mentioned in previous thread: sponge bath

Two words:
Rubber ducky.

The ever reliable, the ever loving, the never judging yellow mellow feathered fellow.

Bath time is never sad when the guy is around!

>>1111699
Yes.

Theyre good listeners too.
Can tell anything to a rubber duck.

Oh, remember to charge your phone.

1/4 Buckwheat 2025/07/30(Wed)16:56 No. 1112028 ID: b6ea64
File 175391977589.png - (5.09KB , 800x600 , 6.png )

>Two words:
>Rubber ducky.
Rubber ducks?

>They’re good listeners too. Can tell anything to a rubber duck.
Well… I’m not sure I’d want to talk out loud about things. Maybe something cute to look at would help though.

Kaari: “Hey Lana?”

Lana: ”Coming!”

2/4 Buckwheat 2025/07/30(Wed)16:58 No. 1112029 ID: b6ea64
File 175391989102.png - (6.06KB , 800x600 , 7.png )

She hurries over, and knocks.

Lana: “Everything alright?”

Kaari: “Can you come in, I got a question.”

Lana: “Sure.”

She opens the door and walks in.

Lana: “Need help starting the water?”

Kaari: “No, I was just wondering. You wouldn’t happen to have a rubber duck would you?”

She opens up a cabinet and pulls one out.

Lana: “It even quacks!”

Rubber duck: Quack quack!

Lana: “You doing alright?”

Kaari: “No, what happened that night is still on my mind. Thought maybe this time something cute and goofy could help me get through a bath.”

Lana: “Hey, it’s worth a try. Was there anything else you needed?”

Kaari: “Hopefully not.”

Lana: “Just remember what I said last time. You’re safe here. I’m not going to let anything bad happen. If you need me though, just give me a holler.”

3/4 Buckwheat 2025/07/30(Wed)16:58 No. 1112030 ID: b6ea64
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She heads out and I start the water.

Kaari: “Right. I’m at Lana’s, not the bar.”

I sit with just my feet in the tub first. Ugh, I already hate this. I squeeze the duck and it gives me a reassuring quack.

I’m at Lana’s, not the bar. No one is going to try and drown me.

I keep my eyes on the rubber duck and give it another squeeze. Every time I start thinking about the bar or that guy’s voice in my head, I give it another squeeze.

4/4 (Animated) Buckwheat 2025/07/30(Wed)17:00 No. 1112032 ID: b6ea64
File 175392001242.gif - (60.29KB , 800x600 , 9.gif )

Once I’m all washed up though, getting dried off instantly wouldn’t be fast enough. I rush over and plug in the blow dryer.

All that stress washing up has me struggling to remember now, what else did I need to do or pack for the date?

Check under the sink for the first aid, otherwise good to go.

Brush your teeth, wear something nice, make sure to bring your wallet.

Hair product and perfume.

first aid, don't forget the knife

1/4 Buckwheat 2025/08/03(Sun)09:10 No. 1112214 ID: b6ea64
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>Check under the sink for the first aid
>first aid, don't forget the knife
After drying off, I reach under the sink and find a first aid kit. I’ll have to ask Lana where she might have a knife though.

>make sure to bring your wallet.
Probably a good idea to take my purse with me. I’m flat broke from the flea medicine and shampoo, but might need the extra carrying space.

>wear something nice
Just about all my clothes are back in my apartment, and probably covered in fleas. Hopefully the clothes I had on yesterday are cleaned and dry by now.
Kaari: “Hey Lana?!”

Lana: ”Coming!”

She knocks on the door again,

Kaari: “Have my clothes from the other day dried off now?”

Lana: “Yup! Let me grab them.”

2/4 Buckwheat 2025/08/03(Sun)09:11 No. 1112215 ID: b6ea64
File 175423747255.png - (5.38KB , 800x600 , 11.png )

A few moments later she opens the door just enough to reach in and let me grab them.

I get dressed and gathering everything up.

3/4 Buckwheat 2025/08/03(Sun)09:11 No. 1112216 ID: b6ea64
File 175423750120.png - (5.74KB , 800x600 , 12.png )

I bundle up and throw the towels and clothes I borrowed from Lana into the washing machine and start a light load. Can’t risk spreading these pests around anymore.

Afterwards, we meet up back in the living room. Lana’s got a backpack with our stuff for the date ready.

Lana: “For snacks, we got granola bars, dried carrot sticks, trail mix and some bottled water packed for us. I also the stuff you gathered up in here as well. Was there anything else you wanted to take?”

Kaari: “I grabbed the first aid kit out of the bathroom incase anything happens.”

Lana: “Good thinking. If I end up brushing up against the wrong stick or bush, my stitches could get sliced open.”

Kaari: “Do you have a knife as well?”

Lana: “Yeah, I’m keeping one on me at all times now.”

Kaari: “Oh! What about the thing you were trying to print? Did you fix the paper jam”

Lana: “Managed to get it taken care of while you were cleaning up.”

Kaari: “Guess we’re all set then?”

Lana: “Ready when you are.”

4/4 Buckwheat 2025/08/03(Sun)09:12 No. 1112217 ID: b6ea64
File 175423754599.png - (5.28KB , 800x600 , 13.png )

I grab my purse and we get in the car.
Kaari: “So, where is this place we’re going to?”

She starts up the car and backs out,
Lana: “Little nature park with some walking trails. That one on the east side of town.”

Kaari: “I don’t think I’ve ever been there before. Anything special about it?”

Lana: “It’s got a special activity for us to do today!”

Kaari: “Oh! Is that what the map is for?”

Lana: “Yeah!”
She turns on the radio, the Blood Soaked Hecklers are playing.
Lana: “I wonder how they’re doing…”

Kaari: “Have you heard from them at all?”

Lana: “Other than their producer reaching out to help with my medical stuff, nothing.”

I wish they would have reached out to me as well, I could have used help with bills too after what happened. I know Lana was the one that stepped up and saved us all, but I can’t help but feel like no-one cared about that I went through.

The boss let me have one day off, and when I came back it was constant questions from customers about the whole incident. I didn’t want to talk about it, and most of them just got angry and didn’t tip anything. Virgil ended up quitting as well, and the new security person doesn’t do anything!

Still can’t believe I had to chose between rent and food, and even then it wasn’t enough to keep my water on!

Lana: “Hey Kaari, you doing alright?”

I-shoot, what do I say? How do I say things? I don’t want to bog down our date with more of my troubles. Maybe it wouldn’t be bad though to share a little more with her though?

Throwing off troubles and enjoying the moment is actually a skill, so let’s practice it.

“Just some bad tippers lately. Nothing big. Hey, I like your outfit!”

>>1112222
This.
Good call.
Being in the moment takes practice.
Give it a try.
Sharing stuff is important too, of course, but dont want to derail or take focus off any plans.

1/2 Buckwheat 2025/08/10(Sun)18:23 No. 1112555 ID: b6ea64
File 175487538616.png - (4.86KB , 800x600 , 14.png )

>Throwing off troubles and enjoying the moment is actually a skill, so let’s practice it.
Sounds easier said than done. I can give it a try though.
Kaari: “Just stuck thinking about some bad tippers, nothing too bad. Oh hey! I like your outfit.”

