They hiked through the woods over dead brown leaves and pine needles. A stream ran through the forest over rocks; beavers built dams.

Overhead, the sun was going down. A quarter moon shined. He set up the tent while she gathered kindling for a fire. A rain drop was felt.

Put the sticks in here, he said, pointing under the tent. You bring newspapers? he asked. She nodded. Good. We’ll build  a fire as soon as this blows over, he told her. Here. Have a Nutty Buddy. She unwrapped it and began eating the chocolate covered wafer immediately. I didn’t realize you were so hungry. Here. Have another, he tossed it to her. Eat. We got plenty. This is an appetizer, he laughed. She smiled.

Why are you always bringing me out here, Daddy? the girl asked.

Don’t know. I like it. Thought you liked it, she nodded. Tall, naked oaks stood over them. He opened his canteen. Took a drink and then sat it down outside the tent. Maybe it’ll collect rain, he said. She smiled and opened her canteen. What you got in there?

Grape Kool-aid. I put the powder in it, then add water and shake it up and down. Delicious. They both laughed. The rain began to let up.

His daughter began placing sticks on the ground and adding logs they’d bought at the gas station on top in a pyramid shape. Dad fit newspaper in between the wood and on the bottom. Doused it with fire starter, squirting it from the tin can with a picture of a man in an apron and chef’s hat on it. An orange flame began to glow.

You do like it out here? Don’t you? he asked her, with her hands outstretched towards the fire.

Yeah. I like it.

I do, too.

Wish mom was here, she said.

Yeah. So do I. We used to come here before you were born. Way back. Before we were married. She gathered kindling too. Roasted hotdogs on wire hangers.

Just like we do?

Yeah. They got charred black, the way we like them. Then we’d roast marshmallows. Chewy on the outside, gooey inside.

Right.

Yeah.

Think we’ll ever see her again?

One day, dear. Some day. We’ll recognize her by her spirit. 

What do you mean?

It won’t be physical. We’ll know her by her kindness, her love.

You believe in ghosts? the kid asked.

I believe in spirits. Waiting for us in heaven. If we’re good.

Yeah?

Yeah. So be good.

She took another drink of Kool-aid and passed it to her dad.

I see a lot of her in you.

Really? What do you mean?

Your mannerisms. The way you act. Soon, you’ll be just like her. He laughed.

Think so, huh?

Yeah. Time goes fast.

Yep. It sure does.