The rain, the rabbit, and the board

3-Sammi

I am setting up the final parts of the campfire pit. I have memorized the steps perfectly: make a designated space, clear the area of easily flammable items like rocks and sticks, and lastly, ignite the blaze. Luckily, Keira brought their flint necklace, so we had something to ignite our fire. When I finish, I set up my side of the tent. I put everything I have away, nice and neat. Lantern? Check. Flashlight? Check. Book on plants? Check. Everything I packed is here. I look over at Keira, who pulls out a photo and puts it by their sleeping bag. My heart sinks as I see it. It’s a photo of us and Bonnie. This would be our first camping trip without him. I think to myself, then ask my sister.
“I know you miss him. What if we do something he would have wanted to do?”, I ask.
“Like what?” they respond. I think for a minute. I try to remember everything we used to do together with Bonnie. He did love to explore the forest.
“We can explore in the forest. Bonnie loves exploring,” I reply. “As soon as Kat gets back, we can take a walk.” They smile, and I know I made them feel better. We see Kat come back, holding a pile of firewood.
“Guys! I found an old, abandoned house we could stay in. Nobody lives there, I think.” Kat exclaims as she walks back with a pile of firewood. I look at Keira. We found where to explore.