The engine of our blue Pontiac hums steadily beneath us as Dave and I drive straight into the heart of Las Vegas.

Our final stop before Los Angeles and it's...

Absolutely. Frigging. Breathtaking.

The city unfurls before us like a neon mirage, shimmering with the promise of both reckless adventure and pure decadence.

"Wohoo!" I press my forehead against the cool glass of the window, wide-eyed, open-mouthed, as the skyline comes into view.

The first thing I notice is the explosion of color and light.

It's like nothing I've ever seen before. The newspaper photographs cannot compare to the real thing at all.

Towering signs blaze with a dizzying array of neon hues, flickering and flashing, demanding my full attention. I really don't know where to turn first.

There's this electric energy that crackles in the air, making my skin tingle all over.

The buildings are crowned with a myriad of neon lights, their reflections dancing on the glossy hoods of the cars surrounding us, blinding me.

"Wow. Look at this."

I get where Dave is pointing at.

The Strip.

It stretches out ahead of us, a gaudy ribbon of excess. It's lined with colossal casinos and hotels, and each one that pops up seems more extravagant than the last.

I see "The Stardust" first: its sign is an explosion of stars that appear to burst into existence right before my eyes.

Then: "Flamingo" — pink and orange glow bathes the street in a warm, surreal light.

"Caesar's Palace" looms like an ancient monument, its façade a tribute to Roman grandeur, complete with massive statues and ornate fountains.

"That one really earned its name," Dave says, and I know exactly what he means.

His hands are gripping the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles white with excitement or nerves, I can't tell.

Probably both. I know I am nervous and excited.

We pass a line of showgirls on the sidewalk, their glittering costumes catching the streetlights, making them look like moving constellations. 

Each one a little shining star.

"Hey, handsome, looking for some fun?" one of the showgirls calls out to Dave as we drive by.

Dave's face turns beet - red as he stares at her, and then back at me. "Who, me? Uh, no, no, thanks," he stammers, eyes wide in surprise.

It's just hilarious how blushy and confused he is.

I can't help but burst out laughing. "Oh my god, Dave, you should see your face right now!"

He shoots me a sheepish grin, still blushing. "Not funny, Lewis. Not funny at all. Not even a little bit."

"Except that it is. It's hilarious." I stick my tongue out at him, and manage between giggles: "You look like you just saw a ghost."

"Yeah, well, I wasn't expecting that," he mutters, trying to hide his embarrassment.

I wipe a tear from my eye, still chuckling. "Welcome to Las Vegas, Dave Rivera."

Tourists and locals alike swarm the sidewalks, and suddenly it's all blur of faces, laughter, and shouts.

Everything is in motion, a living, breathing spectacle that sweeps us up in its wake.

Poughkeepsie is nothing like Las Vegas, but that's not the thing. The thing is: not even New York is nothing like Las Vegas.

As we cruise through the streets of the huge city, I can't help but reflect on how every city has its own unique soul.

It's not just the neon lights or these grand buildings, but the collective aura of its structures. The people who live there.

This energy seems to seep into everything, everyone. It's even rubbing off on those who visit.

On us.

"Dave, don't you think cities have their own kind of energy?" I muse aloud, watching the vibrant chaos of the Strip through the car window.

Dave glances at me, nodding thoughtfully. "Yeah, I get what you mean. It's like the whole place is alive or something. And you can totally feel it. It's contagious."

"Exactly," I say, feeling validated. "Take Las Vegas, for example. There's something almost electric about it, like you can't help but get caught up in the excitement."

He laughs, eyes sparkling with the same enthusiasm I've seen since we arrived. "Like I said, the "energy" here is really contagious. It's like the city is constantly trying to pull you into its rhythm, make you a part of the chaos."

I smile, realizing how true his words are. "Yeah, it's hard to resist. One minute you're just passing through, and the next you're all super caught up in the whirlwind."

