The morning sun filtered through hazy clouds as Luna and Kana stood before their favorite fusion food truck, the smoky scent of grilled meat swirling in the air like a beacon. Kana pointed at the giant turkey leg on the menu with theatrical fervor.
"We're absolutely getting that. No arguments."
Luna smirked and added, "Pulled pork sandwich, brisket, cornbread, fries with that insane truffle gravy—and the mac 'n cheese, extra crispy top."
They loaded up several bags of indulgent goodness, Luna tapping her card without flinching. "For Mary," she said simply, her eyes softer than usual.
Kana gave her a knowing look. "And for us. But mostly for us."
They arrived at Mary's quiet apartment, the door opening before they could knock. Mary, bundled in a cozy cardigan, gave them a skeptical look as she caught sight of the food and the glint of mischief in their eyes.
"We're kidnapping you," Kana announced brightly.
"For camping," Luna clarified, holding up a bag triumphantly. "VIP cabin. Spa tub, firepit, marshmallows, the works."
Mary blinked. "You two are dragging a terminal patient into the woods."
Luna grinned. "Luxury woods. With heated floors and concierge service. And zero hospital walls."
"Absolutely scandalous," Mary murmured, but her lips twitched upward in a reluctant smile. "You brought brisket and turkey, didn't you?"
"Would we even dare show up without it?" Kana gasped.
Just as Kana helped Mary down to the car, a familiar voice called out behind them.
"Hey—don't take off yet!"
Dr. Auren came jogging up the sidewalk, his coat flapping and a clipboard in hand. His glasses were slightly crooked, and his white sneakers looked freshly scuffed.
"I just came from Mary's check-up. You're the culprits she mentioned?" he asked, breathless but amused. "You're really taking her camping?"
"It's more glamping," Kana chirped.
Luna folded her arms. "She needs the break. Doctor's orders, maybe?"
Auren chuckled. "I was actually just suggesting more nature and movement to help her energy levels. So yeah, 'doctor's order maybe'. But man, you three are wild, camping when it's almost the start of winter."
Kana raised an eyebrow. "You free?"
Auren tilted his head. "Why?"
"Because we need a medical officer on call. And someone to make s'mores while we soak in the spa," Luna said nonchalantly. "We'll pay you full rate, plus a large tip, all expenses covered. Think of it as a wellness retreat with high-maintenance patients."
Auren blinked, processing. "…Seriously?"
Luna waved off his concern. "You don't need to pack. We're stopping by a few boutiques on the way. You'll be camp-chic by nightfall."
Mary, who had been quietly amused, burst into soft laughter. "They've gone mad, Auren. You should join us. They'll wear you down eventually."
"Sold," Auren said quickly as he ran toward his car. "Let me lock up my car and cancel tomorrow's shift."
Kana leaned over to Luna as they walked toward the car. "You just hired a doctor like booking an Uber."
Luna shrugged. "It's what rich daughters do, apparently."
Mary eyed the two of them with growing fondness as she stepped into the newest green SUV, inhaling the scent of pulled pork and freedom. "You two are ridiculous."
"And you're ours for the next three days," Kana replied, climbing in. "So strap in, Sis. We're gonna make this the best damn escape you've ever had."
As the car pulled away, filled with laughter and greasy food aromas, none of them noticed the sleek black car parked a few blocks away, nor the figures watching alertly from inside, securing their safety.
But for now, only the road ahead mattered.
The winding path to the VIP cabin was surrounded by tall pine trees, their emerald needles rustling softly in the breeze. The air was fresh, tinged with cedar and damp moss, and just as the car curved around the final bend, the view opened—and all four of them audibly gasped.
Nestled in a private nook between the forest and a pristine lake, the cabin stood like a dream etched into reality.
Wide beams of weathered oak framed the structure, giving it a rustic charm, but the enormous glass panels hinted at sleek modern interiors. A cobblestone path led up to the spacious porch, lit gently by ground lanterns that flickered like captured fireflies. The scent of lavender and warm cedarwood greeted them as they stepped inside.
"Whoa," Kana whispered, frozen just past the threshold.
The interior was a masterclass in comfort-meets-elegance. Velvet and linen textures softened the clean lines of smart furniture, while muted earth tones and clever lighting added intimacy to the open-plan layout. A stone fireplace roared gently in the corner. Built-in shelves housed artisanal ceramics, books, and cozy throws. Every room had hidden speakers softly playing ambient forest sounds, and the central control panel allowed them to adjust lighting, call for service, or request dinner from an exclusive gourmet kitchen staff.
Mary, who had slumped a little from the car ride, stood tall now, her eyes wide. "This place is…" She didn't finish.
Luna touched her shoulder. "Homey enough?"
Mary slowly smiled. "Like I've stepped into a luxury fever dream."
