The sunlight peers through the tent’s mesh ceiling, and Jacob slowly rustles awake. For a brief moment, it’s rather peaceful. The birds chirping is slow, rhythmic almost. Water bubbling from the creek nearby can even be heard. For the first time, he did not reach immediately for his phone to check the reception. “This can’t be? Am I…enjoying this?” He thought to himself as he sat up in the sleeping bag. After unzipping from the cocoon, Jacob rolled over to a rock and winced a little bit, cursing under his breath and then chuckling. “Nope, still hate this crap” he muttered as Emily rolled over in her own sleeping bag. “Mmm-morning honey, how’d ya sleep?” She breathes out, as if it’s a peaceful morning in the Ritz Carlton.

“Better - yeah a little better”