Fragments of Us

Chapter Thirty-Seven: Waters

The sun climbed higher as they hiked through the forest, the earthy scent of damp soil and pine filling the air. Birds flitted between branches, and the occasional rustling of leaves hinted at small animals scurrying through the underbrush.

Milo adjusted the straps of his backpack, glancing over at Atlas, who was walking beside him, looking ahead with a relaxed expression. Sally and Ali were leading the way, chatting about some past camping trips, leaving Milo and Atlas in their own bubble of silence.

   “You holding up?” Milo asked, nudging Atlas lightly with his shoulder.

Atlas scoffed. “I’m not the one gasping for air.”

   “I’m pacing myself,” Milo said, feigning exhaustion as he wiped imaginary sweat from his brow. “Not all of us were born to be athletes.”

Atlas chuckled. “I remember you complaining less back in college.”

Milo raised a brow. “That’s because back in college, I was trying to impress you.”

Atlas faltered for half a step but recovered quickly, shaking his head with a small smile. “You’re ridiculous.”

Milo smirked. “And yet, it worked.”

Atlas didn’t respond, but Milo could see the slight flush on his ears. That was enough of a win for now.

As they continued the trail, Sally and Ali occasionally pointed out landmarks, reminiscing about previous trips.

   “Remember when you two snuck off every night during our camps?” Sally said, throwing a knowing glance at Atlas and Milo.

Milo grinned. “We were just exploring.”

Ali chuckled. “Sure, ‘exploring’ by the lake in the middle of the night? Real subtle.”

Atlas rubbed the back of his neck. “We were kids.”

Ali replied. "You mean almost in your twenties."

Sally sighed dramatically. “Ah, young love.”

Milo and Atlas exchanged a look before shaking their heads in unison.

After an hour of hiking, they decided to head back and finally arrived at the lake, fifteen minutes away from the campsite. The water shimmered under the afternoon sun, reflecting the endless blue sky. It was calm, untouched, a perfect mirror of the trees surrounding it.

   “Alright,” Ali said, dropping his backpack onto the ground. “We eat first, then we swim.”

Milo stretched his arms, taking in the peaceful scenery. “Or—hear me out—we swim first, then eat.”

Atlas crossed his arms. “Because swimming on a full stomach is a bad idea?”

Milo shot him a grin. “Exactly. Safety first.”

Sally shook her head. “Fine, but if you get hungry, that’s on you.”

Milo wasted no time kicking off his shoes and pulling off his shirt. The sun was warm against his skin, and the water looked too inviting to resist.

Atlas followed, although at a slower pace. He rolled his shoulders, stretching briefly before stepping toward the edge of the water.

Milo waded in first, sighing as the cool water lapped at his skin. “Oh man, this is perfect.”

Atlas stepped in after him, shivering slightly as the water reached his waist. “Cold.”

Milo splashed water toward him. “You’ll get used to it.”