Somewhere in Wyoming, two boys sat crouched along the sidewalk, looking at the foliage surrounding them.
They'd pulled into a newly built rest stop to stretch their legs and use the restrooms. While waiting for Grandma O'Connell, the boys had wandered over to explore the garden nearby.
"And this one's a Chokecherry - Prunus Virginiana. It's native to Wyoming and Montana." The smaller red head explained, voice even.
"Wow," Butters whispered, blinking slowly toward his close friend. "You're so smart, Dougie...!" Dougie simply shrugged and turned to meet Butters' gaze.
"I just like plants." He said, glancing back at the bush before them. Butters followed his gaze. He reached out and gently tapped one of the leaves in wonder as Dougie continued. "The berries make good jam. Grandma says so." Butters' eyes lit up and he moved to suggest they make some sometime but Dougie's voice spoke before the blonde could get it out.
"The wilted leaves and seeds have Cyanide in them, though."
Butters eyes blew up wide and he quickly retracted his hand from the branch he'd been messing with. Dougie heard Butters' audible gasp and saw him jerk. He laughed at the spooked look on Butters' face as the blonde wiped his hands on his shirt, face red.
"Dougie! Why'd ya let me touch it??" The question only made Dougie laugh harder, adjusting the large round glasses higher up on his nose. He shook his head playfully. Butters was always fun to be with.
"They're harmless unless you eat them." He murmured, standing up and watching in amusement as Butters held a hand to his heart in relief.
"O-oh, thank goodness." The blonde cracked a smile, giggling. "Ya really got me there!" Dougie chuckled and helped Butters up from the ground. Butters was busy brushing off hia pants when Dougie's father came walking up behind them, Dougie's grandmother in tow.
"Alright, boys, back in the car. We've still got five hours to go." Butters and Dougie nodded and quickly made their way to the car, climbing in and buckling up. Once everyone was ready to go, Dougie's father started back on the highway.
Butters spent the rest of the way watching all the trees and plants fly passed out the window, once in a while asking Dougie what their scientific names were.
Miraculously to him, Dougie had an answer every time.
