In preparation for the evening with Owen, Kaitlyn gathered an assortment of food from her kitchen, aiming to create a memorable and hearty dinner under the stars. Opting for the convenience of ready-to-make pasta, she added corn and beans to the mix, envisioning a flavorful and satisfying meal.

To elevate the dining experience, Kaitlyn sought permission to use an unused pack of mid-grade steaks from the fridge. The prospect of adding a touch of indulgence to their dinner brought a smile to her face. Alongside these choices, she also selected a few eggs, half a loaf of bread, and a package of sausage wrapped in applewood maple bacon. To quench their thirst, she packed a gallon jug of orange juice and another gallon of sweet tea, offering a variety of refreshing options for the evening.

As the plan took shape in her mind, Kaitlyn envisioned the sequence of events – a light snack after school, setting up tents at her uncle Kevin's house, making a meal together, and immersing themselves in dinner, stories, and stargazing while making s'mores until exhaustion took over.

The idea of surprising Owen with breakfast in bed the next morning added a delightful touch to the plan. Imagining the aroma of a delicious breakfast awakening him, she reveled in the thought of infusing warmth and care into their shared experience. The details of the revised plan solidified in her mind, creating a sense of anticipation for the night ahead – a night filled with flavorful food, shared connection, and the quiet magic of the stars.

As Kaitlyn gathered the supplies for their evening, she couldn't help but glance at her phone intermittently, hoping for a text or call from Owen. However, the screen remained silent, devoid of any messages or missed calls. The clock on the wall chimed six o'clock, prompting Kaitlyn to spring up from her spot on the living room sofa.

With a sense of urgency, she called out to her parents, who were in their rooms, "Bye, Mom, bye, Dad. I'm heading to Owen's, then to Uncle Kev's. I love you; I'll be safe." Her parents shouted a response from their room as Kaitlyn gathered her bags of food and a large cooler filled with cold items and drinks, along with the necessary cooking utensils for the night.

Loading these supplies into the trunk of her car, Kaitlyn then made her way to the small chest in the garage. She pulled out one of the medium-sized tents and examined it, contemplating whether to bring both. Despite knowing that one tent could easily accommodate three adults of 6 feet tall and under, she decided against potential embarrassment and threw both tents into the trunk next to the food.

Stepping back into the house, Kaitlyn headed to her room. She retrieved an old sheet, reserved for occasions like this, to lay under her bedding to keep it clean. Thinking ahead, she grabbed a second sheet, anticipating that Owen might forget to bring his own. This process was repeated for pillows and blankets, as Kaitlyn was convinced that Owen might be caught off guard by the evening's plans, and she wanted to ensure they had everything they needed. Prepared for any scenario, she loaded the remaining items into the trunk, ready for the night ahead. 

As Kaitlyn settled into the driver's seat of her mom's Honda CR-V, she started the car and adjusted the seat and air settings to her liking. Pulling her phone from her pocket, she unlocked it swiftly, tapping into the contact app to initiate a new message between her and Owen. There was a brief moment of contemplation as she considered her words, and then she began typing.

After a couple of minutes that felt like an eternity, Kaitlyn finally finished crafting her text. With a sense of anticipation, she hit send and stared at her phone screen, awaiting Owen's response. It only took a few seconds, though it felt longer, before Owen replied. He assured her that he would be ready by the time she arrived but had a small request to make a stop at the grocery store beforehand, as there was something he needed to pick up.

Kaitlyn quickly responded, expressing her willingness to assist him if he wished. She set her phone on the passenger seat and drove away from her home, heading in the direction of Owen's.

As Kaitlyn pulled up to Owen's home, the familiar weight of concern settled within her as she noticed him sitting on the concrete steps, a gloomy expression on his face reminiscent of the morning. It seemed as though the earlier conversations had slipped from his mind, leaving him in a cloud of sadness. With a gentle smile, Kaitlyn rolled down her window, addressing him in a soft tone.

"Hey, you can just set your stuff in the trunk if you want," she offered, her voice carrying a comforting warmth. Owen nodded in response, rising from the steps and making his way to the rear of the car. He stood there, patiently waiting for the trunk gate to open.

Kaitlyn pressed the small trunk button on the dashboard, and the car emitted a beeping noise as the hatch swung open. With a medium thud, Owen's belongings landed on the trunk's base. Reacting swiftly, Kaitlyn pressed the button again, the beeping resuming as the gate clamped shut, securing the items in place. 

