An unexpected departure

In the late afternoon, Nick is sitting alone at his home.
Mom and dad still aren't back from their trip to the next town in the east, Valguslyn.
But they'll probably still take some time until they come home.

After they left, Nick cleaned up his room as expected by his parents, and now it's already too late to visit a friend. So he's getting bored now.
Because of the weather, it's darker than you would expect at this time, so he also doesn't want to go outside anymore.

He looks out of the window and is surprised when he sees Jenny walking along the path. It looks like she's directly coming to his house.

When she's out of sight, someone already knocks at his door.
He opens and to his surprise, it really is her.
And she has a huge backpack with her.
She seems very excited.
Or is she upset?

What is it? Is anything wrong?

No, I just...
Do you remember when we fantasized about leaving this place together and have some real adventure?
Just the two of us?

Yeah, why?

I just packed all the stuff. Let's go! Are you ready?

Nick isn't sure. Is she being serious?

This is a little sudden. I don't think-

It's the perfect timing. Your parents aren't there. They won't notice anything.

Yeah, but-

Come on!

I didn't prepare anything.

Don't worry. I packed more than enough.
Enough food for weeks, all my money, a tent, a bunch of clothes, most of them should fit you as well, and even-

Hey, stop!

Nick looks at Jenny.
She seems to feel dejected.

So you really mean it. You really want to do this, right?

Jenny cautiously nods.

Let me be honest.
I thought we were just joking around back then.
I never thought we would ever consider doing it for real.

Oh, I get it. I also didn't take it too serious at first.
But didn't you want it to be real, too?

You know it's not an option.

It is! And we have to go now! Else we will never.
Let's just head for the next village. What about the water village Veskula in the north?

Isn't that pretty far away? I've only been there once. By foot we will probably need multiple days.

That's why I got a tent with me. We could spend all day outside in nature. There's a nice shortcut through the mountains.

Hmm...
This really sounds pretty nice.
But I still think, it's better if we plan it first.

Everything is planned already.

I trust you about that.
I just don't want to secretly leave without telling my parents.

Do you really think they will allow that?
Especially when they know that I'm your only company?

Hmm..., you got a point.

So?

I still don't get why you want to go now. It must have been months since we talked about that, maybe even years.

Just the typical door-in-face tactics.

I don't think, that's how it works.
Wouldn't you have to say something like "Fine, but next week, we go for real" then?

No, I already packed everything. All the food will go bad.

Fine, but what should I tell my parents?
I can't just leave without telling them anything.

I also didn't tell anything to mine.

They will be worried. I have to leave some note.

No, they will probably follow us and find us!

I'll only tell them we left for an adventure, and that they don't have to worry. I got you with me after all. Even if they might not like it.
And maybe I'll also tell them about our goal, Tukalina.

Why would you-?

Jenny starts to grin.

Oh, I get it!
Good idea! This city is in a totally different direction.
I'm sure they won't find us.

Nick writes down the note and then puts on some other clothes.

He also takes an own backpack, where he puts in a few more things and also packs in some of the stuff, Jenny already took with her.

Hurry up! You have to be ready before your parents come back!

Nick can't believe he's really doing this.

Yeah, I just put on my hiking boots. I'm ready to go now.

I'm so happy you agreed. I'm sure we'll have a nice time.

Jenny hugs him and gives him a kiss on his cheek.

Nick looks at her baffled.

Sorry, that must have felt gay to you.

No, it's fine. I know you're not a boy.

Cool!

So...?

Jenny nods and they leave the house, ready for an adventure.