The ground crunched under Caitlyn’s feet as she walked up the river bank on a cloudy day, her right hand clasped in her daughters. It wasn’t going to rain, and the temperature was fair. It seemed like a good day to get outside.

Of course, she knew you were only four and could only walk so far, so she took you on a one-mile trail that cut though the river. Maybe you wouldn’t remember this a whole lot when you were older, but the memories still mattered.

“Come on, little one” Caitlyn said gently, tugging your hand. Usually she’d let you explore and stop as much as you wanted, but you were getting a little to close to the river’s surface, “We have lots more to see”

The river was flowing decently, water tinged green but clear enough to see the rocks that made up the vast riverbed. It made the entire area smell fresh and clean and earthy, and a little like the sea. She takes a break for you two to just sit together, you in her lap and her propped against a rock, watching the flowing water, while munching in some snacks.

“We have about five minutes to rest, darling. Look at the river, isn’t it pretty?”