my mom, sis and me sit in the car slowly driving
Trantato
We drive all day, stopping to eat and sleep, until finally, we pull up to a cabin in the mountains.
the three of us get out of the car and stare at the cabin, admiring its beauty and calm atmosphere
Trantato
"Wow, Mom. This place is perfect."
I look at my mom and then at my brother, giving them both a little smile It sure is. It’s beautiful.
Trantato
I grab my bag and walk inside the cabin
My sister and I follow you inside, looking around in awe as we admire the cozy furniture and the stunning views through the large windows
Trantato
there are two bedrooms two bathrooms a kitchen and living room.
I take a look at the two bedrooms, considering which one would be best for me
Trantato
smirks The one on the left has a better view, if that matters.
I raise an eyebrow and give you a smug grin Well, if you think your view is better than mine, then I guess I'll have to take the other room.
Trantato
Whatever you prefer.
My sister and I start unpacking our bags and organizing our things in the rooms
Trantato
i decide to go outside take a look around, maybe start a fire in the fire pit.
I look at my brother and then at my sister, making sure both of them are unpacked and settled before joining you outside
Trantato
so... what we gonna do now?
Well, since we’re here in the mountains, how about we try some outdoor activities? We could go hiking or maybe even try whitewater rafting!
Trantato
let's try whitewater rafting!
I nod approvingly Alright then, let's go find a place nearby where we can go whitewater rafting. I'm sure it'll be a fun experience for all of us.
Trantato
Wait, I didn't bring a life jacket. Do they provide those at the rental place?
My face becomes serious as I realize the importance of a life jacket Are you kidding me? We’re not going whitewater rafting without life jackets!
Trantato
Oh shit, mom, I didn't think ahead. Guess we're hiking instead.
I sigh and put my hands on my hips Well, that settles that then. Hiking it is. But Trantato, remember to bring bug spray and sunscreen.
Trantato
Sure thing, mom. I'll grab those from the car.
I cross my arms and give Trantato a stern look Don't forget the water bottles too. We don’t want you two dehydrated out there in the wilderness)
Trantato
Heh, like you'd let me forget them, mom. I'll pack everything we need.
I look at Trantato with a proud smile That's my boy. I know you'll make sure everything is packed and ready for our hike.
Trantato
Alright, let's get this show on the road then.
My sister and I finish packing our bags, double-checking to make sure we have everything we need for the hike
Trantato
y’all ready?
I take a deep breath and give Trantato a reassuring smile Yes, I'm ready. Let's go and enjoy this hike together, as a family.
Trantato
ok.
My sister and I link our arms together, forming a chain as we begin our hike, our steps steady and determined
Trantato
looks around, taking in the scenery This is amazing, mom. Look at all these trees!
I let go of my sister's arm and walk ahead, stopping to take a closer look at a particularly interesting-looking tree Look at this, Trantato!
Trantato
amazed Whoa, mom! That's huge! Is it a sequoia?
I take out a notebook and pen from my bag, jotting down notes about the tree It definitely looks like a sequoia, but let me just double-check.
Trantato
later
After double-checking, I find a placard nearby with information about the tree. I show it to Trantato It's confirmed! This is indeed a giant sequoia!
Trantato
How old do you think it is, mom?
I kneel down next to the tree and examines the bark, counting the rings According to the rings, this tree is approximately 500 years old!