Unspoken Currents

09

The morning air was sharp and refreshing as I stepped out of the tent, pulling my jacket a little tighter. I took a deep breath, feeling that familiar chill in my lungs, and I couldn’t help but smile. This whole camping trip was exactly what I needed. College had been weighing on me more than I’d let anyone know, and it felt good to be back out here, away from it all.

Layla was still sleeping soundly, curled up in her sleeping bag with that peaceful look on her face. I didn’t want to wake her. These quiet mornings reminded me of the camping trips I used to take with my dad. Just the two of us, sitting by the fire, listening to the sounds of nature. Life felt simple back then, and I missed that simplicity.

I made my way to the fire pit, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, and saw William stepping out of his tent. I waved, but he barely looked up, avoiding my eyes altogether. It was weird—he’d been acting off the entire trip. Usually, he’d be joking around with everyone, but lately, he’d seemed distant, almost… guarded. Yesterday by the campfire, we’d locked eyes for a split second, and there was something in his look that stuck with me. At first, I thought I was imagining things, but now I wasn’t so sure.

“Morning, Colton.” Layla’s voice interrupted my thoughts as she appeared by my side, looking just as tired as I felt but with that same smile I loved.

“Hey,” I said, pulling her into a hug. “You sleep okay?”

“Yeah,” she said, leaning into me. “It’s nice out here. Just us, no distractions.”

I nodded, glancing over at William, who was poking at his breakfast. “You think everything’s okay with him? He’s been really quiet lately.”

Layla looked over, her brow creasing. “I don’t know. He’s probably just tired. Or maybe he’s stressed about school. You know how he is.”

“Yeah, maybe.” But I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to it.

***

A few hours later, we all piled into the truck to head to the lake. Layla’s parents had planned a kayaking trip, and everyone seemed excited, even William, who finally cracked a smile when we reached the water. I helped unload the gear, breathing in the fresh lake air and feeling that familiar rush of excitement. This lake reminded me of the places I used to go with my dad, and a part of me felt like a kid again.

We spent the morning on the water, laughing and racing each other. Layla and I challenged each other to a race across the lake, and I barely won, feeling that competitive streak of mine kick in. It was just us, surrounded by the mountains and the trees, and for a moment, everything felt perfect. But as we paddled back to where everyone else was, I couldn’t help but notice William. He was lagging behind, staring off at the treeline with this far-off look.

The more I tried to ignore it, the more I kept thinking about him. The strange tension I’d been feeling all trip—the glances, the awkward silences—it all kept building up in my mind. I wasn’t sure what it meant, but I couldn’t deny that something was there. And then, in the back of my mind, I replayed that quick look we’d shared around the campfire.

Was it just my imagination, or had he looked at me like there was more he wanted to say?

I tried to shake it off, focusing on Layla, who was now splashing me with her paddle, laughing as I flinched. But every time I let my guard down, my thoughts drifted back to William.

***

Later that evening, we were all sitting around the campfire, eating dinner and swapping stories. Layla’s parents were reminiscing about their younger years, and Layla was laughing along, her hand resting on my knee. I looked over at William, who was still sitting quietly, not really engaging with anyone.

“Hey, you okay?” I asked, handing him a plate of food. “You’ve been quiet today.”

William looked up, almost startled, like he hadn’t realized I was paying attention. “Yeah, I’m fine,” he said quickly, taking the plate and looking down.

“You sure?” I pressed, sensing that something was bothering him.

“Just tired,” he mumbled, barely looking at me.

I nodded, trying not to push him too much, but it didn’t sit right with me. Something was off, and I didn’t know what. As we sat there around the fire, I kept catching myself watching him, trying to figure out what was going on. It was frustrating, feeling like there was a wall between us that I couldn’t break through.

There was that look again—just a flash of something unreadable in his eyes before he turned away. I didn’t know what to make of it, and it left me more confused than ever.

By the time we all headed to bed, I was no closer to an answer. Lying in my tent, staring up at the dark ceiling, my mind kept circling back to William. Layla was asleep beside me, her breathing soft and steady, but my thoughts were racing. I loved Layla; things between us were good. But tonight, a part of me felt... unsettled. Like something was changing, and I couldn’t stop it.

Whatever was going on with William, I knew I’d have to figure it out sooner or later. I couldn’t ignore it much longer.

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