Trees rustling under a starry sky,
A day of games and laughter,
The warmth of friendship,
Hot chocolate by a campfire.

***

A memory of a beautiful evening of games and hot chocolate.

There had been a strange game of balancing on a triangular contraption while trusting your teammates to keep you upright. She called out to them and the instructor complimented her, saying that she was a natural at it.

She had been strong enough to guide the wheelbarrow with her friend seated in it.

They didn't do very well in the three-legged race, but they had fun, so it didn't matter.

The horseshoe hardly ever flew into the bucket.

She had felt the warmth grow within her as the sun set and the campfire was lit. Then cups of hot chocolate was passed around and she knew that things could not get any better.

A close friend had tears in her eyes and a smile on her lips.

She understood why.

It was indeed rare to find such a perfect, wholesome moment outside of family and the ones we love.

And yet, here they were.