I, my fiance, and a group of friends were getting increasingly bored as the days just rolled by us. Waking up at the same time, brushing our teeth at the same time, going to work at the same time, complain about traffic, work, coffee, work, break, work, come home, shower, go to bed. There was no magic anymore; the monotony was rotting our brains. Humans aren't supposed to live on autopilot, like machinery. So one of our friends, Derrick, suggested a camping trip. All of us perked up, and instantly agreed. It was the perfect time too, as the sun waned its oppressive heat, the air chilled, and the leaves on the trees started to brown and fall. Personally, it was my favorite time of year we could wear sweaters, boots, and scarves without sweating like a sow.
My fiance and I packed up our own rations and equipment, and headed straight for the hiking trail. She and I excitedly conversed about experiencing the chilled, crisp air after a season of pure heat and disgusting sweat. The surrounding crimson, pumpkin, and chestnut foliage that captivated the eye. Cute little woodland critters scampering towards their cramped dens, preparing for winter. To sit in amidst it all at midnight, underneath a blanket of shining stars with all our friends; roasting marshmallows above a toasty, crackling campfire; wrapping yourself with a heavy blanket to warm yourself from the creeping coldness darkness brings. I felt a warmth in my heart growing, knowing that's what living was all about.
We met our friends at the campgrounds at three in the afternoon. My guy friends and I lugged all the heavy equipment, as Camilla, my fiance, and her girl friends carried the lighter stuff. The guys and I agreed how nice it was just to get out of the house finally. Out of the blue, Derrick confided his marriage was on the rocks, and he sensed a coldness from his wife. As bros, we all gave him knowing looks to each other and patted him on the back, assuring him this is exactly what they need. And if they disappear in the woods for a while, we'd understand. He laughed, but playfully ignored the suggestion. We weren't marriage counselors, or have enough experience in marriage (me, none at all) but we were bros and we had each other's backs.
After a bit of cursing and frustration, our large, spacious tents stood high, beautifully secured into the ground. We were proud of our handiwork and took seats around the campfire with the girls as a reward. One of my other guy friends, Greg, came back with a cooler full of cold-ones. We enjoyed a refreshing sip as the sun was starting to dip into the twilight and the moon was emerging from the shadows. Our group told stories about our glory days, in high school and college; funny ones, embarrassing ones, wholesome ones. My fiance's best friend since high school and maid of honor, Paula, shared her own stories featuring my betrothed. They giggled and engaged in a playful fight when Sophia shed embarrassing details we wanted to hear, but Camilla denying it ever happening.
