After a week, Bob and Emma arrived at Michael's house, excitedly sharing a breakfast infused with the anticipation of their upcoming adventure. The air buzzed with enthusiasm as everyone prepared for the trip.
"Kids! Did everyone pack their bags?" Mary called out.
"Yeah! Mom!" came the chorus of voices, full of eagerness.
Michael headed to the garage to start his car and parked it outside, ready to lead the caravan. Max, Mary, Berlin, and Angela piled into another car, with Max driving, Mary sitting beside him, and Berlin and Angela snugly settled in the back. Meanwhile, in Michael's car, Emma sat in the front seat beside him, while Bob and Naina filled the back, an unusual tension hanging in the air between them—Bob had proposed to her back in ninth grade, but she had gently turned him down.
As they hit the road, the silence in the back seat was palpable, both Bob and Naina secretly wishing for a spark of conversation. "Hey! Can you play some good songs?" Bob called forward, breaking the quiet.
"Ugh! What do you mean by 'good'? Don't you like Taylor?" Emma teased.
"Not really," Bob replied.
"Okay, okay! I'm switching it up, but let's keep the peace; we just hit the road!" Michael laughed.
Emma leaned toward Michael's ear and whispered, "They aren't talking at all, are they?"
Michael chuckled softly.
"Why are you laughing, brother?" Naina asked, catching the exchange.
"Ugh! Nothing, sorry!" Michael replied with a grin.
Bob took a brave step into the conversation, "So, how are your studies going?"
Naina responded, "We're in the same class, and you know my grades."
Bob stammered, feeling shy, "Oh, um, sorry!"
Michael and Emma burst into laughter, lightening the mood.
Mary chimed in with a motherly tone, "Alright, kids, let's take a nap to recharge!" The tired little ones, too weary to protest, surrendered to sleep.
As Max glanced in the rearview mirror, he smiled at the sight of children rubbing their eyes and yawning, grateful to see them resting. About 30 minutes later, refreshed from their nap, everyone woke up. Max savored the open road ahead, excitement building for the adventures awaiting them.
Upon reaching Max's friend, Benjamin's house, they were met by a warm welcome.
"It's been years, you rascal!" Max exclaimed, wrapping Benjamin in a hearty hug.
"Yeah, those were the days back in high school!" Benjamin replied, a wide smile spreading across his face.
As they reminisced, Max asked, "So what's your brother up to these days?"
"He served in the military but retired due to some injuries," Benjamin explained, both men catching up on nearly two decades of life.
While Michael took Emma and the kids sightseeing, the adults enjoyed their chatter. When dinner rolled around, Benjamin announced, "Listen up, everyone! Tomorrow, we kick off our trip. We've got some thrilling adventures lined up! We're heading to Santa Monica Beach first, and then at night, we'll delve into the woods."
Everyone gasped in shock—spending the night in the forest?
"But how do we—" Mary began, but Benjamin interrupted, "Don't worry! I've booked a guesthouse right there in the forest; it's the only one around! And there's a waterfall just a short distance away."
Excitement bubbled as everyone began to envision the beauty of the waterfall.
"Trust me, the scenery will take your breath away!" Benjamin promised, and the mood lifted as plans for their forest adventure began.
"First, we sleep when we reach the house, and then tomorrow morning, we'll explore the forest and waterfall. We'll be out there for four days," Benjamin stated excitedly.
Max and the kids headed off for grocery shopping for their stay, while Bob found a bow and arrow for some friendly hunting in the forest.
The next morning, the atmosphere hummed with excitement as they all piled into their cars and headed to the beach. The day was filled with laughter, sandy toes, and playful splashes, but as the sun dipped below the horizon, the time came to leave.
As darkness enveloped the road, Benjamin took the wheel of Michael's car while Michael settled in beside him, exhausted after a day filled with sun and laughter. In the back, Emma, Bob, and Berlin squeezed in together, while Max drove closely behind.
At 9 PM, after driving for three hours, they finally reached their destination—a sign announced the waterfall and guesthouse. Benjamin turned the car toward the sign, with Max following closely behind. However, as they made the turn, Angela spotted a shadowy figure near the board. Shocked, she turned to Naina, who dismissed her, saying, "It's probably just a bush; there's no one out here at this hour."
Pushing deeper into the forest, they finally arrived at the house.
