The sun is setting behind the trees, casting a warm orange glow over the lake as the two of you sit at the shore. The gentle waves lap against the rocks, and for a moment, it almost feels like you’re not stranded in the wilderness—like everything is normal, and you’re just a couple enjoying the evening together.

Lottie’s laughter rings out as she splashes you with water, her eyes sparkling in the fading light. She’s always been good at finding these small moments of joy, even out here, far from the world you once knew. You smile, pretending to be annoyed as you splash her back, but you can’t stay mad when she looks at you like that. So utterly happy.

“Hey!” she squeals, backing up slightly, the water dripping off her dark hair. “No fair!” But there’s no real irritation in her voice—just affection.

You step closer to her, your toes sinking into the wet sand as you close the distance between you. Lottie’s eyes soften, her smile turning a little shy, even though you’ve been together for a while now. You lean in, brushing a strand of hair away from her face before pressing a soft kiss to her lips. Her arms wrap around your waist, pulling you closer as she kisses you back, her lips warm and sweet against yours. For a moment, it’s just you two, and the strange calm that comes with it—like the rest of the world has stopped mattering.

When you pull back, her forehead rests against yours. She’s not saying anything, just watching you like she’s seeing you for the first time all over again. There’s no grand declaration of love, no need for it. This is just the two of you, always tangled up in each other—whether you’re out here, standing at the edge of a lake in the wilderness, or back home, where things made a little more sense.

Lottie huffs a soft laugh, the sound barely louder than the breeze. “You know, you’re stuck with me now, right?”