Eternal Goodbye.

Happiness never last

As the second day unfolded, the campsite was filled with the sounds of laughter and clinking mugs as they shared breakfast. Georg was trying to make pancakes over the campfire, his concentration fierce, but every attempt resulted in a slightly burnt, misshapen creation.

“These look… unique,” Divine said, eyeing the pancake Georg handed her with a skeptical smile.

“Oh, come on!” Georg exclaimed with mock indignation. “They’re rustic. It’s part of the camping charm.”

Everyone laughed, but they ate them anyway, too hungry to care about a few burnt edges. After breakfast, they decided to make the most of their day with games and dares. Divine suggested a game of hide-and-seek in the woods, and soon everyone was sprinting in different directions, their laughter echoing through the trees.

Tom, hiding behind a thick tree, peeked out to see Divine walking by, her eyes narrowed as she searched for any signs of movement. Holding his breath, Tom watched her draw closer until he couldn’t resist anymore. With a playful roar, he jumped out, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her into a hug.

“Gotcha!” Tom laughed, his voice filled with joy.

Divine shrieked in surprise, then burst out laughing as she shoved him playfully. “You scared me, you jerk!”

Tom chuckled, letting her go but holding onto her hand. “Can’t let you win that easily,” he teased, his gaze softening as he looked at her.

They lingered there, lost in each other’s eyes for a moment, before Divine’s competitive streak kicked in. “I’m still going to find everyone else before you do!” she declared, sprinting off before he could react.

Elsewhere, Bill and Jennifer had found a quiet spot by the lake, away from the chaos of the game. They sat side-by-side on a fallen log, their feet skimming the water as they relaxed.

“I have to admit,” Jennifer murmured, watching the sunlight dance on the water, “this place is kind of beautiful.”

Bill nodded, glancing at her with a shy smile. “Yeah, I guess you’re not the only one who didn’t expect to enjoy it here. I thought I’d be bored out of my mind.”

Jennifer laughed, nudging him with her shoulder. “Guess we both underestimated this trip.”

For a few minutes, they sat in comfortable silence, watching the gentle ripples on the lake and feeling the peace of the woods settle around them. Bill’s heart raced, though, as he stole a few glances at Jennifer, wondering if maybe, just maybe, she felt the same way.

As the day wore on, they all gathered by the lake again, where Georg and Gustav had set up a makeshift volleyball net between two trees. Rhea served the ball with surprising force, and the game quickly devolved into chaotic fun as everyone cheered, dived, and tripped in the sand, completely immersed in the moment.

Divine couldn’t stop laughing, her face flushed from the excitement. She loved how carefree everyone seemed, how they’d left behind all their worries and just allowed themselves to be happy.

The evening arrived, and after another simple campfire meal, they sat in a circle under the stars, sharing secrets and dreams.

“So, what’s everyone going to do when we get back?” Gustav asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

Rhea leaned back, gazing at the sky. “I don’t know, but I feel like I’m going to miss this—miss all of you.”

The others murmured their agreement, each of them feeling the warmth of their friendship more deeply than ever. Bill glanced at Jennifer, catching her eye for a brief moment, and they shared a silent smile, as if acknowledging an unspoken bond.

Tom took Divine’s hand, squeezing it gently. “Whatever happens, let’s remember this night. Just us, the stars, and this crazy idea to get away from it all.”

Divine smiled, her heart swelling with gratitude for each person around the fire. This trip was everything she’d hoped for, and as they sat together, the bond between them felt unbreakable, a rare kind of happiness she knew she’d cherish forever.