It was a hot summer morning and the sky was cloud-free and empty except for the golden sun. The sun smiled upon the trees, the animals, and the people underneath its summer rays. It was the most perfect day for an outdoor activity. In fact, it was Quinn and Reina's summer outing. Actually, a couple of new friends invited them to join their summer outing. They had just moved in the neighborhood.
"It's so kind of them, inviting us to join even though we've only just met them," Reina said as she packed their camping equipment. Reina was a typical kind of girl: simple yet sweet. She loves reading books and trying out new recipes. She had long, brown hair going down until her shoulder blades. She previously had bangs, which grew longer and now jagged with style. "I'm glad we moved here, Quinn."
Quinn was Reina's boyfriend. He's almost the complete opposite of Reina. Quinn often likes to stay at home watching TV, playing console with Reina (who usually doesn't win against him) or surfing the World Wide Web. Reina, on the other hand, is outgoing—she's actually more excited going to this summer trip than Quinn. Quinn has jet-black hair cut short. Though it doesn't look like it, Quinn's a university professor.
"I'm glad you loved it, luvvy." Quinn said. He wasn't as excited as Reina that he even thought of bringing the laptop. Reina said it wasn't a good idea since there wouldn't probably be a cottage in that area and that they would probably stay outdoors most of the time. "Do you need help over there?"
Reina shook her head. She had just finished packing their camping equipment. Inside their bag were comfy clothes, some canned food and useful tools Quinn told her to bring. Quinn was carefully checking their car before they set off, inspecting everything if they're in place and fully functional. Just as he finished checking the car, Reina handed their bags and the basic equipments like the tent and the inflatable boat to him. Quinn, in turn, put them in the trunk and later, after double-checking everything, he started the engine.
Reina walked over to the front door and sat down. "Buh-bye, King," she said as she picked up a Shitzu (who she refers to as King) and kissed him on his snout, "be a good boy now, okay? Mommy and daddy will be out a couple of days. If you need food, you'll know where to get it." King was actually trained to get his food. There was a doggie pellet dispenser just beside the kitchen cabinet and it's easy access for King. Quinn, being the techie-gizmo-freak, had set-up the automated burglar alarm, just in case. This alarm would send out a signal to the nearest police station.
Meanwhile, Quinn took out his phone as it rang. "Hello? Quinn!" the voice in the other line said, "it's me Princeton!" Princeton was one of their new neighbors who planned the summer outing. He was bringing along his girlfriend, Melody, as well.
"Yeah. Right. I mean, you're right. We turn left at the crossroads," Quinn said confirming he understood Princeton's direction.
"Just make sure you don't get lost, man!" Princeton said just before he hung up.
As soon as Reina locked up the front gate of their house, she joined Quinn in the car. She gave him a peck on the cheek and held his hand. With one last look at the house, he gave Reina a kiss and shifted the gear in drive. "And we're off."
* * *
A couple of hours and stop-overs later, they reached the woodland their friend Princeton was talking about. According to him, it gets quite messy from there since the paved roads have ended and the murky paths welcome a greeting. "Princess told me to be wary of the woods," Reina said. Princess was another of their friends who will join them in their outing. It was Princess who had suggested to visit these woods for the lake at the center has a pretty sight under the moonlight. "We could get lost if we're not careful."
"Princeton said to just follow the rocky road until the road splits," Quinn said and hesitated, "then we go... right. Right."
"Are you sure?" Reina worriedly asked.
"Yeah, I'm sure, luvvy," Quinn's hand rested on Reina's in reassurance.