Dave nods, his gaze fixed on the dazzling lights ahead. "I guess that's what makes it so special. You can't help but get swept up in it, even if just for a little while."

As we continue to drive, I feel the pulse of Las Vegas wrapping around us, making it clear that, even if only for a brief moment, we're a part of its story.

My heart races with every new sight.

The city is alive, pulsating with a rhythm that resonates deep within me. There's something intoxicating about it all – the lights, the noise, the sheer audacity of it. 

It's as if the city is whispering promises of endless nights: of secrets long buried waiting to be uncovered.

I turn to Dave, who glances at me with a grin that matches my own wide-eyed wonder. "Welcome to Las Vegas, Lewis," he says, his voice barely audible over the roar of the city. "This is even cooler than Denver, don't you think?"

I smile, sensing a wave of nostalgia coming on.

My mind drifts back to Denver, and I can't help but say softly: "Yeah, that may be... but Denver was special."

Dave glances at me, a knowing look in his warm whisky-brown eyes. "You mean because of... the Van Halen concert we went to?"

"Exactly," I nod. "What... What happened there was one of a kind thing."

I mean our first kiss, rather than the concert, but sure, both were one of the kind.

He grins, the memory lighting up his face. "Caught up in the moment, huh?"

A warm flutter heats up my chest. "It was the most beautiful thing we experienced on the trip so far."

Dave reaches over and gives my hand a squeeze. "Yeah, it really was. Not sure if anything can top it. But we can certainly try." He licks his lips.

Sensing the danger, I quickly change the conversation topic with a little laugh, shaking my head. "We're just passing through, Dave. We really don't have time to get caught up in all this," I say, though I can't help but feel a twinge of longing as I gaze out at the sparkling city.

Dave's grin widens, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Come on, Lewis. This is Las Vegas we're talking about. We've got to see the city. Who knows when we'll get another chance?"

I hesitate, my practical side warring with the part of me that's kind of desperate to explore this dazzling wonderland. "I don't know, Dave. We have a schedule to keep."

"Screw the schedule," he says, laughing. "We're in Las Vegas! We'll just take a quick look around. I promise, we won't get into any trouble."

I raise an eyebrow, skeptical. "You said that back at Harold's diner, and look how that turned out. Actually... You're always saying that, and yet..."

He laughs again, his joy infectious. "Trust me. Just a tiny detour. You won't regret it. You've got to live a little."

I sigh, feeling my resolve weaken under this combined onslaught of neon lights and Dave's infectious enthusiasm. "Alright, fine. But just a quick look, okay?"

"Deal," he says, his grin widening as he steers the car further into the heart of the city.

"So what did you have in mind? What was it that you were going to show me?"

"Patience." He winks.

As we continue down the Strip, I can't help but feel a thrill of excitement. This place is like nothing I've ever seen before, and for a moment, I allow myself to get swept up in the magic of it all. The lights, the sounds, the people – it's a sensory overload in the best possible way.

"See? Isn't this amazing?" Dave asks, glancing over at me with a satisfied grin.

I nod, unable to suppress my smile. "Yeah, it is. You were right, Dave. This place is absolutely incredible."

He winks at me, his expression triumphant. "Told you so. Now, let's see what kind of trouble we can get into."

I laugh, feeling a sense of freedom and adventure that I haven't felt in years.

I guess we don't learn much about life in school. 

We learn about life —living it. Experiencing new events, experiencing new people.

For now, at least, we can forget about our worries and just enjoy the ride. Las Vegas, with all its glitz and glamour, is the perfect escape.

We pull over at a convenience store and grab a tourist map from the stand inside. Unfolding it on the hood of the car, we scan the possibilities.

Dave leans over the map, pointing enthusiastically at a section of Fremont Street. "Hey, look at this! We've got to check out these classic vintage casinos. The Golden Nugget and Four Queens—just imagine what it's like inside. We gotta visit at least the Golden Nugget. Come on! What do you say?"

I glance at the map and then at the bustling street outside. I don't like the thought of casinos much.

