When they returned to the campsite, the atmosphere was still just as lively as when they had left.
Several tents had already been fully set up. The aroma of grilling meat had begun to fill the air, mingling with the scent of pine wood and the cool mountain breeze. In the distance, Josh and Chris could be heard, though it was impossible to tell whether they were working together or arguing about something unimportant yet again.
Lydia's steps automatically slowed as they entered the campsite. Her clothes were still slightly damp. So was her long hair, which had not completely dried yet. Meanwhile, beside her, Cale looked far more relaxed. As though nothing at all had happened during the long time they had been away from the campsite.
The first person to notice their return was Josh.
At first, the young man merely glanced at them while helping Daven move several boxes of supplies. But a few seconds later, his brow immediately furrowed. “Wait a second.”
Josh's voice made several people turn instinctively.
“What is it?” Chris asked while busy skewering meat for the barbecue.
Josh pointed at Lydia. “Look at Aunt Lydia's hair.”
Lydia immediately closed her eyes for a moment. Damn it.
“Why is it wet?” Josh continued.
Now everyone's attention truly shifted to them.
Riana, who was helping Althea prepare dinner, turned around as well. Nathan raised an eyebrow and looked at the two of them in confusion. Even Grace stopped what she was doing just to see what was happening.
Josh still looked puzzled, and then his gaze shifted to Cale's clothes, which were not much different. “And why are Uncle Cale's clothes wet too? What happened?”
Lydia wanted nothing more than to disappear on the spot. She had no idea what her face looked like right now, but she was certain the heat rising in her cheeks came from embarrassment. Seriously. This was all Cale's fault!
Meanwhile, Cale remained as calm as ever. “We slipped.”
Josh blinked. “Slipped?”
“In the river.”
“How?” Josh stared at them for several moments. Then he looked toward the river, whose current appeared perfectly calm. From their tents, the flowing river was clearly visible. Then he looked back at them. “I feel like something's weird.”
Chris immediately chimed in. “For the first time in your life, I agree with you, Josh.”
“Enough,” Lydia cut in quickly before the two of them let their imaginations run too far.
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