Lana: “Oh thanks! Usually I just wear this as something nice for class.”

Lana: “Like I said yesterday though, I’m gonna help you find a new job once we bounce those fleas.”

Kaari: “Hopefully I can get it all taken care of soon. I don’t know even know how I’m going to afford my rent this month.”

>Being in the moment takes practice. Give it a try
Kaari: “Something to think about later though. Anything you’re excited to see at the park?”

Lana: “Other than the nature walk and what we’re gonna do today, I’m going in not knowing much else.”

Kaari: “I think you’re just trying keep that secret plan a mystery. It’s working though, you got me all excited!”

2/2 Buckwheat 2025/08/10(Sun)18:23 No. 1112557 ID: b6ea64
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Some good jams play on the radio, and before I realize it the car’s parked. Lana takes the backpack and brings me over to the trail entrance.

Kaari: “Wow, look at all those tall trees! This is like, a full grown forest.”

Lana: “Well yeah, it’s a nature trail.”

Kaari: “When you said park, I was thinking of something more out and in the open. Look! There’s even some butterflies floating around.”

Kaari: “So, what’s the special thing we’re doing here?”

Lana: “Geocaching! It’s this new thing I heard about online. You get some map coordinates and put it into a GPS. Then once you’re around that area, you start looking for the hidden cache.”

Kaari: “Oh! So like a treasure hunt?”

Lana: “Yeah! Only problem is I don’t have a GPS, so I had to print out a map and circle where we need to look.”

Kaari: “Wait, it’s not buried is it? We could be aimlessly digging all night!”

She laughs a little bit.

Lana: “Don’t worry, we won’t be entirely aimless. There’s some hints and clues as to where to look and dig.”

Kaari: “Like an X to mark the spot?”

Lana: “I haven’t looked at the clues too much, it’s not that obvious though.”

Kaari: “Sounds like it’ll be fun!”

Lana: “I made sure to pack some flashlights as well incase it gets dark early.”

Kaari: “So does the nature trail lead us straight to the treasure?”

Lana: “It’s off the path a bit. Do you want to walk around and hit some of the sights on the trail first, or head for the cache and then do some sight seeing?”

Take your time, let nature sooth you

Before you go off, let someone else you trust know where you two are and what you'll be doing. It can't hurt to be safe and have a backup in case you take a wrong turn and have trouble getting back, geocaching might mean leaving the trail a little bit.

1/2 Buckwheat 2025/08/23(Sat)09:53 No. 1113116 ID: b6ea64
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>Before you go off, let someone else you trust know where you two are and what you'll be doing
I can’t think of anyone to call, Lana’s already with me.
Kaari: “Hey Lana, can you call and let someone know where we are? In case we get lost or something.”

Lana: “Sure.”

She pulls out her cell and turns away for a moment.

Lana: “Hey Ma. I’m going out on nature walk with Kaari. Yes, ugh my leg’s fine enough to go on a walk. I need to get out and start moving around more. We should be done by nine, but if you don’t hear from me by then can you call to check on us? We’re over at the Hazel Pointe Nature Trail. Thanks, uh huh. Yup, love you too Ma, bye.”

Her phone snaps shut and she turns back to me.

Lana: “Alright, so. What’s the plan?”

>Take your time, let nature sooth you
Kaari: “Let’s take our time and enjoy some of the sights to see first.”

Lana: “Well let’s hit the trail then. Daylight’s burning.”

2/2 Buckwheat 2025/08/23(Sat)09:53 No. 1113117 ID: b6ea64
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We head through the trail and sweet, earthy smells fill the air.

Kaari: “I should have gotten outside like this sooner. Smelling something other than the stuffy indoors and dust feels so nice.”

Lana: “Yeah, for me it’s been that old text book smell.”

She stretches out her arms and takes in a deep breath.

Lana: “Really makes me want to go for a run and burn off some energy.”

Kaari: “I’m not sure running’s a good idea, you might hurt your leg more.”

Lana: “I know not to just go bolt off anytime soon here with this injury. Just being outside like this is really waking me up.”

Kaari: “Waking you up?”

Lana: “I’ve been stuck inside doing not much of anything for awhile. Now I’m out here with you and it’s like my whole body is waking up. I want to run down the trail, climb up a tree, hop from rock to rock to cross a river.”

She stops and turns around to me.

Lana: “How about you Kaari, what do you feel out here? Anything waking up inside you as well?"

I feel I'm at peace, really, the sound of the birds and the wind blowing gently on my fur... just as long as we don't go anywhere near lakes or rivers, and the weather doesn't rain, I think I feel at ease right now.

It feels like, despite my problems, the forest will still be here. Sort of the world keeps going feeling. Its comforting.

1/2 Buckwheat 2025/08/30(Sat)21:25 No. 1113328 ID: b6ea64
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>I feel I'm at peace
>It feels like, despite my problems, the forest will still be here.
Kaari: “Despite my problems, I feel at peace. Like whatever happens, the forest will be fine. Nature will keep marching on. Long as we don’t get rained on or head into a river anyway….”

Lana: “Don’t worry about the rain, I made sure the forecast was clear weather all day. Maybe I should have played it safe and brought an umbrella.”

Kaari: “Well that’s a great way to make it rain on us now.”

Lana: “Let’s move along before we have to worry about it then.”

2/2 Buckwheat 2025/08/30(Sat)21:25 No. 1113329 ID: b6ea64
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We continue on the trail until we reach the first landmark. A giant beam of sunlight shines through the canopy. It illuminates a beautiful circle in the clearing.

Lana: “According to guide, this spot is called Hazel’s Eye. Guide says that regardless of the weather, this relaxing spot on the trail is always sunny and peaceful.”

The warmth of the sun just draws me in. I venture into it’s warm rays and stand still. The warmth is so nice and puts me at ease.

I think I feel well enough that I could chat with Lana more and not get bogged down by everything else that’s been picking at my mind.

What should I talk to her about, or maybe there’s something I could ask about herself? We’ve been dating for awhile now, but I feel like there’s still a lot I don’t know about her.

Ask how her mom and sister are doing!

Exchange fun childhood memories

Buckwheat 2025/09/02(Tue)17:58 No. 1113415 ID: b6ea64
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The two of us sit down in the light.

>Ask how her mom and sister are doing!
Kaari: “How’s your mom and sister been doing Lana?”

Lana: “Well, my sister’s cruising for a tutoring session here soon. It’s not even November and she’s already down to a C in math. At least she’s starting to help mom out with the heavier household chores.”

I giggle a bit and tease Lana,

Kaari: “Guess math doesn’t run well in the family.”

She lightly slugs me in the shoulder

Lana: “Hey where’s that coming from? I’m great at math, especially when it comes to running the numbers.”

Kaari: “Just teasing ya from yesterday. I remember your friend was over helping you out with your math assignment.”