"You know, Dave, I was hoping to stick to the Strip. It's got all the big, flashy stuff."

He gives me a teasing smile. "Come on, April. Fremont Street has its own charm. Those old-school casinos have history. It'll be fun to see how things were back in the day. We might even place a bet or two. Or at least, I might. You know, increase our wealth?"

I hesitate, the thought of stepping into those older establishments seeming less appealing compared to the newer, glitzier places. "I don't know... They might be a bit too retro for my taste."

"Exactly!" Dave's eyes light up with excitement. "That's the point. It's like stepping back in time. Besides, how often do you get to see places like the Golden Nugget or Four Queens? They've been around forever. The Strip is the new attraction."

I sigh, still not entirely convinced. "Alright, but only for a little while. I don't want to spend too much time in places that feel like they're stuck in the past. I want to live in the now."

"Deal," he says, giving me a playful nudge. "We'll check out Fremont Street and hit the vintage casinos first, and then we go back to the Strip. Just think of it as a quick detour before we dive into all the modern glitz."

I chuckle, rolling my eyes. "You know how to sell it. Fine, let's do it. But if it turns out to be as dull as I'm expecting, I'll pin the blame on you."

"Don't you always? But f air enough," Dave laughs, clearly pleased. "You won't regret it, I promise."

As we make our way toward Fremont Street, I can't help but feel a bit excited about exploring the classic side of Vegas, even if it's not my first choice.

🗽🚘✉️❤️🏖️

The Golden Nugget stands before us, its neon lights blinking with that retro charm that seems to shimmer in the hot desert air.

Dave and I stand in front of the old casino, marveling at the dazzling neon lights and this hustle-and-bustle energy of Fremont Street. We're just about to head inside when a tall security guard, dressed in a crisp black uniform with a serious expression, steps in our path.

"Excuse me," the guard says, his voice firm but not unfriendly. "We need to see your IDs before you enter."

Dave blinks in surprise, glancing at me with a raised eyebrow. "IDs? We're just going inside to look around. We're not planning on gambling or anything. At least, she won't."

The guard maintains his stern demeanor. "It's casino policy. We need to verify that all guests are at least eighteen years old. It's a standard procedure. There are plenty of stuff to do once you are inside and even if you aren't twenty one, like shows, tours and exhibitions."

I take a deep breath, trying to keep the situation light. "Well, that makes sense. It's Vegas, after all. Here you go." I pull my ID out of my purse and hand it over.

Dave sighs, reaching into his pocket. "Yeah, alright. Here's mine, too."

The guard takes the IDs, scrutinizing them closely. I try to ignore the twinge of nerves as I tap my foot impatiently. Dave leans against the wall, clearly trying to play it cool, but I can tell he's a bit antsy.

Neither of us likes to be scrutinized like this.

The guard finishes examining our IDs and hands them back with a nod. "Thanks. Everything looks good. You're all set."

Dave flashes a relieved grin. "Great, thanks for that. Didn't realize we needed to be carded just to walk around."

I chuckle, slipping my ID back into my purse. "Welcome to Vegas, where even looking around requires a little paperwork."

The guard gives us a polite nod. "Enjoy your time here. If you need any help, just let me know."

Dave and I then walk through the entrance, greeted by the soft hum of the air conditioning and the distant clatter of coins and dice.

The entire casino is a kaleidoscope of vivid colors and flashing lights.

Dave was soo right — this is a perfect snapshot of the Vegas of old.

The carpets are a riot of yellows, reds, and greens, swirling in insane patterns that make you feel as if you're walking within a psychedelic dream. The walls are lined with ornate chandeliers, casting a warm, golden glow over everything. Classic Vegas showgirls in elaborate costumes—feathers, sequins, and all—strike poses around the casino floor, with bright smiles.

Dave, his eyes wide with the wonder of someone seeing Vegas for the first time, tugs me towards the slot machines. "Lewis, look at these! They're like something straight out of a movie!"

