what was i made for, walker

003. bonfire

"As she approaches the watering hole, and after a long day of braving the elements, the young doe wastes no time announcing that she is in heat." August narrates in a British accent.

"Haven't heard the Attenborough in a while. Can't believe I missed him." Stella remarks.

"I know. It's insane." Janie scoffs.

"Ah, you see -- the senior herd pay no notice as the sophomores and freshmen evade in hopes of ensuring their survival for another day, while the junior flock welcome the doe as one of their own. But there really is no telling their true agenda in the harsh realm of the animal kingdom."

"Hey!" The three turn to two girls Stella knows walking up. "Bonfire tomorrow night. Want a ride?"

"Oh, uh, probably not the best idea to go with a court date looming." Stella says.

"Get your dad to take care of it. He's, like, an elite Ranger guy or whatever." The blonde girl says.

"Yeah." The brunette agrees. "And he totally owes you for not being around last year."

"Yeah, but he's actually being kind of cool. Don't want to rock the boat." Stella says.

"And skip out on the best party of the year? I'm calling bullshit." The blonde says, the two laughing and Stella quietly laughs.

"Could it really be?" August questions while the two girls walk off. "Could this spry gazelle be going against her true nature?"

Stella scoffs and gently shoves him while Janie giggles.

"Unbelievable." August comments, sharing an amused look with his younger sister.

"Hey." They get stopped by Ruby. "You going to the bonfire tomorrow?" She asks the boy.

"Ruby!" August smiles. "Nah. Not really my thing." He says. "Oh, uh, are you going?"

"Yeah. Last year was a blast." Ruby says.

"Yeah, totally." August chuckles. "Last year." Janie rolls her eyes. "Totally wish I was there."

"So you should go, then." Ruby says.

"Yeah. I-I'll be there. Can't wait." August says. "Probably be there early, you know."

"Who shows up to a bonfire early?" Janie questions, August glaring at her for simply talking.

"You know, freshmen have to bring a bottle of booze." Ruby says.

"Yeah, I heard." August says.

After a bit, they bid goodbye, Ruby walking off.

"Where you gonna get a bottle of booze? Cause you're not stealing from Gramps. Both he and dad will murder you." Janie says.

"Shut up." August grumbles, walking off.

"He's totally gonna rob Gramps." Janie mumbles.

+++

"Hoyt, thanks for the steaks." Abilene says, sitting between her grandson and husband. "Wagyu? Must have got you a fortune."

"No, I got a great deal on them." Hoyt says. "Supposed to slice like warm butter." Cordell sits between his brother and youngest.

Janie smirks when Abilene smacks August's hand when he starts cutting his food.

"Hoyt, would you like to say grace?" Abilene asks.

"Mm. All right." He says. "Dear Lord, I have no doubt you'll bless this food as we pig out." The three teens quietly laugh. "But, uh, if you are up there, big guy, I hope you know how grateful I am for these people you brought into my life. And this wagyu steak. Amen."