The next day, the Miller family mansion was once again filled with a pleasant kind of bustle.
The moment Josh, Grace, and Eli returned home from school, the camping trip that weekend immediately became the main topic of discussion again. They had not even taken their school bags to their rooms before Grace was already sitting in the family room with a small notebook in her hands.
“I need to bring a flashlight.” Grace wrote something down with utmost seriousness. “And Bunny Pillow.”
“What purpose does Bunny Pillow serve on a camping trip?” Josh asked as he opened a can of soda.
Grace huffed. “For sleeping, obviously.”
“You already have a pillow in the tent.”
“But that’s not Bunny Pillow.”
Josh immediately turned toward Eli. “Please explain to me what Bunny Pillow has to do with the pillow already in the tent.”
Eli did not even lift his head from the book he was reading. “Grace can’t sleep without Bunny Pillow.”
Josh clicked his tongue in annoyance. “Such a kid.”
“Do you think you’re all grown up?” Grace grumbled indignantly. “I’m sure you’re bringing that lucky keychain Eli gave you. Aren’t you?”
“Grace,” Josh said warningly. “What’s wrong with bringing that keychain?”
Eli, seated between them, could only let out a long sigh. “You’d better finish your list, Grace. And Josh, I think Uncle Chris is going to ask for your help any minute now.”
Grace looked thoroughly pleased and returned to writing.
On the sofa across from them, Naomi, who had been watching the three of them, finally shook her head. “I think you’re all being a little excessive.”
Three pairs of eyes immediately turned toward her.
“What do you mean?” Grace asked.
“It’s only a two-day camping trip,” Naomi said casually.
“Two days is a long time,” Grace protested.
Naomi chuckled.
But a few seconds later, her smile faded when Grace asked, “So, what are you bringing?”
Naomi blinked. “Me?”
“Yes.”
Naomi had not expected Grace to ask her that at all. “I’m not bringing anything.”
“Why not?”
Because I’m not going. The words almost slipped out of Naomi’s mouth. She lowered her gaze briefly before speaking softly. “I don’t think I need to go.”
The room suddenly became quieter.
Josh, who had been drinking, even stopped mid-motion. Grace immediately frowned in displeasure. “Why?”

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