Even Auren was speechless for once. "Do models make this kind of money?" he asked jokingly. "Because I picked the wrong specialty."
Luna only grinned.
After a quick freshen-up, they grabbed their bountiful bags of food and stepped out onto the veranda. The transition was seamless—the wide deck overlooked the lake directly, with a built-in firepit surrounded by plush chairs and handwoven blankets.
Overhead, the sky had turned into a glittering ocean of stars. The Milky Way stretched like a glowing river across the heavens, reflected perfectly in the still waters of the lake. The air was crisp, scented faintly with pine and distant firewood smoke.
Mary leaned back in one of the chairs and sighed like she was inhaling life itself.
"This… This is just beyond imagination. Thanks, guys."
"Oh, keep your thanks for later, for we barely started!" Luna replied with a grin.
They unpacked their loot: turkey legs, pulled pork sandwiches, smoked brisket, greasy fries, and that blessed truffle mac and cheese. Kana had insisted they warm the food with the built-in heater trays while they browsed the cabin's digital menu tablet, which displayed an extensive list of offerings—from flame-grilled wagyu skewers to truffle-stuffed ravioli, artisanal desserts, and even a personalized wine pairing list.
"We are going to explode," Auren muttered, stuffing a fry into his mouth anyway.
Luna took a swig of cold soda and waved her phone. "Already booked us the barbeque platter with foie gras bites and a dessert set that comes with fire-toasted mochi."
Kana squealed. "I love rich best friends."
"I'm not rich," Luna mumbled, chewing on brisket. "My dad is."
"Semantics," Kana replied through a mouthful of meat.
The four of them ate under the stars, laughter mingling with the crackle of the fire. They talked about nothing and everything—childhood stories, awful blind dates, books they never finished, food they'd die to eat again. At one point, Auren attempted to roast a marshmallow and dropped it directly into the fire.
"You're a disgrace to doctors everywhere," Kana told him solemnly.
"Hey, don't insult the other doctors! It's just the marshmallow was too mellow for me~" Auren declares as he tries to roast another marshmallow.
"Was that supposed to be a pun? It literally fell short and went dark." Luna commented while eating fries.
"Woah, so harsh!" Auren commented with a grin.
Mary laughed so hard she nearly cried.
Luna, staring up at the stars, pondered how she never imagined experiencing such a sight.
She leaned back, letting the firelight dance across her cheeks, and whispered to herself:
"I want to remember this night forever."
The fire had mellowed to glowing embers, casting a gentle, amber light over the veranda. The crisp night had deepened, with stars bright and sharp above the lake's still surface. Laughter had softened to easy silence, the kind that only came when hearts were full and bellies content.
Luna's phone buzzed in her pocket, a soft chime cutting through the quiet. She glanced down and saw the caller ID: Dad.
She rolled her eyes fondly before answering and stood up, walking a few steps away to take the call.
"Hi, Dad," she greeted, her voice warm.
"Luna," Emmerich's voice came through, low and unmistakably relieved. "You forgot to call me at dinner."
"I did not forget," Luna countered, stretching her legs a bit. "I just… got carried away. There was brisket. And turkey legs."
"You promised," Emmerich said sternly, but not without affection. "Just one call at dinner each day you're away. For my peace of mind. You know I don't ask for much."
"I'm not some rebellious teen sneaking out to nightclubs," Luna muttered. "I'm in the woods eating barbecue with three people and a doctor."
Emmerich chuckled. "You're never too old for me to stop worrying."
Just then, the others quieted as they picked up on her conversation. Kana's head snapped up with a grin.
"Uncle Emmerich?" she called. "Don't worry! I'll personally make sure Luna comes back safe and sound! Even if I have to carry her on my back!"
"I heard that," Emmerich replied through the speaker, amused. "Thank you, Kana."
Mary perked up next, her cheeks a little flushed from the warmth of the fire and a belly full of food. "Hi, Mr. Emmerich! It's Mary… I don't think we've met. But thank you for being a good dad to a stubborn, amazing human being."
Luna nearly dropped the phone.
There was a pause, then Emmerich's voice turned soft, kindly. "Hello, Mary. Luna's told me about you. Thank you for being part of her circle."
"Can't get rid of me now," Mary replied brightly.
Then Auren, who had been nursing a cup of warm tea and very much staying under the radar, gave a tiny wave toward the phone like it could see him.
Luna chuckled at seeing Auren's gesture.
Luna turned back to the phone. "Dad, I'm fine. We're safe. I'm with good people. Okay?"
Emmerich exhaled slowly, like the last tension in his spine finally relaxed. "Alright. But you'll still call tomorrow."
"Yeah, yeah," Luna said softly. "Good night, Dad."
"Good night, Luna. Be well."