Page 90 of Glad You Exist

“What’s weird babe?” Kyle leans back to rest his head on her lap and Kim’s hands automatically go to his shoulders, massaging.

“To be back here just the four of us. No parents. No siblings. Just us?”

I nod in agreement. It does feel kind of weird. But in a good way.

Kyle takes a sip of his beer then uses it to draw a circle in the air, gesturing to the four of us.

“And were all paired up.” He shakes his head. “Fuck yeah. It’s weird.”

Brad laughs, “I missed coming up here with you guys.”

We spent countless vacations with our families here. This place has six bedrooms, big enough for all four of our families. Back when we never wanted to be apart from each other, Brad’s parents placed two bunk beds in Brad’s room so the four of us could sleep together in one room whenever we were here.

Now, he’s got a king-sized bed in his room, and this time, it will just be the two of us staying in there. Kim and Kyle chose one of the bigger guest rooms on the other side of the cabin.

Brad, being the gentleman that he always is, offered me my own room but we both know I won’t be doing that. Still, the offer was sweet.

This whole weekend trip is sweet.

When I took off my mask earlier and saw where we were, I almost turned into a puddle.

Some of my happiest memories happened right here. Our families all together. My parents still happy and in love. This was where we met Kyle and Summer after their family moved back in the fourth grade. We all took a weekend trip here to meet them. Kyle’s dad, Uncle Nico, was friends with Uncle Dave, Brad’s dad, in college.

Maybe why they got along so well. They basically inherited their friendship from their dads.

This was where I learned how to ride a bike. Where we all learned how to swim and fish.

We spent countless winters here sledding and having snowball fights.

This was where Kim and I started to bond like sisters when the boys would go and do things with the dads. It would be just us two with all the moms because Summer and Kim’s sisters had always wanted to do things outside the cabin.

I can’t believe Brad remembered just how much I love this place.

I remember when we were kids, talking about what we wanted to do when we grew up. I would respond that I just wanted to live here forever.

I’ve always felt so safe and happy here. Looking around, I know I still do.

This. This is my happy place.

Right here. With my three best friends. With my Brad.

I gaze up at him and find him watching me with a smile full of affection and promise. I should have known he would know what I wanted for my birthday before I even did.

I kiss his chin before easing out of his hold and grabbing the hot chocolate mug from the table.

Emotion chokes my throat, but I fight past the urge to start crying again.

“Thank you for doing this.” I address the room, looking around at everyone.

Kim leans in and hugs Kyle close to her, resting her cheek on his.

“This was way overdue babe. We’re just glad we get to celebrate you together like this.”

Kyle tips his beer at me, “Can’t remember when I had a better Friday.”

I snort, grateful for the distraction from my rising emotions.

“Not even when your team scored that winning touchdown last week?”

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