An hour later, we were all packed and ready to hit the road. “So is everyone ready to go?” Dad remarked, turning the key to start our black SUV. “Let me just remind you that this trip will take about six hours.”
“All ready!” chimed Noah, shifting around in his navy blue car seat.
“I’m ready too,” I replied, staring at our modern but cozy beige house and my refuge in the nearby woods.
“Then, what are we waiting for!” Mom interrupted the silence, “Let’s get going!”
As Dad began driving, I quite honestly zoned out for most of the first three hours of the trip. Mom and Dad were having a conversation about work, the usual, having to do a project and presentation for their business organization. They didn’t work together, but they did work in the main building. They would rarely cross paths in the large complex building, but they did usually have lunch break together if they weren’t very busy. I took a quick glance at Noah and realized he was fast asleep. What did I expect, I thought, he was having a very cranky day yesterday and partially this morning. At least he won’t be bored, I thought again. As I expected, there were plenty of cars on the road, probably others going away for a weekend escape, just like us. I guess I must have fallen asleep, as well, since I woke up to an abrupt shake and my mother speaking in a soothing sing-song voice, “Rose, sweetheart, wake up.”
“Are we here already?” I asked half awake.
“Yes, your father carried Noah into the cabin because he, too, was asleep.” Mom mentioned with a slight smile. I unbuckled my seatbelt and got out of the car, stretching.
“Soon enough you’ll be taller than me!” Mom cried out laughing. Her laughter infected me and, soon enough, we both were unable to control our laughter as we entered the cozy looking wooden cabin. The door creaked behind us as Mom shut the door.
“What’s so funny?” Dad inquired. “What did I miss?”
Mom answered, “Oh, nothing, James.”
“Well, I think we should relax for the rest of the day,” Dad noted.
Mom acknowledged, “Yeah, I agree, you must be tired from driving for about seven hours among the chaotic, weekend traffic.”
I started wandering around the cabin and finally sat down on the large window seat. “Look at this view!” I called out slightly lower than a yell,...