Chapter 5

where the scent of fresh pine needles lingered in the air, Matthew Richards had been working tirelessly for months. Matthew, a man in his early thirties with a weather-worn smile and calloused hands, had turned his dream into reality. The campground had been a project of love and determination, a place where families could escape the bustle of city life and reconnect with nature.

The campground, named ‘Red Oak Travel Park, was a modest park with RV sites and my own RV Trailers and tent sites, each carefully positioned to offer privacy and a unique view of the surrounding wilderness. Matthew had built most of it with his own hands the sound of his hammer had become a rhythm that competed with the chirp of birds and the rustle of leaves. Now, as the grand opening approached, he walked through the camp, inspecting every detail with a critical eye.

The sun had started to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the campsites and painting the sky with strokes of pink and orange. The air grew cooler, hinting at the approaching night. Matthew checked the fire pits, ensuring they were clean and ready for the first crackling flames. He tightened a loose screw here, rearranged a picnic table there, and straightened the welcome sign that swung gently in the evening breeze.

As he worked, his mind drifted to the guests who would soon be arriving. He wondered who they would be, where they were coming from, and what memories they would make at Red Oak. Would they find peace and tranquility here, as he had hoped? Would the kids laugh and play in the small stream that wound through the camp, catching frogs and skipping stones? Would the adults share stories around the fire, their laughter mingling with the whispers of the wind through the trees?

The sound of a car engine grew louder, snapping him out of his reverie. He wiped the sweat from his brow and walked to the entrance to greet the first arrivals. A sleek black sedan pulled up, and a young woman in her late twenties stepped out. She had a warm smile that matched the setting sun, and her eyes danced with excitement as she took in her surroundings. She introduced herself as Amelia, and Matthew noticed the camping gear piled in the backseat.

“You are one of the first campers,” he said, extending a hand to help her with her bags. “Welcome to Red Oak Travel Park!”

Amelia’s smile grew wider as she took in the serenity of her new surroundings. “Thank you,” she said, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. “I’ve been looking forward to this all week.”

As the light continued to fade, a big dusty pickup truck rumbled down the gravel road. Two figures emerged: Emily, a 28-year-old with a head full of brown hair, and Chloe, a 26-year-old with a contagious laugh. They looked around, taking in the tranquil beauty of the campground with wide eyes.

“You’re just in time,” Matthew called out, waving from the distance. “I’ve got your RV site ready for you!”

Emily and Chloe exchanged glances; their excitement palpable as they drove closer. The headlights of their pickup danced across the tree trunks, casting eerie but welcoming patterns on the ground. As they pulled in beside Amelia’s site, the two friends stepped out, eager to set up camp. Matthew noticed their matching ‘Explore More’ t-shirts and the adventure gear they had brought along.