Lana: “Eugh, I don’t want to think about either of those things right now.”

Kaari: “Too soon?”

Lana: “Yeah, let’s change topics. How about, what’s your favorite quality about yourself?”

Kaari: “Myself? I dunno Lana, that’s a tough one.”

Lana: “Heheh, too many great things to pick from?”

Kaari: “I dunno about that. It’s tough because I can’t think of anything. I feel like I’m at rock bottom.”

Lana: “Rock bottom? Nah, we just climbed out of that place the other week.”

Kaari: “What do you- ooh! Okay still, I’ve been a lousy bartender who ended up not making enough to pay her bills.”

Lana: “Well if you’re a lousy bartender then I’m a lousy bouncer who got drunk and let three criminals take over the bar.”

Kaari: “That wasn’t your fault Lana! We didn’t know that champagne was drugged.”

Lana: “That’s right. Now what about the tipping situation? It’s not your fault some jerk got mad at, what was it? Not telling him about what happened that night. It’s not his business to know and you don’t have to share if you don’t want to.”

Lana: “I’ll make the question easier, what’s one thing you like about yourself?”

her resilience. She's struggling, but she hasn't given up. Give her time and she'll be back on her feet once again.

The fact that despite all this, she still knows how to find things to care about, and still is willing to invest herself into them to actually care about them. Gotta care!

1/2 Buckwheat 2025/09/03(Wed)17:49 No. 1113441 ID: b6ea64
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>her resilience. She's struggling, but she hasn't given up. Give her time and she'll be back on her feet once again.
Kaari: “I guess my resilience; despite everything that’s happened, I’m doing what I can to get back up.”

She smiles and hypes me up some more.

Lana: “Yeah! The Kaari I know isn’t going to let a few tiny fleas hold her down!”

Lana: “See, and that’s just one of the great qualities you have, Kaari. You have a lot of’em. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, not even yourself.”

Kaari: “Okay, name one of your favorite qualities about me then.”

Lana: “Easy, you’re sweet and caring.”

Kaari: “I am?”

Lana: “Would someone who wasn’t help their girlfriend with a pile of dirty dishes, or think to bring first aid for her leg on a nature walk?”

Kaari: “I guess she wouldn’t.”

I take a deep breath and focus back on the warm rays of sunlight. Maybe I am being too hard on myself.

2/2 Buckwheat 2025/09/03(Wed)17:50 No. 1113442 ID: b6ea64
File 175694700296.png - (7.37KB , 800x600 , 22.png )

Kaari: “Oh! How about-”

Lana: “Nope! It’s my turn to ask something now.”

Kaari: “Oh, okay.”

She stops and thinks for a moment,

Lana: “What’s something I can do to help make you feel safer, or more comfortable?”

Kaari: “Nothing like breaking out the heavy questions. I feel like you worry about me too much, Lana. You’re always trying so hard to help others, even at your own expense.”

Lana: “At my own expense, like being selfless? Is that a bad thing?”

Kaari: “It is when you push so hard to help, you end up hurting yourself.”

Lana: “When have I done that?”

Kaari: “When we were trapped in the bar. You could barely stand up and yet, you kept straining and forcing yourself to keep going.”

Lana: “Okay, that was a life or death situation. Yeah, maybe I overdid it after Norb crushed that dude with a speaker, but I wasn’t taking chances.”

Her face scrunches up for a moment, almost like a flash of frustration, but she relaxes just as quickly.

Lana: “I just try to do everything I can to make sure the people I care about are still there with me.”

Things feel kinda awkward now. Maybe there’s something I can say or do steer the conversation back to something more relaxing or romantic?

>>1113442
Hug her.

"...honestly, I do appreciate that. I just worry about you as much as you do me, so I get nervous. I want you around me for a long, long time."

Hold her hand and look her in the eye "I feel the same way. So lets look out for each other, yeah?"

And then just like, bask in each other's presence

>>1113444
This!

1/2 Buckwheat 2025/09/07(Sun)09:43 No. 1113583 ID: b6ea64
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>Hug her.
I move over and go in for a hug
Kaari: “I feel the same way Lana. I just worry about you as much you do for me.”

She embraces and pulls me in tightly.

Kaari: “Let’s do our best to look out for each other, alright?”

Lana: “Yeah.”

I hold onto her for a few more moments.

Lana: “Alright, how about we get back on the trail and move on to the next spot?”

Kaari: “Sure! I wonder if the next spot will be even more relaxing.”

2/2 Buckwheat 2025/09/07(Sun)09:44 No. 1113584 ID: b6ea64
File 175726344765.png - (6.18KB , 800x600 , 24.png )

As we make our way down and approach the next spot on the trail, a sweet aroma fills the air.
Kaari: “What’s that sweet smell?”

Lana: “That’s probably tree sap. Next landmark on the trail is a sap farm-”

A stern voice cuts her off,
???: “Pack it up and get out of here!”

We look around, but don’t see anyone at first.

Lana: “You heard that too, right?”

Kaari: “Yeah, I think it came from that way.”

Lana: “Hopefully we didn’t end up straying off the path and land on private property.”

Kaari: “Wait, shh… Looks a like park ranger yelling at someone.”

We get a little nosey and sneak over behind a bush and watch. There’s an anteater and a wolverine by a sap tree.

Wolverine: “Don’t you have better things to do like pissing out a camp fire?”

Anteater: “We’ve lost five sap trees because of you poachers! I’m putting a stop to this now!”

Wolverine: “How about I put a stop to you interfering instead. I’ll tear you to shreds if you don’t make like a tree and leave.”

Lana: “Kaari, we gotta do something here. I gotta do something.”

Kaari: “Lana, you can’t run in and fight that guy! What if something happens to your leg?”

Lana: “I never said anything about running up and clobbering the guy. Power in numbers after all. There’s gotta be something we can do to help though.”

>>1113584
Honestly, might be the play here. Scaring him off with numbers. Dude gave a threat- to one person. Three involves a lot more calculus as to whether it's worth it or not. Posture big enough, and wolverine or not he might think twice. Still a risk, though...

We shouldn't have to fight. You got your phones. Record what is going on now. If it escalates to violence, we'll have proof when we call the police.

plausible deniability is your friend here. Back off a bit and then loudly approach. Rustle underbrush, talk about nature, have your phone out like you're filming birds. Just having an audience should be enough to get him to back down.

Here is an opportunity for some fun bonding exercise!

Hold Kaari's hand, tell her to follow your lead and wink conspiracionately, and then...

Frolic.

Frolic towards the pair, singing your favourite whimsical tune, traipsing through the grass as the sun falls from between the tree tops.

Then when you are close enough, grab the faucet and bucket an frolic away like no tomorrow.

1/2 Buckwheat 2025/09/12(Fri)20:33 No. 1113824 ID: b6ea64
File 175773441036.png - (7.39KB , 800x600 , 25.png )

>You got your phones. Record what is going on now. If it escalates to violence, we'll have proof when we call the police.
I don’t know if my cell phone can record videos; I think it just snaps photos.