As the trunk door sealed shut, Owen opened the passenger side door and climbed into the seat. Despite his attempt at a smile, it was evident that the expression was a facade, a feeble attempt to mask the lingering gloom. Kaitlyn sensed the weight of Owen's emotions but chose to proceed with a sense of understanding and patience.

"Hey," she greeted him, returning his smile with genuine warmth. "Ready for this evening?" Kaitlyn inquired, her tone gentle as she tried to bridge the gap between the heavy atmosphere and the plans they had made for the night. The car idled, a quiet moment hanging in the air as they prepared to embark on the journey ahead.

"I figured since you want to stop at the store while we're there, I'll grab us some snacks for energy while we set up the tents," she added, a hint of anticipation in her voice. Owen's response was a subtle nod, and he mumbled a faint acknowledgment. The silence lingered between them, carrying the weight of unspoken emotions. Kaitlyn, sensing the need for a comforting presence, decided to ease into a conversation.

As they continued their drive towards Uncle Kevin's house, the scenery changed from familiar streets to a quieter route on the outskirts of town. The hum of the engine became a backdrop to the unspoken contemplation that filled the car.

The journey continued in a reflective silence until Owen, perhaps feeling a need to break the heaviness, cleared his throat. "Thanks for doing this, Kaitlyn," he said, his voice carrying a mix of gratitude and a lingering sorrow. "I didn't expect anyone to care enough."

Kaitlyn met his gaze with understanding. "You don't have to thank me, Owen. We're friends, and friends are there for each other, especially in tough times." She kept her tone gentle, not pressing him to share more than he was comfortable with.

Owen nodded, the acknowledgment of their friendship resonating in the quiet of the car. The drive continued, the distance to Uncle Kevin's house slowly diminishing. The fading sunlight cast long shadows, creating a sense of calm as they approached their destination.

Kaitlyn guided the car to a stop in front of a small grocery store nestled on the outskirts of town, a modest beacon in the commercial area. The storefront, adorned with weathered signage, exuded a quaint charm that spoke to years of service to the community. The exterior, though worn, bore a nostalgic appeal, and a flickering neon sign announced its commitment to providing essentials.

Owen and Kaitlyn made their way into the store, the fluorescent lights overhead flickering as they entered. Kaitlyn led the way to the snack aisle, grabbing bags of chips and an assortment of candies to fuel their night under the stars. Meanwhile, Owen discreetly made his way to the stuffed animal section, his intentions veiled in secrecy.

In the toy aisle, Owen selected two small stuffed teddy bears – one light brown and one pure white, each adorned with tiny golden angel wings on their backs. Alongside them, he grabbed a small card that originally wished a dying loved one to get well and hold on, but that wasn't his intention for this card. As he made his way out of the aisle, a thank-you card caught his eye, and he quickly snatched it, concealing his purchases from Kaitlyn, who was still engrossed in her snack selection.

Approaching the checkout counter, Kaitlyn placed her bags on the counter while Owen carefully positioned his items to keep them hidden. The clerk, a young woman named Jina, began scanning Kaitlyn's snacks and ringing up the total.

"What did you get?" Kaitlyn inquired, glancing over at Owen as he feigned nonchalance.

"Just a few personal things," he replied vaguely, maintaining the mystery of his purchases. "Oh, and I also need probably 15 helium balloons. I don't care what they look like or anything, just need them blown up."

Jina gave a soft giggle at what she assumed was a joke, but Owen's serious expression quickly wiped the amusement from her face. "Oh, I'm sorry. You're not kidding," she said, her tone shifting to understanding. She proceeded to charge Owen for the balloons and cashed him out before heading to the backroom to fetch the items.

After a few moments, a short, stubby man emerged from the back, making his way to the counter. "Hi, sorry about that. Jina is going to fill your balloons. I can help you, young lady." he asked, addressing Kaitlyn as he began scanning and bagging her snacks.

Arriving at the house on the edge of town, Kaitlyn parked the car, and they both stepped out, the cool evening air embracing them. The scent of pine trees mingled with the earthiness of the surroundings, creating an atmosphere of serenity.

Uncle Kevin's house stood with an inviting charm, its presence promising solace beneath the night sky. As they began unloading the car, Kaitlyn couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope that this night would offer Owen the respite he needed, if only for a moment. 

Uncle Kevin's house exuded a rustic charm that blended seamlessly with its surroundings on the edge of town. Nestled among tall pine trees, the wooden structure stood as a haven of tranquility. The exterior showcased weathered cedar siding, telling tales of years gone by, and a welcoming porch adorned with rocking chairs, each carrying the history of countless evenings spent beneath the starlit sky.

