That night, Shelly wished Denial a soft "Good night" before heading back inside her house.
Days slipped by in their usual rhythm — work, conversations, and little moments that felt ordinary but warm. Before they knew it, a week had passed, and the much-awaited holiday finally arrived.
Early in the morning, Shelly, her father Mr. Herlen, and her two friends Kiki and Lucy met up with Denial for their mountain trip. The drive itself felt like a journey through a dream — winding roads, fresh pine-scented air, and glimpses of snow-capped peaks in the distance.
When they arrived, the sight left them speechless. A silver waterfall cascaded down the cliffs, the spray catching sunlight like scattered diamonds. Wildflowers bloomed in a rainbow carpet across the meadows. And beyond them stood towering mountains wrapped in soft white snow, their tips lost in the clouds. It was the kind of place that could make anyone believe in heaven.
Denial had arranged everything.
The moment they set foot at the campsite, Kiki and Lucy ran laughing toward the lake, splashing water at each other like children set free. Meanwhile, Shelly crouched down near the tents, trying to fix one of the poles.
"Wait," Denial called out, walking over. "Let me help. You'll finish faster."
She hesitated for a moment before nodding, and together they worked quietly, their hands brushing once or twice, sending a strange little shiver through her.
Not far away, Mr. Herlen was getting his fishing gear ready.
"Daddy, don't go too far!" Shelly called, straightening up. "Stay near the shore!"
The day passed in laughter and soft breezes. In the evening, the smell of grilled chicken filled the camp as Shelly, her father, and her friends cooked over the fire.
"Denial, come eat with us," Mr. Herlen offered warmly.
Denial gave a polite smile. "You all eat. I'm full already."
Shelly quickly explained, "He had a big lunch earlier, Daddy. That's why he's not hungry now."
But Mr. Herlen's brow furrowed slightly. That's strange… I didn't see him eat anything all day. So why would he be full?
He didn't press the thought, choosing instead to focus on his meal.
Later that night, Kiki stepped out of the tent to stretch her legs. The cool mountain air brushed her face as she wandered near the tree line. Out of the corner of her eye, she thought she saw Denial, half-hidden in the shadows, eating… something. The light was too dim to be sure.
Must've imagined it, she told herself with a shrug.
Just then, Lucy's voice came from behind. "Hey, why aren't you sleeping yet? Come on, get inside before you freeze."
Hearing the sound, Denial immediately became alert and slipped out of sight. Kiki and Lucy returned to the tent, where Shelly was already sitting with a blanket around her shoulders.
The three of them fell into easy chatter — about the trip, about life. Lucy's face lit up as she suddenly blurted out, "By the way, I have a new boyfriend!"
Kiki leaned in with a teasing grin. "Oh? Let's see a picture!"
Lucy proudly pulled out her phone and showed them.
The moment Kiki saw the photo, she burst into laughter. "No way! That's the same boy who used to have a runny nose all the time when we were kids! Oh my god—ha ha ha!"
Lucy swatted her arm playfully. "Shut up! People grow up, okay?"
Kiki kept giggling. "Still, you couldn't find anyone else?"
Shelly shook her head, smiling at their banter, the sound of their laughter mingling with the soft rustle of the mountain wind outside.
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