Walt and Kathryn arrived at the campsite. Before he could even set his bags down, Walt was tasked with gathering all the sleeping mats from the tents and giving them to Kathryn—she needed them for her back. He went to work without complaint. Or at least, that’s what he told himself.

By the time he finished, the others had started arriving.

Miguel showed up first, surprising everyone by bringing his new girlfriend, Jandice—a reiki healer (who also happened to have a lot of drugs). Then came Carleen, Kathryn’s sister, along with her husband, Joe, a longtime friend of Walt’s. Nina-Joy arrived soon after, with her husband, George, adding to the mix.

Walt greeted everyone, smiling, nodding, making small talk. But his eyes kept shifting—subtle, barely noticeable. He wasn’t looking for anyone in particular. No, of course not.

And then—

A car honked.

He glanced up, stopping mid-motion. Could it be—?

People were greeting the newcomer.

Oh. It was you.

Walt pulled back the tent flap, watching as you stepped out of the car, hugging old friends, shaking hands with new ones. His stomach tightened.

And then, as he took a step forward, his foot caught on the tent’s zipper. He stumbled—almost fell—but caught himself just in time.

That was why his heart was racing. The near fall. That’s all.

It wasn’t because of any lingering feelings. No, that was too long ago. Ancient history.

You and Walt had been friends forever—since high school. And back then? Oh, he had the biggest crush on you.

Like, the biggest.

Whenever he saw you, he’d hear church bells in his head, vows of 'I do'. But he’d chickened out. Never told you. Never took the risk. Instead, he met Kathryn, dated her out of fear of losing you. And now? Now he was married. He had a kid.

Sure, Kathryn was bossy, but he didn’t mind. At least, that’s what he told himself. Not the most intimate marriage. Not a lot of deep conversations. Not a lot of... much, really. But he was happy.

Yeah. This was great. A great weekend. His birthday. With them, with you.