The sun was sinking behind the mountains, as we all sat by the fire. The air was filled with woodsmoke and loud laughter. Rather than getting frightened by the incident, my companions seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. All's well that ends well, supposedly… 

“To the groom!” Kevin yelled, raising his beer. “That always lands on his feet.” He took a good gulp before adding “and somehow after nearly drowning still looks better than the rest of us.”

Jack smirked and ruffled his damp hair, but his fingers lingered at the back of his neck like he was checking if the cold was still there. He tried to look cool, as if nothing serious had happened, but I could see he felt uneasy. His back leaned against the lodge, knees brought to his chest, beer bottle - almost untouched - fidgeting in his hands. 

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Jared studying me. He must have noticed the anxious way my gaze lingered on Jack. His face was unreadable, but I had the feeling he was searching for something - trying to piece something together, trying to understand. 

“And to Barry, whose sharp reflex saved the honeymoon!” Jared shouted when our eyes met.

“How did you even do it?” Asked Patrick, looking at me with pure admiration. “I barely noticed something was off, and you were already diving in. No hesitation. Weren't you scared?”

Fear? It hadn't even crossed my mind. Not when it was Jack's life on the line. 

“I'd say I'm a decent swimmer. And these waters aren't unfamiliar to me.” I shrugged as if it was no big thing. 

Jared studied me a beat too long. Like he was watching not just what I said - but what I didn’t.

“You sound as if such things happen everyday. I mean, I swim just fine. But trying to save a drowning man?” He raised his eyebrows. “We'd probably both end up sinking.”

Why did it feel like he was messing with me? Did he sense something was still off between me and Jack? I tensed, trying to hide behind a mask of goofiness.

“Not the first time I'm bailing Jack out. Old habits die hard.” I smirked, taking a sip of beer. “Besides, there are way worse things happening here in the mountains.”

“What's worse than drowning?” Kevin asked, mildly amused.

“Bears.” I whispered with my voice low, as if we were kids sharing scary stories. “I once saved a group of tourists, just like yourselves, from a family of grizzlies.” I glanced at their faces, half-amused, half-frightened, and then I added “but not here. This spot is bear-free. Wolves on the other hand…” I gave them a wide smile.

“Oh shut up you mountain freak!” Kevin threw an empty beer can at me, and I caught it, laughing. “You're making me regret that we didn't go to Vegas instead.”

“Just kidding, guys. Relax.” I finished my drink, glancing at Jared. He didn't seem satisfied with my answer. “Alrighty, boys, it was a long day. Time to hit the sack.”

“What? Already?” Jared peeked at his wrist clock.

“I plan to go fishing at dawn.” I replied, standing up. “We'll need some protein tomorrow. There's a trail to conquer.”

“Hey, can I join?” Asked Patrick suddenly. “I'd have taken my equipment if I had known.” 

“Sure, why not.” I nodded, a little surprised we had a fan of fishing among white collars. 

“Jack, you should come with us too.” Patrick was overjoyed. “I asked you so many times, and you never had time. It's going to be fun.”

“Yeah Jack, you should join.” Kevin added with a grin. “Seems safer than kayaking.”

“Not sure about that. Getting in trouble is a talent of mine,” Jack replied hesitantly.

I caught him gazing at me. What was he searching for in my eyes? Permission? Or a reason not to go? 

“Won't let you drown, I promise,” I said with a wink. “See you at six, guys.”

I didn't want to pressure him. The more I would push, the more he would avoid me. He had always been a master of escape. That whole marriage was just another example of Jack's denial. Mary was a safe bet. Easy. Tempting. A part of me understood his motivations quite well, while the other despised his way of living. I'd rather die lonely than spend the rest of my life in a cozy little nest woven from lies. 

The fire crackled in the distance, sounds of laughter echoing in the darkness. Night had fully descended, and the mountain air was turning cold—biting gently at my arms.

I spent the rest of the evening lying on the pickup bed, answering emails, plugged into a power bank. The screen’s glow lit my face as moths buzzed near the light, disappearing into the gloom beyond. I was almost done, when a familiar silhouette emerged from behind the trees. It was Jack - indulging in one of his usual escapes - this time from the laughter-filled company of his friends. He came to me with hesitation, the same bottle of beer twisting between his fingers, his eyes filled with silent embarrassment.

“Hi.” He said, as if we hadn't just seen each other. 

“Hi. ” I replied, sliding the reading glasses down my nose to better see his face. 

“I just wanted to say thank you. For earlier.”

He was standing there all shy and undecided. Like a teenager trying to confess his feelings to a crush. I nodded to show his words are appreciated, and to give him space to continue.

“And also… sorry. You were right. I shouldn't have drunk. That was stupid.” 

“Yeah.”

I didn't know what else to add so as not to startle him. I could see how hard it was for Jack to even reach out to me. Some irrational anger was still there, crawling under my skin. But it wasn't the right time for a confrontation. The guy barely escaped death, lungs still probably burning. 

“Yeah.” He replied with hesitation. “These glasses… they look good on you.”

“They make me look smarter than I am.” I laughed.

“You are smart, Barry.” Jack shook his head. “You've always seen things for what they are. And unlike me… you were never afraid of the truth.”

I didn't answer, studying his face. He looked as if he was fighting with himself. 

“You're not going inside?” He pointed at the still empty cot.

“Nah, I'm good.” I patted the rusty body of my Ford. “I'd rather stay here. Not a fan of all the noise.”

“Me neither. Hence the evacuation.” 

A breeze stirred the pine branches above us, carrying the scent of smoke, resin, and lakewater. The silence between us felt too loaded to last.

Was he waiting for an invitation? Hoping I'd ask him to stay? There was some strange longing in his eyes that I didn't have strength to answer to. 

“Well… good night, Barry.”

He turned away before I could say anything. The word “wait” stuck in my throat, my hand raised and stopped midair. But it was too late. 

His shadow merged with the dark between the trees, leaving only the sound of his retreating steps. He disappeared into the dark like he always did, and I let him. Again.