As Kaitlyn and Owen approached, the scent of pine needles filled the air, embracing them in the freshness of the surrounding forest. Soft beams of light emanated from the warm glow of the windows, casting a gentle invitation to those seeking refuge within.

The interior, a cozy retreat from the world outside, boasted a living room adorned with plaid-patterned sofas and wooden furniture, creating an ambiance that echoed comfort and simplicity. A fireplace, its mantle adorned with family photos and trinkets from various adventures, served as the heart of the room.

Uncle Kevin's house bore the marks of a well-lived life, a testament to the memories shared within its walls. A well-stocked bookshelf stood proudly against one wall, offering an array of novels that had weathered the passage of time. The scent of aged leather and the soft crackling of the fireplace provided an intimate backdrop for the stories that unfolded within those four walls.

The kitchen, a hub of activity, held the promise of culinary delights. Wooden cabinets lined the walls, filled with an eclectic mix of cookware and cherished family recipes. A vintage stove, its dials worn from years of use, emanated the aroma of home-cooked meals that lingered in the air, inviting all who entered to partake in the warmth of shared meals and conversations.

The bedrooms, though modest in size, carried a sense of coziness. Quilts and woven blankets adorned the beds, each holding a story of craftsmanship and care. Large windows allowed the moonlight to filter in, casting a soft glow that added to the serenity of the night.

Uncle Kevin's house, in all its simplicity and warmth, served as a sanctuary for those seeking solace. As Kaitlyn and Owen prepared to spend the night, the house stood as a silent witness to the unfolding moments of shared grief, offering a haven of support and understanding beneath the expansive canvas of the night sky.

Uncle Kev greeted them on the front porch with a warm smile, his weathered face reflecting years of wisdom and experience. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows on the porch, he extended a firm handshake to both Kaitlyn and Owen.

"Welcome, you two. Make yourselves at home," Uncle Kev said, his voice carrying a soothing cadence. He gestured toward the house, providing a brief layout of the best spots for setting up tents, starting a fire, and where to exercise caution regarding wildlife.

"Now, I know you young folks like a bit of adventure, but let me give you a few pointers," he chuckled, the lines on his face deepening with the expression. "Stay close to each other, especially at night. Separate tents are fine but keep 'em as close as possible. Wild critters can be nosy, and it's best not to give 'em any ideas."

He continued his guidance, emphasizing the importance of safety. "In case of any trouble, there's a shotgun and a pistol in the basement, locked up tight. And there are fire extinguishers all around the house. It can get hot around here, and the dry grass catches fire quicker than you'd think."

Uncle Kev's German Shepherd, Whiskey, wagged his tail, standing faithfully by his side. "Whiskey here will keep you company, but he's a bit of a softie. Just give him a scratch behind the ears, and he'll be your best friend."

As Uncle Kev spoke, Kaitlyn and Owen listened attentively, absorbing the wisdom of a man who had spent years navigating the balance between nature and human existence. With a final pat on Whiskey's head, Uncle Kev excused himself, mentioning he had some errands to run before nightfall.

As his old Ford truck rumbled to life, Uncle Kev bid them farewell with a parting piece of advice. "Enjoy the night, but remember, the wilderness has its own rhythm. Respect it, and it'll respect you back. If anything comes up, you know where to find me." With that, the truck rumbled down the dirt road, leaving Kaitlyn and Owen standing on the porch, enveloped by the quietude of the evening.

The serene surroundings enveloped them as Kaitlyn patted Whiskey's head, his soft ruff acknowledging her presence before he wandered off into his familiar field. With the pooch now exploring the vastness of the property, Kaitlyn turned her attention to Owen.

"Well, do you want to pick a spot for us to set up camp?" she inquired, casting her gaze across the landscape, mentally mapping out the areas they should avoid. "We need somewhere safe from fires but also comfortable for sleeping. The options are either close to the house or farther by the water. What do you think?"

They exchanged glances, silently weighing the pros and cons of each location. After a few decisive words, they settled on setting up camp close to the house. The convenience of being near help and the option to retreat indoors if needed outweighed the allure of a more remote spot.

As they finalized their decision, Kaitlyn and Owen ventured into Uncle Kev's shed, searching for a couple of fold-out fabric chairs. Kaitlyn knew she didn't have these at home, but Uncle Kevin's shed seemed like a treasure trove of outdoor essentials. After a bit of rummaging, they unearthed two chairs, the fabric slightly worn but sturdy enough for a night beneath the stars.