>Honestly, might be the play here. Scaring him off with numbers.
>Three involves a lot more calculus as to whether it's worth it or not. Posture big enough, and wolverine or not he might think twice. Still a risk, though...
Kaari: “Okay, I think if we just act like we’re here to back her up it’ll scare him off at least. Worse comes to worse, there’s three of us and only one of him.”

She nods and we both jump out of the bush,
Lana: “Looks like you beat us to him! Need some help giving him the boot?”

Wolverine: “Oh screw this, I’m out!”

He pulls out a walkie-talkie as he starts running,

Wolverine: “The whole colony is swarming, watch out and get out!”

2/2 Buckwheat 2025/09/12(Fri)20:35 No. 1113826 ID: b6ea64
File 175773451162.png - (6.62KB , 800x600 , 26.png )

Anteater: “I-ugh. You two stay there.”

She pulls out her own walkie-talkie.

Lana: “Aren’t you going to chase after him?”

She waves down at us to be quiet.

Judith: “Judith reporting. Sap poacher found: Wolverine. Suspect seen fleeing towards Anturo’s station. Could be multiple offenders, try to group up. Over.”

Her walkie-talkie crackles with a response,

Grant: “This is Grant, heading to back up Anturo. Are you in pursuit of the suspect, Judy? Over.”

Judith: “This is Judith, negative. Staying on standby. Got two witnesses here with me. Sounds like they know something. Over and out.”

She holsters the walkie-talkie and looks and scoffs at us.

Judith: “Tugh, I could have handled that guy just fine.”

Lana: “Aren’t you going to chase after him?”

Judith: “Grant and Anturo can take care of him. I’m more worried about the trees and you two at this point.”

Kaari: “Why are you worried about us?”

Judith: “Because since when does a giant cat and a rabbit come jumping out of a bush after a wolverine. Seriously though, you two alright? He didn’t do nothing to you, did he?”

>>1113826
"No, first we saw him. Just, uh...we've had to deal with some stuff in our lives that makes us less amendable to that kinda shit. Also probably messed with our heads, pretty sure what we just did would be crazy to most folks."

That last bit isn't joking but you can pretend it is.

>>1113826
Be honest.
You were banking on him backing down when he saw more people stepping in.
Just came from the hazel eye too.
Sit there a while and nothing feels like it could go wrong.

seems an odd question. You're just passersby who wanted to help. You've never met that man, he couldn't have done anything to you.

She said he was killing all the sap trees! Who doesn't like maple syrup?

Animated Buckwheat 2025/09/17(Wed)19:49 No. 1113996 ID: b6ea64
File 175816376338.gif - (31.65KB , 800x600 , 27.gif )

>seems an odd question. You're just passersby who wanted to help.
Kaari: “That’s kind of an odd question, we’ve never seen him before.”

Judith: “You jumped out of those bushes sounding like you were looking for him, though.”

Kaari: “Oh, we were just trying to act like we were your backup.”

Judith: “Well regardless, takes a lot of guts to jump out at him like that. What would you have done if he had a gun or something?”

Lana: “Get shot I guess-“

Kaari: “Lana!”

Lana: “Honestly though, I’m not really sure. I guess I just got too caught up in the moment.”

I start nervously tapping my foot, that didn’t cross my mind either!

Judith: “So, what brings you two out here? Looking to get some syrup yourselves?”

Kaari: “No, we’re out on a nature walk, geocaching!”

Judith: “Well good, because of these ‘leaches’ trying to steal all our syrup, we’ve had to slow down on selling it.”

>She said he was killing all the sap trees! Who doesn't like maple syrup?
Kaari: “You mentioned he killed off some of the sap trees, why would they do that?”

Judith: “Greed. First few trees they stuck jammed eight or ten taps in at once. We didn’t catch what was going on in time and paid for it. Not to mention they don’t patch up the holes when they’re done either.”

She looks at the poachers bucket and sap tap.

Judith: “Ugh, now I have to haul all this crap back to my station for evidence, and patch up the trees.”

She swings her leg at the bucket, but stops before impact.

Judith: ”That would’ve sucked…”

Judith: “You two like syrup?”

Kaari: “Yeah! Lana makes the best pancakes, I bet it’d go great with them.”

Lana: “You’re going to give us a bucket of stolen sap?”

Judith: “No, I just said I have to keep this as evidence. If you two don’t mind helping me clean up and haul this junk over, I’ll bend the rules a bit and let you each have a big bottle of the stuff.”

Oh wow, a whole bottle of syrup! I bet it’d make Lana’s pancakes even better! Oh, but if we help her carry this stuff back, it might take away our time for exploring the trail and finding that geocache.

Is there any way to heal the trees?

(But take some syrup, let's not let it go to waste!)

There should be time, and helping out feels good. (I wonder if they're hiring?)

>>1113996
Free syrup, a story to remember and share, got to be worth it.

1/2 (ANIMATED) Buckwheat 2025/09/21(Sun)16:08 No. 1114139 ID: b6ea64
File 175849612402.gif - (126.61KB , 800x600 , 28.gif )

>There should be time, and helping out feels good.
>Free syrup, a story to remember and share, got to be worth it.
Kaari: “We can probably spare some time to help her out, right Lana?”

Lana: “Sure, Kaari you start pulling out those taps. I’ll carry the bucket-“

Judith: “Whoa slow down there. I’ll handle pulling out their taps and pass them on to one of you. The other can carry this bundle of tubes. I’ll take the buckets.”

Lana: “Worried I’d run off with- wait buckets? I only see one.”

Judith: “Tubes and another bucket on the other side of the tree.”

Judith: “Also nah. I ain’t worried about you running off with them, but the other rangers might have questions if they see you with them.”

Lana: “Good point.”

Judith: “Now let’s get started!”

She carefully takes out the taps and passes them over to me. Lana lifts up a bundle of tubes from behind the tree.

Judith: “Here, you can put those taps in this plastic bag.”

She’s pulls out a plastic bag from her jacket. Can’t quite see everything in there but it looks like she’s packed with everything!

Kaari: “Thanks! They were pretty sticky and pulling on my fur.”

Judith: “Now to haul these buckets. Stay close and follow me. Station isn’t too far away.”

Judith grunts and strains a bit as she carries both buckets.

Lana: “You sure you don’t want me to carry those?”

She strains some more,

Judith: “I’ve got it.”

2/2 Buckwheat 2025/09/21(Sun)16:09 No. 1114140 ID: b6ea64
File 175849616661.png - (7.14KB , 800x600 , 29.png )

We head off, but at an ants pace. Judith keeps having to stop for a moment, put the buckets down, and catch her breath. Lana eventually convinces her to trade off and carries the buckets with ease!

Once we get to the station, she has us place everything in a closet, then brings us over to her desk.

Judith: “Thanks again for helping me carry all that back here. I’d probably have to take two more trips to haul all of it on my own.”

Lana: “No problem.”

Judith: “You know, I don’t think we got to really introduce ourselves yet. What brings you two here to Hazel Pointe Nature Trail?”

