Campfire

-Shuffle.

Stepping through the underbrush, I walked forward into the space that opened up ahead. A wide clearing showed itself around the glistening lake that had frozen over and reflected the moonlight.

-Crackle. Crackle.

Just a few meters from the edge was a fairly large circle made of rocks atop a paved square space, and a bright flame that blazed within. Foldable chairs and slabs of wood were littered sporadically around the flame.

From this distance, I could spot several people already occupying a few of the seating arrangements that had been made, and some were scurrying about carrying what seemed like paper plates loaded with food and paper cups.

Besides the space, a short walk away was a canopy tent under which were several long tables covered with white clothing. Drinks, dishes in buffet sets, packets of what appeared to be marshmallows, and one-time-use items and utensils were set up, with employees of the resort standing at attention if, and when, help was needed.

"Bwuther!"

Calling out with her arms outstretched was Leah running towards me at the top speed at which her feeble legs could carry her, with a piece of marshmallow in her mouth.

"Well, if it isn't Her Majesty?"

-Hup.

"Up you go! So, how is Her Majesty enjoying her night?"

Picking her up I waded forward through the snow.

"Mhm, good! I ate 5 mashmyallows!"

Opening up her gloved fist, she exclaimed with a jubilant smile.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Mhm...where Jack Jack?", tilting her head slightly to look over my shoulder she pondered absentmindedly.

"Ah, he's sleeping...sorry...."

'Although he told me to wake him up, he fell asleep again even after I'd done so...he must've really exhausted himself'

"So Jacob didn't come in the end...well he did look like a zombie with those bags under his eyes. So, what do you think? Like what you see?"

Appearing ahead of me was Trish walking forward from the fire with a plate of smores in her hand.

"Yeah...it's quite refreshing, I must say."

"Well, hurry up, you're already a half-hour late."

"Sorr..."

"Hey!"

Lifting my line of view from where it was resting upon the pavement beneath me I was astonished to see Trish with her brows knit.

"Don't just go apologizing for everything, will you!?"

"Sor...Yes ma'am!"

"Okay, it's best that you understood. But I know you won't listen, still, keep it in mind. Anyway, come with me."

***

"You'd make a great wife I'm sure. How about it, would you like to become my daughter-in-law?"

"Haha...that was a really great joke, Mrs. Savant!"

"But, I wasn't joking..."

An awkward silence followed as Mom slowly put the can of beer down beside her chair.

"Haha...no, I'm just kidding, of course, I'm joking. Plus, my son isn't at the age of marriage just yet..."

'What the hell was Mom even thinking!?'

Staring at my Mom who was sitting on my right and across the flame from a clean-shaven man with curly brown hair and black eyes who was discussing with my Dad on some sort of official matter that they had found in common between themselves, I couldn't believe she would suggest that to the first person she'd met there. Shifting my vision, I glanced at the stunningly gorgeous girl with black eyes just like her father's, and straightened brown hair, developing a faint tint of red on her freckled cheeks adding to her beauty.

Just at that moment, she also seemed to look in my direction, causing our eyes to meet, and promptly making both of us look away.

"Heh..."

"What's so funny!?"

Whispering hurriedly under my breath, I glared at Trish who had forced me into this awkward situation.

"Mom, I'm gonna go get something to eat."

With that, I stood up and walked away from the fire, and towards where the food was laid out atop the tables. Picking up a plate, a few fresh-off-the-grill sausages and a large piece of cake, I began observing the gathering from next to the barbeque.

This lake known as Heimsendir Lake was located in a flat area near the midpoint of most of the resorts, i.e., most resorts were built around it, and was the only lake on this reputable mountain, the Heimsendir mountain. It was the main attraction of the mountain, as it gave a perfect view of the ancient Roman style Heimsendir city located a few kilometers away.

It was a tourist favorite during this time of the year as Heimsendir city would hold a week-long festival to honor the God of the Mountain, and a display of fireworks would be held every night during that week at 10 pm, and this lake provided the best view.

Moreover, a tale that had been passed down since the establishment of the city brought even more tourists, one where it stated that those who embraced their loved ones at the lakeside during the fireworks display of the festival would be forever blessed with a happy future.

'What a load of bullshit. It definitely didn't work in my past life.'

As a result, there were more than 70 people present, excluding the staff, which would add up to over 90 people. However, despite the resplendent view, and the peak tourism season, the number of people there was lacking as opposed to usual, and even the number of residents from the city a short drive away were very few.

There were less than 20 tourists from our resort, amongst which were the family my parents seemed to get along with, the Devons, who occupied cottage 1, comprising of Mr. and Mrs. Devon, Susan, their eldest daughter and the same age as me-the one Mom was talking with- Juan, their second daughter, and Tim, their only son.

And of course, there was also the family of the protagonist, the Alephs, who occupied cottage 3 and were a family of three.

Although Mr. and Mrs. Aleph blended well in with the crowd, Simon was like a flame to moths, surrounded by several beauties who were fawning over him without caring about how uncomfortable he felt. Looking at him now, I realized I shouldn't have made his Charm attribute so high.

However, his expressions didn't go unnoticed by me, especially since I wanted to see firsthand how a character I had created and script I had written would affect me in this world, and whether I would feel anything looking at them or not, and I had been observing him with scrutiny ever since he showed up. Yet, just like a few hours back, I felt nothing. Not a single emotion. Rather, my plans only seemed to solidify themselves the longer I kept looking at him.

'Hmm, he's still young and naïve. It's the best time to do this. I have to get this over with now before he awakens his cards. I don't have much time. I also have to take measures to ensure that this time I can avoid the 'tragedy'.'

[ 21:53:17.96 Jan 1, 2020 ]

I had less than 48 hours before the 'tragedy' and only around 5 days before the prologue of the novel.

'I guess it's time I begin executing my plan.'

With a stride, I made my way towards Simon who had just barely managed to escape from the cluster of girls and had walked over to one of the larger trees at the edge of the clearing.

"Hey there. The name's Keith, what's yours?"

"Uh...hello...uh, I'm Simon, nice to meet you..."

"I was looking from a distance, and I wanted to help, but it seems you got out just fine. You must have it tough."

"Um, sorry if I'm being rude, but, do I know you from anywhere...?"

"Oh, no. I don't think you do. Unless you're from South Arken High since I'm pretty much a celebrity there. Anyway, it doesn't hurt to have a few more friends around your age to talk to in a place like this, does it?"

"No, it doesn't."

"Plus, aren't you staying in cottage 3 at the Harmony Cottages Resort, I'm in cottage 5."

"Oh, that's why you looked familiar, you must be the one I saw a few hours back."

"Yeah, that was me. You know, I was quite surprised when you looked back at me even though you were looking away. It made me think you had eyes in the back of your head."

"Oh, I'm sorry about that. I'm just..."

-Whizz. Whizz. Whizz.

-Bang. Bang. Bang.

Cutting him off was several loud sounds which reverberated across the clearing and caused my heart to beat faster as if to fall into their rhythm.

Turning to face the lake, I saw the trails of sparks that rose to the sky and burst into various colors, some forming unique shapes in tandem with others.

The dark sky became the canvas, and the fireworks the paint, as beautiful pictures depicted themselves in the air and more colors were added from the pallet to create a mesmerizing spectacle.

Cheering rang out and applaud followed, eventually dimming to low murmurs.

The grounds become a flood of emotions as people enjoyed a sight they would probably remember for the rest of their lives, many embracing their loved ones affectionately, hoping that the legend of the mountain would come true.