Mike was elated. He was going camping with his Dad that weekend. Carrying backpacks, they trekked through a narrow forest trail. As the lead trekker, Mike had to use a long blade to clear away any overgrown bushes in their path.

Occasionally, he would look back to check on his dad who was carrying a load twice as heavy as his.

“You’re doing well, Mike! Keep going!” dad encouraged him with a smile . By late afternoon, they reached a forest clearing, next to a beautiful lake. Mike began to pitch their tent while dad went to gather some firewood.

It was sheer hard labour. They worked silently for a good half hour. Mike enjoyed working with his dad. It was a feeling no words could describe.

When they finished, the sight of the pretty colours of the evening wiped away any trace of fatigue they felt. The lake was calm and still, reflecting the rich purple and orange hues of dusk.

Father and son cooked a simple dinner over a fire. It was just instant noodles and eggs but Mike felt like it was the best-tasting dish they ever had together. “It must be all the fresh air,” laughed dad. Mike nodded happily.