Kaari: “Oh! Well my name’s Kaari, and this is Lana. We’re out enjoying a nature walk and geocaching.”

Judith: “Lana? You ever been on TV or something before? I feel like I recognize you for some reason.”

Lana: “Nah, I mostly keep to myself. Not one for acting or being on TV. You must be thinking of someone else.”

Judith: “Guess so.”

We kinda stand around for a moment in an awkward silence.

>I wonder if they're hiring?
Oh! You know what, maybe working outside here with Judith wouldn’t be so bad. The forest has been pretty calming so far. I’m a little nervous to ask. Is it too soon for something like that? What if she says no and I blow my chance!

If I do ask now, I’d need some kind of “sale pitch” to help out. What could I say that’d make me look like a good fit for the job?

>>1114140
Speculative inquiries.
Ask how you end up working as a park ranger and sap Marshall. Ask what its like out here most of the time. Theyll pick up on your interest.

Bring up your extensive experience in customer service! Being front facing is impressive and probably not a skill they have, but one they need.

>>1114149
Backing this. Don't sound obvious, sound legit interested. Let them explain and if you really think it fits you, then push the idea/offer forwards.

You have experience at dealing with difficult people from your job at the bar, considering they get drunk.

>>1114149
This is the way, show interest before asking about work. Also could bring up that it seems like they could use help.

1/2 Buckwheat 2025/09/28(Sun)10:53 No. 1114492 ID: b6ea64
File 175908202739.png - (7.24KB , 800x600 , 30.png )

>Speculative inquiries. Ask how you end up working as a park ranger and sap Marshall.
Kaari: “I’m a little curious, how did you end up working as a park ranger?”

She hmms… a bit, looking lost in her thoughts.

Judith: “Well, I was in a rough spot before I started working here. A good friend from the volunteer fire fighters put in a good word for me and the rest is history.”

Kaari: “So what’s it like being a park ranger, is it always chasing after sap poachers?”

Judith: “No, those bottom feeders are just a recent thorn in my side. My mornings here involve checking the trails around my station. Making sure no branches or trees are blocking the path. If I’m lucky, I find a nice ant hill or termite mound to polish off.”

Lana: “Termites! I think you got bigger worries than sap poachers killing your trees then.”

Judith: “They’re certainly a destructive pest, but there’s enough of us anteaters here to keep them in check. ”

Kaari: “What about after you open up for the day?”

Judith: “Normally I’d be guiding visitors around the sap trees, showing how we collect it to make syrup. Now I’m stuck filling out legal paperwork and taking note of how much syrup is left.”

Lana: “If it’s down so much you have to monitor it like that, should you really be giving us some?”

Judith: “Don’t worry too much. Got enough that we can still get by, but we’re going to have to look at new ways to make some revenue for the park if this keeps up any further.”

Kaari: “You could charge an admission fee?”

She gives me a dirty look,

Judith: “We already do that.”

Lana: “Why wasn’t there anyone at the entrance to pay to get in then?”

She eases up and laughs,
Judith: “Nah, just teasing. It’s against the law for us to charge admission.”

Lana: “That’s a weird law.”

Kaari: “I suppose that means the park isn’t really hiring then?”

Judith: “Well, if you’re trying to get some school or college credits for volunteer work I could probably find something for ya.”

Kaari: “Nothing paid though?”

Judith: “We do have openings, but until those poachers are shown the gate, we aren’t even looking at applications.”

2/2 Buckwheat 2025/09/28(Sun)10:54 No. 1114493 ID: b6ea64
File 175908205409.png - (5.36KB , 800x600 , 32.png )

I lightly smack myself in the face.

Kaari: ”So much for that I guess.”

I try not to let it bother me much. If they’re not hiring, then there’s nothing I can do about it. Based on that glance she’s giving me though, I think she understands how I feel hearing that.

Judith: “How badly do you need the work?”

Kaari: “I-what?”

Judith: “Hey, if you’re facing hard times, we can get with the other rangers and figure out some kind of plan to help out.”

Kaari: “I-I don’t know what to say.”

Judith: “We’d have to do something about those fleas first, don’t need any more pests running around here. Those are easy enough for me to handle though.”

I feel really conflicted now. On one end, yeah I want the job. I desperately want to get away from working at the bar. On the other end though, it’s not like my livelihood depends on getting this job or not. Lana’s already helping out and letting me stay with her till I can get back on my feet.

>>1114493
Take a phone number with gratitude and interest.
Thank judith too for the info.
Its great to have a possibility like this in your life, but the now is for you and lana to use.
Theres nature. It needs walking through. Theres time left to spend for your date.

Don't worry about if your life is bad enough for you to deserve the opportunity. Take it and just make sure to do your best to live up to it.

>Those are easy enough for me to handle though.
Hang on, is she offering to eat the fleas? That's probably rude to assume though. Ask what she meant, does she have some way of dealing with fleas?

>>1114493
Never EVER pass up an opportunity gladly given to you. So long as it's not illegal, anywho, and it's not. Take her name, number, any pertinent info, and let yourself and your gf consider it. There is literally NEGATIVE shame in regaining a measure of independence, no matter how it comes. This IS getting back on your feet.

Buckwheat 2025/10/19(Sun)14:26 No. 1115297 ID: b6ea64
File 176090920207.png - (7.12KB , 800x600 , 33.png )

>Hang on, is she offering to eat the fleas? That's probably rude to assume though. Ask what she meant, does she have some way of dealing with fleas?
Kaari: “Wait, you have an easy way to deal with fleas?”

Judith: “Yeah and before you ask, no, I don’t mean eating them. We had them real bad last summer. Grant must have found a circus of those buggers. Learned that a nice hot sauna and some flea shampoo works the best.”

Lana: “How much for couples? I’ve always to try out a sauna.”

Judith: “Usually they’re just for the campers, but I’m more than happy to bend the rules for helping me out.”

Lana: “What do you think, Kaari?”


Kaari: “You know, I think I might enjoy it.”

It’ll probably be a lot more tolerable than a bath or shower, that’s for sure. Hopefully I can handle it without freaking out.

>Never EVER pass up an opportunity gladly given to you. So long as it's not illegal, anywho
>Don't worry about if your life is bad enough for you to deserve the opportunity. Take it and just make sure to do your best to live up to it.
>Take a phone number with gratitude and interest. Thank Judith too for the info.
Kaari: “Can I get your phone number, Judith? I think it’d be a great opportunity for me if you can work something out.”

Judith: “Sure, here’s my business card.”

Judith: “It takes about two hours for the sauna to heat up. I shouldn’t get ahead of myself though. Were you interested in it today or did you want to make reservations for later?”

>the now is for you and Lana to use.
>There’s nature. It needs walking through. There’s time left to spend for your date.
Kaari: “Maybe we could come back tomorrow, then continue looking at job opportunities.”
Judith: “Hey, works for me. Well, long as nothing wild progresses with the sap poachers anyway. Give me a call whenever.”

I look back to Lana,
Kaari: “Well, shall we get back to our walk?”

