Unexpected Inheritance

13

The months rolled by, and life settled into something steady. There were no more questions about the past, no more unspoken frustrations lingering between them. Ben had been thinking about taking Tuck camping for a while now, something his own father used to do with him. He wanted to pass that on—teach him how to fish, how to set up camp properly, how to just exist in the quiet of the wilderness.

It wasn't until the night before they were set to leave that Miranda asked if he had checked with his father. That's when it hit him. It was his week with his dad.

Tuck sat on the edge of his bed, phone pressed to his ear as he spoke with his father. "I know it's our week, but Ben and I are supposed to go camping. I forgot it lined up with this."

Tucker was quiet for a moment before responding, his voice calm but tight. "You're canceling on me for him?"

"I'm not canceling. I'll come next weekend instead."

"You don't see how that sounds?"

"Dad I'm just coming next weekend. Ben's been planning for this weeks."

His father exhaled sharply. "Yeah. Alright. If that's what you want."

Tuck hesitated. "Are you mad?"

"No," his father said quickly. Too quickly. "I said it's fine."

Tuck didn't believe him, but he also knew there was no way to fix it. "I'll see you next weekend, okay?"

"Yeah. Sure."

The call ended, leaving Tuck feeling uneasy, but he shook it off. He had been looking forward to this trip with Ben. He wasn't going to let his dad's attitude ruin it.

Ben and Tuck loaded up the truck early that Saturday morning. 

Miranda walked over and hugged Tuck. "Have fun. Be safe."

Then she turned to Ben, looking him over for a moment before sighing. "And you—"

Ben held up a hand. "I got it. Keep him alive. Bring him back in one piece."

"Good man" She gave them both a final look before stepping back. "Alright. Get out of here."

With that, they climbed into the truck and pulled out of the driveway, heading toward the woods.

Ben parked the truck near the clearing he had in mind, stepping out and stretching his arms. Tuck got out on the other side, taking in the trees and the open space.

"This is nice,"

Ben grabbed some of the gear from the truck bed. "Glad you think so."

They spent the next hour getting camp in order—setting up the tent, stacking firewood, and making sure their food was stored properly. The sun was still high when they finished, and Tuck took a seat on a nearby log, wiping his forehead.

"Alright, what now?"

Ben sat beside him, taking a sip from his water bottle. "Now we relax. First night, we take it easy. Tomorrow, we'll fish, hike, maybe even go swimming if you're up for it."

Tuck grinned. "I'm up for it."

Ben nodded. "Good. But first lesson of camping—fire building." He tossed Tuck a bundle of sticks. "Your job. Get that started while I get dinner ready."

Tuck scoffed but got to work. Ben watched him out of the corner of his eye as he pulled out the supplies for their first meal. He was determined, that much was clear.

The fire took a few tries, but Tuck finally got it going. He sat back, looking at it proudly."I did it, Ben"

Ben chuckled. "Shaping up to be a real outdoorsman."