Eternal Goodbye.

PART 9

The sun was setting low on the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the campsite. Tom and Divine were setting up their tent, with Tom fumbling with the poles while Divine tried to suppress her laughter at his clumsy efforts.

“You sure you know what you’re doing?” Divine teased, holding back a chuckle as she watched him struggle.

Tom flashed her a grin, shaking his head. “Of course I do,” he said with a laugh. “I’m just… letting the tent test my patience.”

Divine raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. “Well, maybe the tent’s winning.”

Their laughter filled the quiet forest, drawing the attention of the others. Gustav, who was arranging logs for the fire, smirked and called out, “You guys are hopeless. Want some help, or should we leave you to it?”

Tom waved him off, determined. “Nope, got it under control!”

Jennifer rolled her eyes, setting up her own tent with a bit too much force. “I don’t see why this has to be so difficult. It’s just a tent.” She huffed, adjusting the poles with a precision that showed she wasn’t here to play around.

“love, not everyone’s an expert at pitching tents,” Bill said, grinning as he tried to lighten her mood. He was nearby, sorting out sleeping bags with a bit more ease.

Jennifer shot him a glare but smirked in response, finally cracking. “Ugh fine, I’ll admit, maybe it’s not that hard.”

As the sun sank lower, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, they finished setting up their camp. The fire crackled warmly, casting a cozy glow over the group as they gathered around. Rhea sat cross-legged beside Divine, nudging her with a playful grin.

“So, Divine,” Rhea began, her voice low as though sharing a secret, “are we really camping out here for a whole month?”

Divine grinned back, her excitement obvious. “Of course! I mean, think about it—no school, no stress, just us, the woods, and endless adventures. Isn’t that the best way to spend the summer?”

Georg joined in, smiling as he roasted marshmallows over the fire. “Gotta say, it does feel amazing to be out here. No responsibilities, no expectations… just freedom.”

Jennifer scoffed, folding her arms. “Speak for yourselves. I’m not here for the ‘freedom’—I’m here because someone,” she shot a look at Divine, “practically begged me to come.”

Divine rolled her eyes, smiling. “Oh, come on, Jen. We all know you secretly love the outdoors. Plus, who else is going to keep us in check?”

Jennifer laughed, shrugging. “Guess you’re right.”

Tom wrapped an arm around Divine, pulling her close. “Well, I don’t care why everyone came. I’m just glad we’re all here together. This is going to be the best month of our lives.”

They all murmured their agreement, clinking soda cans in a playful toast. As night fully embraced the campsite, they settled in for ghost stories, eager to make the first night unforgettable.