"How about we stop and have a breakfast picnic?" he suggested. "We can enjoy the view from right here."
"I think that's a good idea," Charlotte said, looking relieved at the prospect of stopping.
They picked a spot along the shore, the water lapping gently at the rocky edge. They set their backpacks down and Benny began unpacking their things, feeling the weight of Charlotte's nervous gaze on him as he spread out the blanket and started arranging their breakfast. The smell of fresh fruit and pastries mingled with the salty air, creating a tantalizing aroma.
"Here," he said, handing her a croissant. "Let's eat and enjoy the view."
As they ate, the sun continued to rise, casting a golden glow across the lake. Benny couldn't help but marvel at the way the light flickered in Charlotte's eyes, illuminating the flecks of green and gold within them. His heart swelled with love for her, but also with the uncertainty of what lay ahead.
Everything will be okay, he told himself, silently repeating the mantra as he focused on the quiet stillness of the water. I'll make sure of it.
For now, he would do his best to put Charlotte at ease and share this moment with her, while also keeping an eye on their surroundings. They had wandered far from the trail, but he was confident that they could easily find their way back.
"Look at the birds," he said, attempting to shift her focus from her worries. A flock of gulls soared above them, their cries resonating across the lake. "Nature truly is beautiful, isn't it?"
She glanced up, and a small smile played at the corners of her mouth. "Breathtaking."
Encouraged, Benny continued, "Remember how we went to that photography exhibition for our first date? We bonded over our love for nature and its beauty. I think it's moments like these that make all the challenges worth it."
As Charlotte nodded, Benny's hand found hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. Their fingers intertwined, the warmth of their connection a beacon amidst the uncertainty. He hoped his touch would convey everything he couldn't quite put into words—how much he loved her, how committed he was to their future together, and how he would do anything within his power to keep her safe and happy.
The moment was broken, however, as Charlotte withdrew her hand and rose. She cleared her throat. "I've got to take a little bathroom break," she said, her voice wavering slightly as she scanned their surroundings for a private spot.
"Sure, take your time," Benny said, trying to sound reassuring. As soon as Charlotte disappeared from view, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring. His heart raced with anticipation as he dropped it into a glass and filled the glass carefully with water. It wasn't champagne, but he hoped Charlotte would appreciate the sentiment nonetheless.
With trembling hands, Benny arranged a simple yet heartfelt scene for the proposal: a soft blanket spread out on the ground, a platter of fresh fruit, and the surprise-filled glass set in the center. He took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp morning air mingling with the faint scent of salt. His thoughts were a jumble of excitement and nerves, but one thing was certain: He couldn't wait for Charlotte to return so he could ask her the most important question of his life.
"Please say yes," he whispered to himself, his eyes darting toward the spot where Charlotte had vanished. Anxiously, he adjusted the arrangement of the fruit, wondering if it looked presentable enough. The sun continued its ascent, casting a golden glow on everything around them, and Benny couldn't help but think how perfect this moment was, despite the anxiety gnawing at the pit of his stomach.
Memories of their relationship flooded his mind—the laughter they'd shared, the countless adventures they'd embarked upon, and the quiet moments when they'd simply basked in each other's presence. Benny's love for Charlotte burned brightly within him, fueling his determination to make this proposal unforgettable.
"Come on, Charlotte," he muttered under his breath, his fingers tapping restlessly against his thigh. "I can't wait to tell our families that we're engaged."
As the seconds ticked by, Benny's anticipation only grew, the sight of the ring in the glass serving as a constant reminder of the life-changing decision that lay before them. He knew Charlotte loved him, but the uncertainty of her answer sent shivers down his spine.
"Deep breaths," he reminded himself, trying to calm his racing heart. "This is our moment."
But as the seconds snowballed into minutes, Benny's anxiety steadily grew. He couldn't understand why she was taking so long. Was something wrong?
"Charlotte?" he called tentatively, cupping his hands around his mouth to amplify the sound.
He hesitated, torn between the fear of startling her and the gnawing concern that something might be wrong. Taking a deep breath, he weighed his options, trying to decide whether to venture after her or remain where he was.
Maybe she's just enjoying the view, he thought to himself, trying to dismiss his unease. But the thought wouldn't leave him, and the silence seemed deafening in the peaceful morning landscape.
Just as Benny decided to stand up and search for her, a blood-curdling scream pierced the stillness, sending shivers down his spine. His heart lurched in his chest as panic surged through his veins. He bolted to his feet, adrenaline fueling his movements, and raced toward the sound.
"Charlotte!" he shouted, his voice strained with fear. The mist swirled around him, obscuring his vision and making it difficult to determine her location. "Where are you?"
As he drew closer to the edge of the lake, he spotted Charlotte's silhouette through the mist, standing unnervingly still. Her posture radiated tension, her gaze affixed to something in the water. "What's wrong?" Benny panted, his breath coming out in ragged gasps.
In answer, she pointed toward a murky object drifting slowly toward them across the water. There was a look of horror on her face.
"I think it's a life!" she said in a choked whisper, grabbing Benny's arm.
Benny stared at the object, puzzled. He felt an instinctive need to downplay the situation, to assure Charlotte that she was overreacting and there was nothing to be afraid of. "It's probably just a log," he said, sounding more confident than he felt.
Charlotte shot him a dubious glance, her lips pressed into a thin line. "There aren't any trees around here, Benny."
