Incident at the Vineyard Lakes Resort and Camping | Single Prompt Option - The Weekend Freewrite - 3/4/2023

With weekend vacation plans in place, the Matlock family were eager to reach the campsite. Reserved several months ago, Rosiland ensured their favorite pull-in slot at the nature reserve was available. They needed to get an early start. However, four hours later, Mitchell's lower back nudged him to speed up; the twins, Bobby's and Robby's, feet grew tired from kicking the rear of the front seat; the pre-schooler, Michael's diaper alerted him a change was needed immediately, and older sister, Vanessa's mobile denied her access after having begged for a recharge all morning. Through it all, Rosiland prayed while rubbing her husband's back.

Another half hour, and they arrived at the campsite.

Mitchell busied himself connecting to the RV to the campsite utilities and unloading equipment and games they'd packed. His "many hands make light work" philosophy stopped working a few years ago. Each person had a role to play, they retorted. Don't trespass on ours, and all will be well. So, his wife helped tighten his back brace.

The family checked on their neighbors in the slots on opposite sides. Mom then prepared her family's favorite camping meal.

Two hours later, they settled in. The sun was ready to join them.

With the fire burning bright and before the last light faded, mom read Michael his favorite bedtime story. Smiling, he pointed, then tried to pronounce papa bear.

Inside, the boys played video games on the bunk beds leveling up their characters until bored. Their minds were on the fireworks that was promised later that night.

Vanessa finally recharged her social media connections. Email sent, she closed her laptop, then logged into Roblux. Another ten thousand dollars, and she'd finally be able to complete her castle.

"Moon shadow!" Mitchell yelled, excited. He couldn't wait to explain it as the family expected he would.

"What's a moon shadow?" Vanessa inquired without looking up from her tablet.

"Well, it's a shadow cast by an object that light up only by the moon's glow." Mitchell beckoned for all to come see, then told Vanessa to get the boys.

"Oh, I thought it was one of those oldies you like on satellite radio that you force us to listen to on the road!" She laughed sarcastically, then disappeared into the camper.

She returned immediately, her voice shaking. "The twins aren't inside. Did you all see them come out?"

Just as they were calling out to the boys, the neighbors came running to their camper. "We got word from park officials that an animal was spotted that may be infected with rabies. Go inside immediately and stay there until you hear it's safe. We're helping round up the campers."

"Oh, my God. My boys are missing!" Rosiland screamed. They're familiar with the area, and they know not to go far."

Vanessa remembered the boys loved the play area swinging and riding the merry-go-round.

Mitchell ushered his family inside. With ominous thoughts swirling in the back of his mind, he headed to find the boys with the neighbors' help and their weapons.

There on the playground were the boys swinging and laughing. One look from their dad, and they knew they were in trouble.

"Boys, hurry. There's trouble at the campsite. We must get inside. A sick animal is wandering about." Mitchell was too relieved to scold. He thanked the neighbors. Chastising would come later.

All settled down inside, they were startled at a knock on the door. The neighbors came to advise that park officials in conjunction with the rangers had the situation under control.

The family noticed later the neighbors were outside drinking and talking.

They too ventured back outside, but stayed close to the camper.

"Can we have fireworks? You promised!" Mitchell's first thought was to deny their request.

He'd had enough fireworks for the night. This wasn't the fireworks the family planned, but were thankful all ended well.

He retrieved the box and allowed the boys to enjoy.