A few of us chuckled, but she stayed sincere.
“This trip also taught me that just because you want something, it doesn’t mean you need it. Sometimes you’re chasing a version of yourself that doesn’t even fit anymore. And when you finally sit still—like, really sit still—you realize that peace hits way harder than attention ever did.”
Murmurs of agreement echoed around the room; nods of understanding shared among us.
Isis glanced toward Adrian, then down at her nails. “Last but not least, I learned that sometimes the connection you needed was the one you never planned for. So yeah, I came here hoping to win somebody over and ended up finding a piece of myself instead. That being said, I’m leaving here rejuvenated, a bit softer, smarter, and less concerned with being chosen and more focused on choosingme.Oh, I’m also leaving here slightly sore… but that’s none of y’all’s business.”
Adrian licked his lips, clearly replaying some memories.
Isis turned to him with a slow grin. “Stop thinking what you’re thinking, Adrian. I ain't sharing none ofthosedetails.”
Laughter broke out, then Adrian spoke up. “I guess I’ll go next. I came here on some chill shit. I just needed a break from all the drama in my life and the noise that never seems to end. I truly wasn’t expecting nothing major to pop off.”
He shook his head, clearly irritated by his own memories.
“I damn sure didn’t expect to get snowed in with Chesteria’sexin the same cabin, to almost get mauled by a bear with zero home training, or to watch somebody as fine as Isis turn breakfast into a fire drill. I’m still confused how you set off the smoke alarm making eggs. Eggs!”
A few of us chuckled and shook our heads in amusement at the absurdity of it all.
Isis rolled her eyes with dramatic precision but couldn’t hide her smile. “The altitude threw off my recipe.”
“Isis, the altitude didn’t have shit to do with that toaster trauma; that was user error.” Adrian shot back, earning more laughs. He sobered just a little. “Nah, but when the power went out, and we had to use the generator and kick it old-school style, I ain't gon' lie… that did something to me. It made me think about who I really was underneath all the jokes and bullshit, what I really want, and what I reallyneed.”
He glanced meaningfully at Isis, then back at the group, his eyes reflecting a newfound sincerity.
“I also didn’t think I’d open up about my singing. That’s something I usually keep close to my chest… not out of shame, but because people don’t always get it. Buty'allpulled that outta me. Y’all made me feel like maybe I ain’t gotta hide that part.”
Adrian surveyed the room, nodding as he absorbed the collective energy around him.
“All in all, I’m grateful for this experience… for real. The way we argued, laughed, cooked—attempted at cooking—and still made it work? Yeah, this trip is definitely one for the books.”
In unison, we nodded, feeling the weight of shared experiences.
Bryce stepped forward next. His eyes found mine and stayed there. “Well, I’m thankful for communication, second chances, and for people who don't let fear or pride stand in the way ofwhat they truly want. This trip reminded me that often, the very things we run from are exactly where we belong.”
His words resonated deeply within me.
I took a breath, steadying myself with a sense of purpose. “Okay, I guess it’s my turn now.”
Everyone looked at me, waiting.
“This trip has shown me the beauty of perfect timing, and how things unfold exactly when they’re supposed to. We all needed this, whether it was to heal, to laugh, to escape the grind, or simply to be recognized again in ways we forgot we deserved.” I looked at Isis, a soft smile playing on my lips. “I’m really thankful to have met you, Isis… even though our first interaction was a bit…” I paused with a knowing grin, …tense. You’ve shown me that people are multilayered. You’re bougie, bold, and surprisingly hilarious once you let that designer wall down."
Isis beamed, a light of appreciation sparking in her eyes. “I’ll gladly take that as a compliment.”
Turning my attention to Adrian, I chuckled, “And I’m so grateful I brought you along. Lord knows, if I hadn’t, I’d still be out here believing you were a licensed carpenter with a secret lumberjack past and a degree in power tools.”
With laughter dancing in the air, we realized how much we had grown on that trip, each moment cherished and remembered.
Then my eyes found Bryce, and everything slowed. My voice softened, thick with genuine truth as I prepared to share the final piece of my heart.
“Although I was angry at first, I’m so glad you got your month mixed up. If you hadn’t been here, I don’t know what I would’ve done during the storm, the bear incident—everything. I needed you more than I realized.”
My voice wavered slightly, the emotion almost overwhelming me.
“I’m even more thankful for this reconnection between us. The truth is, love doesn’t always return the way we hope it will; sometimes it comes back when we least expect it, and it wears the scars of our past, carries the weight of growth, and brings with it apologies. You’ve given me all of that, and I appreciate it more than you know. So thank you for not letting us stay broken.”
Bryce reached over, gently took my hand, and pressed a soft kiss to it without uttering a word. And honestly, he didn’t have to say anything.
