By Ce'leb Y.

The pleasant breeze, the vibrant, green trees. Blue eyes become translucent in the sunlight. The shine of the sunset matches the burning blaze of the campfire. Songs and smiles pass around the logs embedded into the ground. Risky things blossom around the smoke as the silence breaks with the words “Truth or Dare?”. Eyes light up, out of fear or excitement, nobody knows. The circle of eyes all nod in agreement, either coerced by peer pressure or enjoyment to spice this special moment up. One by one, the forbidden words are passed around. Secrets are split, Kisses are kept to others lips, and laughter fills the woods. The fire burns out, and so does the cheery and warm atmosphere. The fire is lit up again and the circle splits. Wood is collected, conversations are held, and the fire comes back with a greater roar. The orange flames contrast with the luminescent moon that poons over the night sky and stars. Tents are set up with the intent of staying here. Stargazing at the night sky, no one would expect a moment so mesmerizing. One by one, they all huddle into their tents, with some sleeping together. One sits alone by the dying fire. Tears pour from that one’s eyes, unaware that another is still awake. The fire is put out of its misery as the one with misty eyes calls it a night.

The car pulls up, ready to take the circle of counselors home. Bags and hugs are given. Summer flings are starting to separate as the realization of the summer coming to a close lingers in all of the circle’s mind. Farewells are given as they put the bags in the cars and drive home. A long, reflective, and somewhat painful journey back home. Those special moments will forever live as memories, sad or happy, angry or regretful, it will forever live in all of their minds.