Page 10 of A Little's Campervan

That made Emmie look alarmed. “I don’t want to disappoint you! Do I need to tell you how I’m feeling all the time?”

“Only if I ask, or if it’s a really big important feel.”

She nodded. “That seems fair. I can do that, I think.”

“Good girl.”

Emmie squeaked and when Wren looked at her, she was beaming.

9

Emmie

It really was very beautiful.

Wren had picked a route for them that mainly stuck to a clear worn tread through the trees, which meant that Emmie didn’t have to worry too much about falling over and hurting herself. It meant that she was free to look about her and take in the nature all around her. And none of it seemed determined to kill her.

Yet.

The startling blue of the lake glinted through the leaves of the trees, and Emmie hoped she’d have a chance to look at it without all the leaves in the way, although she was grateful for the shade.

She’d slathered a load of sunblock on that morning, especially as she’d pulled on a pair of high-waisted shorts that left her usually covered legs bare to the elements. At least her blouse was floaty and light and covered her arms. And of course she had her trusty floppy hat that had the dual benefit of keeping her nose from burning, but also kept direct sunlight from blinding her.

“Shhhh…” Wren stopped in front of her suddenly, and Emmie froze. She wasn’t sure what she was expecting to see, but it wasn’t a kaleidoscope of butterflies flitting through the clearing.

The red and black fluttering wings took her breath away, and she crept carefully until she was next to Wren.

“They’re California tortoiseshells,” Wren explained. “There’s an influx of them in the park at the moment, and swarms of them migrate across the lake. I think this is most I’ve personally ever seen.”

“They’re beautiful,” whispered Emmie. “This is definitely better than a six hour hike.”

“It’s certainly more peaceful round here,” admitted Wren. “Okay, baby girl, this is a good point for a water break.”

Emmie rolled her eyes, but thankfully gulped down some water. The walk wasn’t to exerting, but it really was very hot, and she had a tendency to get dehydrated if she wasn’t careful.

“I’m glad I packed extra water then,” said Wren when she explained. “What kind of Daddy would I be if I got my petal ill?”

“You did bring extra water though, and you didn’t even know,” said Emmie. “You’re clearly an excellent Daddy.”

“Awww, thank you sweetheart,” said Wren, and pressed her lips glancingly to Emmie’s.

Emmie made a small noise of protest when Wren went to move away, and Wren laughed, returning for another kiss. “Come on baby girl; not far now.”

Eventually the trees thinned out around the path until they came out to a large clearing. There was plenty of space for Wren to layout the picnic blanket and sort out the food whilst Emmie stood, open-mouthed, staring out across Crater Lake.

“It’s the deepest lake in the US,” said Wren, behind her. “And it’s so clear because there’s no surface flow in or out of the crater. It’s pretty much all rain or snow. Hence why it’s so clear.”

“It’s like a mirror,” said Emmie, for where the mountains met the water’s edge, they were reflected in the clear blue. “Really rather remarkable.”

“And quiet,” said Wren. “I thought you’d like that bit.”

Emmie sat down on the picnic blanket, hugged her knees to herself and closed her eyes. She could hear the wind in the trees, the sound of birds chirping, and crickets—though quieter than they’d been the previous night. Everything felt sostill.

“I understand,” she said, not opening her eyes. “I understand why you like the outdoors so much.”

“Right?” said Wren.

“If only we could get here quicker, though I guess if we could get here quicker, everyone would be here.”

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