasional bird call echoing through the woods.