Eternal Goodbye.

PART 10: Explore

next day

The morning sun filtered softly through the trees, casting golden light over the quiet campsite. Divine was the first to stir, stretching and stepping out of the tent into the fresh, cool morning air. She took a deep breath, savoring the scent of pine and earth, a reminder of how far they were from their usual, busy lives.

She was soon joined by Rhea, who emerged from her tent looking half-asleep, her hair a tangled mess. “Morning, sunshine,” Rhea mumbled, rubbing her eyes as she attempted a smile.

Divine grinned, handing her a cup of instant coffee. “Didn’t get much sleep?”

Rhea took a long sip, sighing. “Are you kidding? I felt like I was lying on a rock all night.”

Before long, the others began to wake up, stretching and grumbling as they adjusted to their makeshift beds. Gustav and Georg got a fire going, and soon everyone was gathered around, sipping coffee and sharing bits of breakfast they’d brought.

“So, what’s the plan today?” Bill asked, his eyes still heavy with sleep as he nibbled on a granola bar.

Divine’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked around the group. “I was thinking we could go on a bit of an adventure, explore the area around here. See if we can find any hidden trails or cool spots by the lake?”

Tom, who had his arm casually draped over Divine’s shoulder, smiled. “Sounds perfect to me. I mean, why come all the way out here if we’re just going to sit around?”

Jennifer rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide a small smirk. “You guys are so eager. It’s only the first day. Aren’t we supposed to be, you know, relaxing?”

Georg laughed, elbowing Gustav. “Come on, Jen! Live a little! We’re in the middle of nowhere. When’s the last time we got to just explore without worrying about curfews or school?”

Jennifer sighed dramatically. “Fine, but if anyone gets lost, don’t blame me.”

The group laughed, and soon they were packing small bags with water and snacks, ready for the day’s hike. They set off into the woods, the dense canopy of trees filtering sunlight onto the forest floor in scattered patches. The air was filled with birdsong and the rustle of leaves, making the world feel vibrant and alive.

As they walked, Divine and Tom stayed close, their fingers intertwined. Behind them, Rhea and Gustav walked side-by-side, chatting quietly and laughing as they shared stories from school. Bill lingered near Jennifer, attempting to engage her in conversation, though she kept her responses brief and cool.

“Hey, Jen,” Bill said, nudging her with a grin. “Are you going to tell me why you agreed to come along on this crazy camping trip?”

Jennifer shrugged, looking away. “I don’t know. Guess I didn’t want to miss out on whatever trouble you all are planning to get into.”

Bill chuckled, unfazed. “Well, you’re in good company for that. Besides, I’m glad you’re here. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

Jennifer’s expression softened, and she gave him a small smile. “Yeah, me too.”

The day flew by in laughter and exploration. They found a clearing near the lake, where they spent hours splashing in the water, chasing each other around, and skipping stones across the surface. Divine and Tom shared stolen kisses under the shade of the trees, while Bill watched them with a faint trace of longing in his eyes, though he quickly looked away whenever anyone noticed.

As the afternoon gave way to evening, they returned to their campsite, exhausted but exhilarated from the day’s adventures. They gathered around the fire, drying off and warming up as they prepared dinner. Rhea leaned against Gustav, and even Jennifer seemed to have let down her guard, smiling more easily as she laughed along with the group’s stories.

Divine looked around, feeling a wave of happiness wash over her. Here they all were, her closest friends, in the middle of nowhere, with nothing but each other and the simple beauty of the wilderness. For once, it felt like life was exactly where it needed to be.

And she couldn’t wait to see what else this trip had in store.