Lana: “I dunno, I remember being promised some syrup…”

Judith: “Sorry, it’s either two bottles of syrup or the sauna.”

Lana: “Sorry Kaari, no syrup for your pancakes then. Sauna’s more important.”

Judith laughs,
Judith: “Ah just messing with you. I’ll have to go sneak two bottles out of the storage room. If you can stop back at my station before you leave, I’ll have it ready for you."

Lana: “Works for me.”

Judith: “So where you two heading next on the trail?”

Lana: “Just winging it along the way till we end up at the geocache location.”

Judith: “Well, there’s two attractions you can get to from here. There’s the old ‘magic’ wishing well, just take a left at the sign. Head right and it’ll take you over to the haunted cabin!”

Haunted cabin sounds neat (and not water related)

Haunted cabin? Sure what could go wrong?

>>1115297
I actually think the wishing well would be cute.

1/3 Buckwheat 2025/10/31(Fri)12:19 No. 1116008 ID: b6ea64
File 176193839591.png - (5.05KB , 800x600 , 34.png )

>Haunted cabin sounds neat (and not water related)
>Haunted cabin? Sure what could go wrong?

Kaari: “W-what makes the cabin haunted?”

She tries to look uninterested as she replies,
Judith: “Oh you know, just the ghosts of some old loggers.”

Lana: “Just some old loggers huh. What’s the story?”

Judith: “The story itself is creepier than the cabin if you ask me. I won’t spoil the history lesson for you though, you can read about it when you get there.”

Lana: “Maybe you’d like to come with us, a tour guide would be nice.”

Judith: “I’d love to, unfortunately I have to start putting ink on papers and stay posted for this poacher nonsense.”
She chuckles,
Judith: “Oh yeah, no funny business in the cabin either. Last thing I need to hear is you two becoming the poor victims like a cheesy slasher flick.”

I shiver a bit, my mind starts racing back to the bar again. I feel Lana gently hold onto my paw, and I’m snapped back to the present.

Judith: “All jokes aside, I’m going to let you borrow a walkie-talkie. It’s already tuned for my frequency. Buzz me if you end up running into those poachers or any trouble.”

Lana takes it and clips it onto her pocket.

Lana: “Thanks, we’ll be careful.”

2/3 Buckwheat 2025/10/31(Fri)12:23 No. 1116009 ID: b6ea64
File 176193859299.png - (6.19KB , 800x600 , 35.png )

With that we wave goodbye and get back on the trail. We stop for moment to munch on some granola bars.

Lana: “You sure you’re okay with checking out a haunted cabin Kaari?”

Kaari: “It can’t be all that scary. Besides, Judith made it sounds more like a park history thing than a spooky attraction.”

She devours the remainder of her granola bar and gets up,
Lana: "If you need to, you can hold onto me if it's a bit much. We can always just book it out if it ends up being too spooky.

Kaari: "Thanks Lana."

I finish up my snack and we head towards the cabin.

3/3 Buckwheat 2025/10/31(Fri)12:23 No. 1116010 ID: b6ea64
File 176193861295.png - (5.84KB , 800x600 , 36.png )

Once inside we look around for a brief moment. There’s a pair of bunk beds and oil lanterns and noisy fridge humming.

Lana: “For a haunted cabin, it sure looks well lived in. That fridge sounds like it’s the most haunted thing in here.”

Kaari: “Maybe someone left the defroster on?”

Lana: “Lot of plaques and signage around, must be the right place.”

She looks around some more,

Lana: “Well, wanna start reading up on the history of this place? Or maybe I could shut off the lights and see if some ghosts come out to spook us?”

Reading the history always makes the experience better.

what sordid tales do these walls hold? read some plaques

>>1116010
Read the history aloud.
With a spooky voice.
Try to get a laugh outta her.

1/3 Buckwheat 2025/11/01(Sat)16:58 No. 1116116 ID: b6ea64
File 176204150986.png - (5.41KB , 800x600 , 37.png )

>Reading the history always makes the experience better.
>what sordid tales do these walls hold? read some plaques
Kaari: “Let’s see what sordid tales haunt this poor cabin. Any signs on where we should start?”

Lana: “Hard telling, there’s no numbering on the plaques. They even put one on the fridge!”

>Read the history aloud. With a spooky voice.
Kaari: “Really? Let me see.”
I read off the plaque with a spooky tone.
Kaari: “Maaaay our fuuuture loggers never goooo withooout again.”

Lana: “Well that’s ominous. Guessing there was a famine or something? Let’s keep reading.”

Kaari: “There’s one on the bunk beds. Let’s see…”

Kaari: “In loving memory of those who lost their lives here in the winter of nineteen-fifty.”

Lana: “Shaping up to be a brutal winter that year. There’s gotta be more to it than that though. Let’s keep looking.”

2/3 Buckwheat 2025/11/01(Sat)16:59 No. 1116117 ID: b6ea64
File 176204154177.png - (4.48KB , 800x600 , 38.png )

We venture further into the cabin and there’s a glass display with some newspaper clippings.
Kaari: “Loggers on strike! Following tragedy on lake, loggers of Hazel Pointe Logging Co. have gone on strike. They demand for better wages and safer equipment.”

Lana: “Here’s the next one, ‘Record breaking snowstorm! Over three feet of snow buries town in harshest winter.’ Can you imagine seeing three feet of snow?”

Kaari: “That’d be almost all the way up to my head!”

We move on to the next one,
Kaari: “Logging Strike turns Deadly! Sole Survivor of Snowed-in Cabin Shares horrifying details!”

Kaari: “After exhausting all other rescue efforts, a second team flew in with a helicopter. They entered through the chimney fearing they may be too late. Miraculously, one determined beaver had barely hung on. ‘That filthy rat refused to send help until we called off the strike! Radio was up but we could only reach the boss. None of us were going to play these negotiation games, so we said screw’em. Help would come soon.’ When asked about how he survived and what happened to the others, he painted a gruesome picture for us. ‘We ran out of food and starvation hit. You have a room full of starving animals trapped in a room together, I think you can fill in the rest. I’m just lucky the cabin was made of wood. Not much was edible per say, but it was enough to keep me going.’ Currently the owner of the logging company is being held on charges of gross negligence.”

I look over to Lana and see her trying to keep her claws in,

Lana: “I can’t believe some scumbag would go that far to save a few bucks and screw his employees like that! Now I get what Judith said about this place.”

3/3 Buckwheat 2025/11/01(Sat)17:04 No. 1116119 ID: b6ea64
File 176204189184.gif - (15.22KB , 800x600 , 39.gif )

Kaari: “Shh, wait. Do you hear that?”

Lana: “I don’t hear anything. You’ll have to try a bit harder than that to spook me.”

It’s hard to tell with that noisy fridge, but there’s a faint bubbling kind of noise coming from below the floorboards. I walk around a bit trying to find where it’s coming from. Then I notice a spot on the floor is significantly warmer.

Kaari: “There’s some weird bubbly noise coming from below, Lana. The floor’s warmer over here.”

