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When I was first invited to the lake I was hesitant. I’d never been away from home for longer than a few nights, and that was only when I went to visit my grandparents. I had to go though; the idea of going to a lake - with my best friend - was just too inviting to turn down.

The moment we pulled into the driveway and I looked out the window, I fell in love. The beautiful brown cabin was trimmed in green, with a little gazebo off the porch; the great oak covered in ivy coming through the middle of the porch, the little lagoon, the water peaceful and calm, spotted with geese. It’s almost magical. 

I always looked forward to unpacking. The rooms always smelled the same, like lake water mixed with Hawaiian Aloha Febreze air freshener. Ruth and I would unpack all our things into the rickety dresser drawers before doing anything else. It made us feel like we weren’t just visiting, but staying for a while. Unpacking didn’t take long. We packed only running shoes, one shirt, a pair of shorts and about five swim suits.

At least once every visit most everyone in the family would get up for a morning cruise. We’d fix ourselves warm cups of coffee and microwave some cherry turnovers from Ingles and board the boat. I’d snuggle up under a mound of ten different blankets and listen to my friend’s dad, my adopted father – I like to call him grapes-- read from his favorite book: the Bible. The gentle hum of the motor and the placid hush cast over the lake gave a majestic feel. I’d sit completely still in awe, breathing in the cool, fresh morning air; for four years the lake has ceased to amaze me with its unchanging beauty.