It’s the scent of Moms waffles that woke me up. The fresh scent of her homemade syrup wafting out of the kitchen and into my room.

I let out a light stretch, rolled over and kissed Millie gently on the forehead.

She winced, and let out a giggle. “Something smells good.”

I kissed her on the lips. “That’s my Moms famous waffles. Get up and get ready. It’s time to get this weekend started.”

“I’m so nervous.” Millie said as she pushed herself up, rubbing sleep from her eyes.

“You’ll be fine. They love you, this trip will be perfect.”

“It’s just that I’ve never been camping. That’s what I’m nervous about. What if I’m…like allergic to something stupid?”

I laughed and gently grabbed her hand. Then pulled her up off the bed and into my arms. “You’ll be fine. This weekend is going to be great.”

We got ready and joined my parents for breakfast. It was fantastic, I could never tire of Mom’s breakfast.

Dad was beaming with excitement. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen him this excited. My parents were so welcoming of Millie and I couldn’t be happier.

My Dad offered Millie some of his homemade coffee, which she pleasantly accepted and enjoyed. Everyone loved Dads coffee.

After breakfast we helped load up the car. It was a gorgeous day. Not too hot and not too cold with the perfect amount of wind. A tornado of leaves did an elegant dance on the sidewalk as my Dad fired up the engine.

“Everyone ready?” My Dad asked as he put the car into drive.

We all agreed. I squeezed Millie’s hand and she smiled. I mouthed that it was going to be okay.

She was gorgeous. Absolutely radiant.

The perfect human sacrifice.