Gavin had become disoriented in the brambles. What he had thought was a straight forward tunnel turned out to be a maze of sticker bushes and sliding gravel, until he ended up in a beautiful clearing.

He was so struck by the beauty of it that he began to explore the area, taking in the sights and sounds of this secluded forest. He spent hours at the base of the waterfall, just basking in the mist that fell from it. When he finally came back to himself, he realized something…

He had completely lost sight of the entrance to the wood.

They hiked for a few hours before stumbling upon a really odd looking bramble patch. Gavin thought it looked like a tunnel and went to explore it. Athena knew what it was, and she didn’t try to stop him. She told him not to go, to be careful, knowing full well he wouldn’t listen and she watched as he stepped forward and disappeared into the gloom. He followed the path until he tumbled through the brambles into a large clearing…

A: Hey, while I was on my jog I saw the sign post for the National Park. Want to check it out together.

G: Sure, some hiking sounds great.

A: Alright, let’s go.

G: Wait. Athena, I just want to say I’m sorry about what happened with me and Zoe. I can’t really make any excuses for my behavior, but I think this weekend was a really great idea. It’s really been the reminder I needed about why I love you.

A: Awww, and what would that be?

G: You’re this fantastic woman who asked me out to dinner one night and ended up proposing to me. We got married just a few days later in a little ceremony that was perfect. You planned this vacation in record time. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I love your spontaneity, and really just all of you. I am so sorry I ruined us.

A: Gavin…[voice crack] let’s just go on our hike.

A: Ah, come on Gav. It’ll be fun. And think of all the alone time we’ll have. [wink wink]

G: Hmmm, alright fine. But only for the weekend, I need to be back at work bright and early on Monday.

A: That’s plenty of time. [kiss] Thank you, Gavin. This means a lot to me.

G: Any time, babe.

A: Let’s get some sleep. We’ll have to leave early tomorrow.

A: So I had this idea for us talking things out a bit before we see the therapist…

G: What ya got in mind?

A: I was thinking we could take a vacation, just the two of us, to Granite Falls. Rent a dumpy little cabin in the woods, play horseshoes, hike. All that fun stuff. I think it’d be good for us to spend some time together.

G: I don’t know, Athena…