Bacon

The sun was shining, beating down on the hot barbecue. The bacon was sizzling away, oil spitting heedlessly. They were exhausted yet cheerful, having spent the previous day milking cows, shooting, biking, driving, whipping, and burning marshmallows on the bonfire with reckless abandon.

Joey was nervous when he approached the barbecue. Lauren was busy cooking the bacon, but was still just as intimidating as ever. Too tired to worry about his fear, Joey approached her, his mug shaking in his hand.

Smiles, laughs, and a good chat later, they were stuffing their face with food, the bacon, banana and maple syrup-smothered pancakes keeping everyone quiet, if just for a short while.