I follow him, taking in the sheer scale of it all. "Yeah, they're certainly not the sleek, modern machines you find on the Strip. These have character. And by character, I mean they might actually eat your quarters for breakfast."

Dave laughs, already reaching for his pocket. "Come on, I should give it a try, right? What's the worst that could happen?"

"Famous last words," I mutter, but I can't help smiling as he plunks down a handful of quarters and starts feeding them into the machine.

The spinning reels clink and whir as he concentrates. "Here's hoping for a big win!" Dave exclaims, and I watch as he hits the button.

The reels spin, and for a moment, the casino's sounds fade into the background. The machine dings and whirs, and suddenly, the reels come to a stop.

"Holy crap!" Dave's eyes light up. "I won! I actually won!"

I lean over to see the display flashing with a small but for us, quite a significant payout.

Fifty bucks. That should get us a lot of gallons of gas.

"Nice job, Vegas wizard. Maybe you should try your luck at the roulette table next."

Dave grins, bouncing on his heels. "You know what? I think I will. Let's see if luck is with us tonight."

As we make our way over to the roulette table, I can't help but notice the contrast between the bustling casino floor and the more serene atmosphere around the table.

The guard makes me stand outside the designated area due to my age and I pout but... The law is the law.

The roulette wheel, polished and pristine, is surrounded by a group of enthusiastic gamblers.

Dave eagerly places a stack of chips on the table, eyeing the wheel with the intensity of a seasoned pro. "Alright, Lewis, you choose a number for me. I'm feeling lucky."

"Uh-oh," I tease, "this sounds like a setup. How about I choose fourteen? It's always been my lucky number."

Dave chuckles, tossing the chips onto the table. "Fourteen it is. Let's see if your intuition is spot on."

The dealer spins the wheel, and I watch as the ball clatters and bounces around, eventually landing on a number.

The dealer announces the winning number, and Dave's face falls for a moment before he realizes that he's won again.

"No way!" Dave exclaims, hugging me with excitement. "I'm on a roll!"

I laugh, shaking my head. "Okay, but let's not get carried away. Remember, we've got to save some cash for the trip to L.A."

Dave's grin falters slightly, and he nods, although he's clearly tempted. "You're right. We should probably think about moving on. But just one more round, okay? For luck?"

I give him a sidelong glance, my tone playful but firm. "One more round, and then we're done. I promise."

Dave's eyes sparkle with mischief as he places another bet, but I can see the wheels turning in his head. He's caught between the thrill of the gamble and the practicality of saving the money we so desperately need.

As the roulette wheel spins again, the tension in the air is palpable.

Dave is leaning over the table, his eyes locked on the spinning wheel, while I stand back, arms crossed, watching the spectacle.

The ball bounces and spins, and this time, the outcome isn't as favorable.

Dave's chips are quickly swept away by the dealer.

"Okay, okay," Dave admits, holding up his hands. "You win. We'll call it a night."

"It's so easy to get carried away in it all. One of Dad's letters talks about it."

​​Dear April,

How's school? How's everything? I'm working very hard and I hope you are as well.

I also hope this letter finds you in good spirits. I wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts with you about something I've learned over the years – the importance of developing self-control.

Life is full of moments that can sweep us off our feet. Whether it's the thrill of a new adventure, the excitement of a victory, or the joy of a new experience, it's so easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of emotions. Of course, I'm not saying you should not – such moments are precious and should be cherished, but it's equally important to maintain a sense of balance and self-control.

When you're enjoying something immensely, that's precisely the time to consider stepping back for a moment. It might seem counterintuitive, but trust me: this pause is crucial.

It's in these moments of peak enjoyment, peak happiness, that our judgment can become clouded.

If this happens, then, we risk losing sight of the bigger picture. Taking a step back allows you to appreciate the moment fully, without getting carried away by the intensity of your emotions.

