Elana’s eyes popped open. Though it was still dark outside, she heard the whisper of voices.
Sitting up in her tent, she unzipped the door and peeked out.
The voices belonged to a couple who were up early walking their German Shepherd. The play of the flashlight finally disappeared as they passed the campsite. Elana pulled her phone out of her sleeping bag. It wasn’t even six yet, but she knew she would not get back to sleep.
Instead, she slipped on her shoes and climbed out of the tent.
The temperature was bearable this early in the morning, and the birds were beginning to chirp. She arched her arms over her head for a full stretch. The aroma of coffee had her mouth watering.
She couldn’t remember if the office had a coffee station set up. Running her fingers through her brown hair, she walked over to find out for herself.
A few campers were already up and sitting at their picnic tables. An older couple had set up their Blackstone grill and were heating it up to start breakfast.
Opening the door to the office, she stepped inside.
A different woman greeted her this time. She was in her late fifties and had flaming red hair.
“Good morning.” Elana sighed heavily. “I was wondering if you had some coffee.”
The woman brightened. “Just made a fresh pot. It’s over there by the package of cinnamon rolls.”
Elana padded over to the coffeepot and grabbed a Styrofoam cup. She poured her cream in before filling it with hot coffee. As she stirred, she looked out the window, watching the sky lighten.
“Where are you headed to? Anywhere special? Or is this your destination?” The woman asked as she straightened the stack of newspapers.
Elana looked over at her. “Montana.”
The woman’s eyes grew wide. “That’s a long way from here. Are you camping the entire way?”
Elana shrugged. “It depends on my grandmother. The trip is her idea. I’m just the driver.”
The woman laughed. “Sounds like your grandmother has spunk. Mine does too. She still cuts her own grass and drives herself.”
Elana sipped her coffee. “That’s impressive. I hope I have as much energy when I get that old. What’s her secret?”
The woman’s eyes sparkled. “She says traveling has kept her young. That’s her secret. She goes on three trips a year with her girlfriends. I wish I had all that free time. I would travel too. The farthest I’ve ever been is Florida. Do you have family in Montana? Is that the reason for your trip?”
Elana took another sip. “No family. My grandmother has a… friend that lives out there.” She didn’t want to tell a stranger that her grandmother was being catfished.
“How sweet of you to take the time to drive your grandmother. You’re a very good granddaughter.” The woman smiled and then turned her attention to the young man who had just entered.
Elana topped off her coffee and fixed a cup for her grandmother. Surely she would be up by now.
After putting lids on the cups of coffee, she walked outside.
The sun was coming up, and she knew the heat would be unbearable within two hours.
When she got back to the van, Grandma Cecilia was sitting at the picnic table putting on her shoes.
“I brought you a cup of coffee.” Elana placed it in front of her on the table. She glanced down at her shoes. “Grandma Cecilia, you have two different socks on.”
This brought a smile to her grandmother’s face. “I guess I do.” She turned and grabbed the coffee. “Thank you, dear. Just what I wanted.” She took a sip and then sighed contentedly. “And you made it just how I like it. Two sugars and cream.”
Elana sat down across from her. “How did you sleep?”
Her grandmother took another sip of coffee and stretched her neck from side to side. “The bench seat certainly doesn’t have much cushion. I’m hoping my friend in Mississippi will rectify it tonight.”
Elana cradled the cup in her hands. “Do I know this friend?”
