Eternal Goodbye.

Part 12 : memories together

Bonding <3

The next morning was quiet as everyone slowly woke up, the early sunlight casting a warm glow over the campsite. Georg was already awake, tending to the fire and boiling water for coffee. He handed out cups as each person emerged from their tents, looking drowsy but content.

“So, what’s on the agenda today?” Rhea asked, stretching her arms and flashing a bright smile.

“Well,” Gustav said, glancing around with a mischievous look in his eye, “we could explore more trails, or… we could do something more daring.”

Divine leaned forward, intrigued. “Daring, huh? I like the sound of that.”

Tom grinned, giving her a sidelong glance. “Always looking for an adventure, aren’t you?”

She shrugged, smiling. “Isn’t that why we’re here?”

After a quick breakfast, the group packed light bags and set off down a narrow path, laughing and chatting as they wound their way deeper into the forest. The air was crisp and filled with the earthy scent of pine and leaves, making every step feel refreshing and alive.

They stumbled upon an old, weathered rope swing hanging over a creek, its wooden seat worn smooth by time. Divine, always the first to jump into things, grabbed the swing, letting it pull her over the water before she leapt off with a splash, her laughter ringing through the trees.

“You’re such a show-off!” Jennifer called out, rolling her eyes even as she fought back a smile.

“Oh, come on!” Divine teased, gesturing for her to join in. “Live a little, Jen!”

Encouraged by the others, Jennifer eventually gave in, taking the swing and launching herself over the water with a mix of excitement and fear. The splash she made was huge, and everyone burst into laughter, cheering as she emerged, dripping but grinning from ear to ear.

They spent the next few hours there, each of them taking turns on the swing, daring each other to go higher and pull off silly tricks. Rhea and Gustav stayed close, laughing and splashing water at each other, while Bill and Jennifer found themselves in quiet conversations, stealing glances when they thought no one was watching.

As the sun climbed higher, they dried off and continued exploring, stopping occasionally to point out interesting trees or spot wildlife. When they stumbled upon a small clearing filled with wildflowers, Divine plucked a few, tucking them into Tom’s hair with a laugh.

“Wow, I must look amazing,” Tom said with a grin, pretending to strike a pose.

Divine laughed, giving him a playful shove. “You could pull off anything.”

The day drifted into evening, and as they made their way back to camp, everyone was tired but exhilarated, their spirits high from the day’s adventures. That night, they gathered around the campfire once more, their faces lit by the flickering flames as they shared stories and jokes.

Jennifer surprised them all by pulling out a deck of cards, and soon they were engrossed in a lively game of truth or dare. Bill ended up having to tell an embarrassing childhood story, which had everyone in stitches, while Georg and Gustav were dared to swap clothes—resulting in a hilarious sight as they awkwardly changed under the cover of their sleeping bags.

When it was Divine’s turn, she chose “truth,” earning a smirk from Tom.

“Alright, Divine,” he said, leaning forward, “if you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?”

She glanced around the circle, her gaze resting on each of her friends. “Honestly? Right here, with all of you.”

Her answer earned a chorus of “awws” and teasing remarks, but everyone felt the sincerity in her words. They all knew that this moment—this summer, this friendship—was something they’d look back on for years to come.

As the night wore on, they drifted into deeper conversations, sharing secrets and fears they’d never spoken aloud before. In the safety of their circle, everyone felt free to be themselves, opening up in ways they hadn’t imagined.

By the time the fire had burned down to embers, they were all leaning against each other, their voices softened by drowsiness and warmth. Rhea had fallen asleep on Gustav’s shoulder, while Bill and Jennifer exchanged a quiet smile that hinted at something unspoken.

Divine felt Tom’s arm wrap around her as he whispered, “I’m glad we’re here. This... this is exactly what I needed.”

She rested her head on his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his words wrap around her heart. “Me too, Tom. Me too.”

The campsite fell silent, the stars above twinkling down on the sleeping friends, each of them unaware of the challenges—and heartbreak—that lay ahead.