I hear Lana sniffle a bit.

Lana: “Whatever it is, it smells sweet!”

“Quiet…”

Lana: ”Okay okay I’ll whisper!”

Kaari: ”That wasn’t me Lana….”

Oh for gods' sakes did they really put their illicit syrup operation under a tourist attraction? A dry historical one, but still.

Alright keep talking like you didn't notice anything, casually walk out of the cabin, and radio Judith once you're out of earshot. Not going to let these saps ruin your nice day.

>>1116129
Agreed.
They would have gotten away with it too if it wasnt for these damn meddling kid- well.
Young adults.

>>1116129
Yes.

At most say something like "oh god it's a ghost!"

1/3 Buckwheat 2025/11/02(Sun)11:00 No. 1116189 ID: b6ea64
File 176211003032.png - (5.87KB , 800x600 , 40.png )

>Alright keep talking like you didn't notice anything, casually walk out of the cabin, and radio Judith once you're out of earshot. Not going to let these saps ruin your nice day.
>say something like "oh god it's a ghost!"
Kaari: ”L-Lana I thi-think we ne-need to get out. I t-think we woke up the ghosts.”

Lana: “Kaari- okay yeah let’s book it!”

Lana grabs my arm and darts off with me in an instant.

2/3 Buckwheat 2025/11/02(Sun)11:01 No. 1116190 ID: b6ea64
File 176211009435.png - (6.04KB , 800x600 , 41.png )

Kaari: “Don’t stop, keep going!”

We run for a bit more and stop at a bench. Lana sits down and groans.

Lana: ”Ugh, my leg…”

She continues to breathe heavily trying to catch her breath.

Kaari: “Give me the walkie-talkie Lana, we need to get Judith. Now.”

She goes to pass me the walkie-talkie, but hesitates.

Lana: “Can you fill me in here first Kaari? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look more terrified, and I think that’s saying something.”

Kaari: “The poachers! I think- I think they were down there making syrup. What if-what if we had stayed in there!”

She looks at me with more concern,

Kaari: “What if they trapped us in there Lana! They could’ve-”

Lana: “Could’ve. We got outside and away from them. It’s okay now though. Let’s get Judith on the walkie-talkie to investigate."

I hold onto Lana as she looks at the walkie-talkie.

Lana: “Hopefully I remember how to properly talk over these things.”

She pushes down on the talk button and it beeps,

Lana: “Come in Judith… this is Lana and Kaari, over.”

There’s a short pause, followed by the crackle of the walkie-talkie

Judith: “Copy that, this is Judith. You two okay? Over.”

Lana: “We think the sap poachers are operating right under that haunted cabin. Heard something boiling and smelt a little sweet in there. Over.”
The walkie-talkie spits out static for an uncomfortable moment, Lana tries to reach back.
Lana: “Uh, Judith do you read?”

Judith: “Sorry, stand-by Lana.”
Another few moments go by before she responds back again.
Judith: “I’ve got a group heading over to investigate. The two of you okay? Over.”

Lana: “Yeah, we’re okay. We got out of there before anything happened. Over.”

Judith: “Alright, buzz me again if anything else comes up. Over and out.”

3/3 Buckwheat 2025/11/02(Sun)11:02 No. 1116191 ID: b6ea64
File 176211013519.png - (5.97KB , 800x600 , 42.png )

She puts the walkie-talkie away and groans,

Lana: “Kaari can you look at my leg? I can’t tell if it’s bleeding or not.”

Kaari: “Uh, sure Lana.”

I carefully pull up her pant leg and…

Kaari: “Eugh! Blood everywhere!”

Lana: “How bad is everywhere? Did the stitches tear open?”

Kaari: “Th-this is a bit hard to look at, uh… uh… They look stretched and loose?”

Lana: “I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing honestly.”
She let’s out a pained sigh.
Lana: “Kaari, I’m sorry this has been a crappy date so far. Nothing can ever go right, can it?”

Almost I blurt out forget about that! I gotta focus on Lana’s wound right now. I’m not sure if I should try and get the first aid out and try to clean up myself, or if I should radio in Judith again to help? Surely the park rangers would know something about first aid, right?

Radio, and ask what to do about treating the wound, let Judith know you have the first aid kit, and will follow directions. Consider this training for if you get to work here in the future.

To ease Lana’s worries, tell her that maybe discovering the poachers might make for good experience, and show them that you are capable of working here.

>>1116196
Yep.
Got to look good on the application sheet helping find the sap sapping saps.
As to wound...
See what you can do, but call on judith for guidance.
Brief explanation so she knows its not a fresh injury.

Yes Judith probably has some training in first aid. And you were responsible and brought the kit so everything will be fine. Worst that happens is you need to find a good sturdy branch for a crutch.

Buckwheat 2025/11/03(Mon)04:57 No. 1116285 ID: b6ea64
File 176217467055.png - (6.07KB , 800x600 , 43.png )

>To ease Lana’s worries, tell her that maybe discovering the poachers might make for good experience, and show them that you are capable of working here.
>Got to look good on the application sheet helping find the sap sapping saps.
Kaari: “Okay it’s been rough with the poachers, but finding them might end up showing Judith I have what it takes to work here.”

I hear Lana mumble something to herself, but can’t pick up on it. She pulls out the firstaid kit and passes it onto me.

>Radio, and ask what to do about treating the wound, let Judith know you have the first aid kit, and will follow directions.
>See what you can do, but call on Judith for guidance.
>Yes Judith probably has some training in first aid.
Kaari: “Can you pass me the walkie-talkie as well?

Lana: “What do you need the walkie-talkie for Kaari?”

Kaari: “I’m not entirely sure what I should do with the stitches? I’m going to ask Judith if she knows how to fix them.”

Lana: “Well, you’re going to need both paws for that. I can communicate with her, and you can follow her instructions.”

Kaari: “Oh, yeah that’s sounds like a good plan.”

Lana: “Okay, first you should use one of the antiseptic wipes to clean it up.”

Kaari: “Right!”

The sudden radio crackle startles me for a moment,
Lana: “Come in Judith, this is Lana and Kaari again. Over.”

Judith: “Copy that, this is Judith. Forget something? Over.”

Lana: “So, realized I’ve over did when we were running off, looks like I messed up the stitches in my leg, bloods all over.”

Judith: “Say again? Bloods all what?”

Lana: “Bleeding a lot. Kaari’s got a first aid kit and cleaning it up, but we don’t know what to do about my stitches. They look stretched and loose. Over.”

Judith: “Have either of you stitched up a wound before? Over.”

Kaari and Lana: “Nope.”

Judith: “Alright here’s what you’re going to need to do…”

She helps walk me through on what to do, and I manage to tighten Lana’s stitches back up. Afterwards I wrap it up with some gauze.

Judith: “I’d highly recommend getting your doctor to check on that later when you’re done here. They might want to end up redo the stitches themselves, but you should be fine for now. Over.”

Lana: “Thanks again for the help Judith. Over.”

Judith: “Do you two need anything else? I can head over your way if you’d like. Over.”