Emotional control is not about suppressing your feelings. Of course not. Neither is it about denying yourself happiness. 

Instead, it's about balance – about being mindful of your emotions and understanding how they influence your decisions.

It helps you avoid impulsive actions that you might later regret and ensures that you remain true to your values. To your long-term goals.

"So I kinda followed your Dad's life philosophy without even knowing it."

I pat him on the back. "See? That wasn't so bad. We had our fun and we didn't even go broke. Mission accomplished."

Dave grins, his eyes still gleaming with the thrill of the night. "You know, you were right. And so was your dad. It's best to quit while we're ahead. Thanks for talking some sense into me. We're good for fifty bucks I won from the slot machines."

I give him a playful nudge. "Anytime. Now, let's get out of here before you decide to try your luck again. We've got a long drive ahead of us, and I'm not sure the Golden Nugget's money is going to help us get to L.A."

Outside, the cool night air is a welcome relief from the stifling heat of the casino. We stroll down Fremont Street, taking in the sights and sounds of the city as we head back to our Pontiac.

Okay, technically, blue Pontiac is not our car. It's his car, but over these past four days it has kind of become my car too.

It's a mini portable home we carry everywhere around us, like a pair of snails.

Dave takes my hand. His touch is warm and reassuring, a gentle squeeze that makes my heart flutter. The air is thick with the excitement of the tourists surrounding us, and the faint scent of cigarette smoke someone is enjoying.

Yet strangely, all I can focus on is the way David Rivera's hand fits oh-so-perfectly in mine.

"All right. This has been amazing, Lewis. Thanks for going along with my crazy idea. You didn't get to gamble but... You got to watch me embarrass myself. And, what's more important, stop me in time."

I squeeze his hand back, smiling. "It's been a blast. And hey, there's always next time. We'll make it to L.A. and have more adventures along the way."

We weave through the crowd, our steps in sync, and I can't help but steal glances at him.

The corners of his full, kissable mouth are lifted in a carefree smile. Oh my God, he just has the best smile.

The wide, childlike kind that never fails to reach his whiskey-brown eyes; and right now, it kind of makes them sparkle under the streetlights.

His grip tightens slightly, and I feel a rush of warmth spread from my hand up to my chest, enveloping me in a cocoon of contentment.

The chatter and clinking sounds of the casino fade into the background as we make our way to the car.

Every step we take feels like a dance, a silent waltz for just the two of us amidst the noisy chaos of the city.

The rhythm of our footsteps matches the steady beat of my heart, each pulse echoing the joy and comfort I find in his presence.

Dave's thumb brushes over the back of my hand. This gesture appears small, but it's a gesture that sends genuine shivers down my spine. I look up at him, and he meets my gaze with a tender smile and a wink.

In that moment, the world narrows down to just the two of us, our connection palpable and electric.

As we approach the blue Pontiac, I feel a pang of regret it's all over.

The car is just ahead, but I kinda wish this hand-in-hand walk would never end.

Each moment with Dave feels like a treasure, a precious fragment of time that I want to freeze and then hold onto forever.

We stop by the car, and he turns to me, his eyes searching mine. "Ready to hit the road again?" he asks softly.

I nod, a smile playing on my lips. "Yeah, sure. Let's go."

"Then, after you, milady." He opens the door for me.

It's funny, and simple, but also a chivalrous act that makes my heart swell.

As I slide into the leather seat that feels like home, I take one last look at the vibrant city lights.

Another location crossed off the map; another place we got to experience together.

And that's what I like the best about this road trip.

Even if my final destination is Los Angeles, and seeing my dad after such a long time, I am enjoying this journey so, so much. Way more than I thought I would when we first set off from Poughkeepsie.

Way back when I thought David Rivera was just an obnoxious brat.

Now, I would not mind if the road trip lasted a bit longer, even.

But time and money wait for no man.

Still, together with David Rivera, every mile that we have left before us will be filled with these beautiful, fleeting moments.

Moments of connection and laughter.