As we traversed farther into the woods, butterflies crossed our path and red wing blackbirds were flying around. A squirrel passed just in front of us and we continued over the trail toward the lake. Stacey was looking up at the robins building a next up in a tree when she fell over a hidden root and twisted her ankle. Her sharp cry brought Dave back immediately. He picked her up and carried her toward a clearing at the edge of the lake. Gently he set her down and removed her tennis shoe and examined how bad her foot might be. He found no visible damage but told her to stay off it for a few minutes. He said we needed a break anyway. Stacey made herself comfortable against the back of a tree and we broke out some of the sandwiches we had brought along. Stacey said her foot was still hurting and would we mind if she rested there and read some of her book while she relaxed. Dave and I glanced at each other and we both said simultaneously, that we didn't mind. Dave said he was going to take a quick walk along the edge of the lake, and I offered to go with him. As we went out of sight, Dave called back to Stacey for her to just yell if she needed them, as he would be within shouting distance, and to not get on her foot until we came back and he checked it out.

Dear Diary,

Sorry I had to pause for a while. Now that we are back home, my brother is up to his old tricks of being a big brat. If only he would grow up. God, it seemed boys never matured! He just stormed into my room, without knocking or anything. At least I was able to put you away before he realized what I was writing. I will try to pick up where I was so rudely interrupted.