She teases Judith a bit,
Lana: “I thought you were busy putting ink on papers? Over.”

Judith: “Safety of our visitors is a higher priority. I didn’t think the poachers would have a whole operation running here, but here we are with a group digging around an old haunted cabin. Over.”

Hm, it wouldn’t be bad having Judith tag along with us. Another set of eyes watching out isn’t bad. At the same time it might be awkward with Lana and I being here on a date.

Methinks we’re good. Let’s enjoy the rest of the forest date by ourselves.

Yeah.
Thank her but a little time for you guys is whats needed.
Even if its just sitting somewhere with a nice view and taking it all in

Buckwheat 2025/11/03(Mon)18:00 No. 1116311 ID: b6ea64
File 176222163765.png - (6.11KB , 800x600 , 44.png )

>Let’s enjoy the rest of the forest date by ourselves.
>Thank her but a little time for you guys is whats needed. Even if its just sitting somewhere with a nice view and taking it all in
Kaari: “I think we’ll be fine on our own Lana. I want to relax more with you.”

Lana: “Nah, we can handle things ourselves Judith. Thanks for the help, we’ll call again if anything else comes up. Over.”

Judith: “Alright you two, try to take it easy with that leg and enjoy the rest of the park. Over and out!”

Lana clips it back on her pocket and tries to stand up.
Lana: “Hurts a little bit to move around, but it’s bearable.”

Kaari: “Sit down and rest a little bit then. We have been walking and running around for awhile now.”

Lana: “Yeah, probably a good idea. Do you want some water or anything while we're taking a break?”

Kaari: “Sure, I could use a little sip.”

I pack up the first aid kit and grab a water bottle from the backpack.

Lana: “Ah, let’s see here… getting close to five right now. We probably have time to check out another nearby spot in the park before the sun starts going down. After that we should probably head to our geocache spot.”

Kaari: “Didn’t we bring flashlights?”

Lana: “We did, but I’d like to search for it while there’s some light.”

Kaari: “Okay, so what’s nearby we can check out then?”

Lana: “We could walk back to that sign, go the other way, and check out the wishing well. There’s a little picnic area there too. If we keep heading down this path it’ll lead us over a small copper mine. We can’t actually go and mine for anything, but we we’re allowed to check out a few areas.”

wishing well = water. no thanks.

Lets go to the mining site.

>>1116311
That old copper mine probably has poachers in it...
Go to the picnic area. The well should be fine so long as you don't look into it.

>>1116312
Mine!

Mine sounds fine

1/3 Buckwheat 2025/11/11(Tue)17:52 No. 1116784 ID: b6ea64
File 176291236671.png - (6.01KB , 800x600 , 45.png )

>Lets go to the mining site.
>Mine sounds fine
Kaari: “How about we go check out the copper mine?”

Lana: “Sure. Maybe we’ll see some more interesting history. Either that or we’ll find out those saps are setup in the caves too.”

Kaari: “Ugh, don’t say that! Knowing my luck they probably would be hiding in there.”

Lana: “Well we could always turn back for the wishing well then.”

Kaari: “No, let’s head for the mine. There’s probably more interesting stuff to see there than an old well.”

Lana gets up from the bench and takes a few slow steps.
Kaari: “We can sit here for a bit too if your leg still hurts.”

Lana: “I don’t think my leg’s going to be pain free for awhile yet, Kaari. It’ll be fine though, let’s go.”
I just nod and we head down the path towards the mine.

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Lana: “Wow, lot of warning signs posted here.”

Kaari: “Under no circumstance is any guest of Hazel Pointe Nature Trail to take any precious metals or ore out of the mine shaft. Violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

Lana: “Maybe they need to throw signs like that up by the sap trees. What else do we need to be wary of in the mines?”

Kaari: “Absolutely no smoking allowed in the mines. Punishable by fine of up to ten thousand notes!”
I look over to see she’s digging in her pockets,

Lana: “Hey, just making sure I’m clean, Kaari.”

Kaari: “I hope so, can you imagine having to pay that fine!”

Lana: “A fine like that? It’d be behind locked bars for me.”

Kaari: “Good thing you’re not packing any contraband then. Come on, let’s head inside.”

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We make our way, and it starts to get noticeably warmer as head further into the shaft.

Lana: “You know, this is pretty cozy. Warm lights and the rustic accents. Expected this to be more damp and dark.”
Kaari: “Looks like it’s so we can see the displays they’ve setup.”

Lana: “Hopefully the history lesson here isn’t as bleak as the cabin’s.”

Inside the box is a rough looking tree sculpture. Looking at it closely, the bottom of it is really shiny while the top is all rough and oxidized.
Lana: “Wow, I wonder how they keep the bottom of that from oxidizing?”

Kaari: “Well, however they do it, that’s a cool idea! What’s the story behind it though?”

Lana: “Let’s see here... Edward DuPointe painstakingly sculpted this copper tree in an attempt to win back his fiancé. After news broke out about the unfortunate cabin snow in, Lauren Poppy tried to cut all ties with the DuPointe family. Edward hoped to separate himself from his father’s cold actions by warming up to the fine arts. After a few weeks, he proposed to her with this sculpture. ‘Forget the olive branch Lauren, I’m reaching out with the whole tree!’ Unfortunately for Edward though, the love boat had sailed. Lauren rejected his gift stating he should be helping out the families affected by his fathers actions instead. A cold jab at his reported failures to show up at negotiations to end the strike.”

Kaari: “Eugh. At this point I’ve got a feeling everything here is going to circle back to that cabin.”

Lana: “Well, it was a pretty tragic event Kaari. Got me thinking though.”

Kaari: “Thinking about what? Going on strike at the bar?”

Lana: “Hah, no. Any of us went on strike and they’d give us the boot.”

Lana: “If you had to make something to win over my heart, what would it be?”

I tease her a bit,
Kaari: “Gee Lana, how could I ever top our most intimate and romantic moments like prying boards off a door to escape a hostage situation, or tightening up your stitches.”
That gets a little laugh out of her.

Lana: “True, I’d be hard pressed to beat helping out with a flea bath myself.”

Kaari: “I know your only joking a bit, but that really did mean a lot to me that you helped with that."

Lana: “Hey, I’m there for whatever it takes to help out when you need it.”

That was a good question she asked though. Lana’s done a lot for me. What would be something nice I could make or give her?

It is a good question...

One worth finding an answer for even if you dont share it.

"If i told you, it wouldnt have as much effect when you saw it."
Or something like that is the answer to give, but as to the answer you have...

A tree made of bottlecaps and other bar pariphinalia.
She means a lot to you.
Something beautiful out of the bar, to remind of the forest and the tree of copper you saw in a mine on an odd but still very much a wonderful date.

Which if she pushes you could share i guess, but otherwise youve got an arts and crafts project ahead of you.

Something that reflects her interests or what she needs. Right now that would be something she can use at college, but personalized for her. Could be a backpack, a notebook, a calculator, whatever. The important thing is that she'll use it everyday and it will be a reminder of their love.