The fire was slowly dying; crickets were chirping loudly, beating a rhythmic song throughout the forest, rising into the expansive night sky.

There was a mist floating overhead from the nearby river; cooling air contributing to the smell of the pine. The smoldering embers

lifted a strong rich scent into the air around the two men. Both were stretched out, side by side, on their air mattresses. One was looking

into the star studded night sky, strumming quietly on a small guitar. The other man was turned on his side, an unusual blue light

casting shadows and flickers. (Unusual for Oliver, that is.)

Joe slowed his playing down and asked casually, " How's her meeting going?"

Oliver's voice could be heard though he didn't turn towards his father. It carried over his shoulder on the cool night air. "She says

it has been long and a bit tedious, but nothing unexpected from a typical USPS gathering. And she did say that her talk was well-

received."

Oliver fell silent and Joe continued to play, smiling as he waited. Finally the tapping sound ended, the light disappeared, and Oliver

turned back towards his dad, with a sheepish look on his face, illuminated now, only by the firelight, and not by the screen.

Joe stopped strumming. "What's that look about?"

"I fear I have neglected you...a bit...on this trip, " Oliver admitted and stretched out fully, looking back up at the sky through the

patchwork of trees. He shot his dad a guilty half-smile.

The guitar was set aside and Joe, too, stretched, let out a deep sigh, hands behind his head and smiled in the direction of the quickly-

darkening area, where he could just make out the outline of his son.

"Oliver, we have had two really good days out here. Hiking, talking, fishing, reminiscing. I am perfectly content, and I want you to be.

And I am really glad that, in a way, Shane has joined us on this trip...through your new cell phone abilities!" Joe could not contain the

chuckle in his voice, which Oliver clearly heard.

He sighed, "Yes, this new device has underscored my growing addiction to..."

"Technology?" Joe feigned a shocked look Oliver could barely see, but could clearly hear.

"Shane," they both said and laughed.

"Come back, Shane!" Joe called out and further added to both their amusement.

"Tell me again how she talked you into getting the cell phone?"

"Well, with her DC meeting occurring while you and I would be taking this trip...considering the disastrous previous excursion...

I...was...schooled, you might say, on the GPS proficiencies of a cell phone as well as the ability to call for help, for directions, and..."

Oliver leaned up on one arm and peered at his father, "Dad, to tell you the truth, Shane can see where we are! And I can see where

she is! Are you familiar with...Find a Friend?"

"Yeah, Ollie, I am, and it's clear you are hopelessly in love with the friend you've found...for which, I must say, I am very grateful!"

"Dad, I'm the one who's grateful. For the time to come back here with you, to be able to enjoy ourselves this time. It's been a treat.

I hope my...adolescent-like distraction with texting hasn't usurped our bonding time."

Joe turned on the flashlight on his cell phone and aimed it towards Oliver. "Son, number one, I think this newfound skill will serve you

well in untold ways. And number two, I don't mind playing second fiddle to my future daughter-in-law."

Oliver reached over and held out his hand, which Joe looked at briefly and then warmly grasped. "Dad, do you mind if I call her

and spend a few minutes saying goodnight?"

Joe released Oliver's hand and rolled back over. "Don't mind me. Ask her if she wants to join us next time!"

He reached into the pocket of his flannel jacket and pulled out a set of ear buds. "And remember...I'll be unable to hear

what you're saying while I jam out to Jimi Hendrix's greatest hits!"