One Month One World One Year Challenge 2022

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"Got any big plans now?"
"Not really. I might try skiing more or something. Maybe see if I'm any good a snowboarding."
"I meant today."
"Oh, nope. Just take care of my garden I guess. Unless you have a better idea."
"I was thinking it might be fun to go for a hike in the bamboo forest. It's another beautiful day, why waste it inside?"
"Okay, sure. The garden can wait."

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"Ever hiked these trails before?"
"Yeah, a couple times, but not for awhile. Last time I did, it wasn't all that fun."
"Oh? Why not?"
"Eh, well, it's a long story."
"Telling stories, chatting, it's what you do when hiking. Maybe you'd like to tell me while we walk."

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"...and the next thing I know, she turned me into a gnome! Can you believe it? I guess I deserved it."
"Oh yeah, I believe it. You don't want to mess with L."
"You know her too?"

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"Oh yeah, she and Essa are very close. L. took care of her when she was a baby. She calls her Mom."
"Oh that's just great! Now Essa probably won't like me if L. tells her."
"Nah, it'll be okay. You apologized. Essa's very forgiving."

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The two kept chatting and laughing together as they walked until they came upon the old graves along the trail of the ancestors of the locals. Joel stopped at two in particular that looked newer than the rest and got a bit teared up looking at them.

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"Are you okay? Do you know who these people were or something?"
"There's no one buried here. It's just markers Josh, Jon and I put here as a memorial to our parents. After a decade passed we realized they must've died in the jungle. We don't know that for sure, but it's pretty much a given by now. Since we couldn't actually bury them, we did this to honor them instead. I just...get a bit emotional whenever I come here, but it's a good thing. It's somewhere to go and think about them and everything they meant to us. Sometimes...I talk to them."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I had no idea. You know, maybe I should do something like that for my Mom."
"If you think it's something you'd like to do, yes. It might help you deal with things."
"I'll think about it."
"Okay, well, anyway. I should go home. I'll see you later little Bro. Keep in touch, okay? Let me know how you're doing and if you need help with anything, anything at all, you know I'll help you, if I can."
"I know you will, and the same goes for me too! See you soon."

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Cale went home finally and took care of his garden, had some dinner and was just puttering around thinking about everything when Kenzie called. He invited her to come over and hang out, maybe watch a movie together or something. She agreed and within minutes was knocking at his door.

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They relaxed on his bed watching a romantic movie and chatting about Cale's mountain excursion with Joel. When the movie ended, Cale got up to turn off the TV and sat on the loveseat. Kenzie joined him, she smiled, then leaned over and kissed him.

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One thing led to another and they shared a very intimate moment there before he asked her to spend the night. She agreed by looking deeply into his eyes. They said all he needed to know. Cale stood up and simply held out his hand. She took it, never looking away as he led her to his bed.

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It was the perfect ending for a perfect weekend.

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Cale crept out of bed the next morning, trying not to wake Kenzie and grabbed something to eat. Looking quite smug with yourself Cale. I guess you have good reason for it.
(Ohhh Yeahhh!)

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Kenzie interrupted his thoughts when she opened his bedroom door and started to walk by him on her way to the bathroom. She had a weird look on her face.
(Uh oh, did I do something wrong?)

"Good morning gorgeous, did you sleep well? Everything okay?"
"Very well, yes, you wore me out. Not complaining though." She said with a smirk.
"I am curious about something though."
"Yeah? What's that?"
"Who are all those girls in the photos hanging on your bedroom wall?"
(Dangit! Why'd I hang those there?)
(Too late now. Better think of something. Quick!)
"Oh, them, just some good friends of mine. That's all."
"You must be very close to them."
"Yeah, like I said 'good' friends."
"Hmm, okay, well is it alright if I use your shower?"
"Of course, go for it. I'll have some breakfast waiting for you when you're finished."
"Cool, I'm starving!"

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After breakfast, Kenzie said she had to go. It was a school day and she had a test today that couldn't be skipped. She told him she needed to keep her grades up or her parents wouldn't let her stay with the other kids in the rental house anymore.
"I'll miss you. I'll be thinking about you. I'm so glad you came over."
"Me too. Bye for now, I hope we can get together again very soon. Maybe go rock climbing together or...something."
"I want that too, sure. You're very special to me Kenzie... I...I'll call you, I promise."
"I'll be waiting, bye Cale."

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(Wow, I can't believe she bought that.)
Bought what? That you think she's special or that those girls in the photos are just good friends?
(The last part. She is very special to me, I feel bad for lying to her, but...)
No explanation needed Cale. Probably should put those photos away though.

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After Kenzie left, Cale decided to go for another walk on the trails behind his house. This time, he went to the Temple and made a wish to place on the wishing board.
(Hope it comes true.)

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What did you wish?
(If I told you, it wouldn't come true, right?)
Oh well, yes, how silly of me.

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Cale was feeling playful and decided to make another Snowpal. He's really not very good at it is he? It looks like he doesn't care though. The Dude is on cloud nine today.

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He intended to go home since it was getting late, but took only two steps before he slipped on the ice and fell.
(Ouch! Dangit!)
He got up, brushed himself off and walked a little more carefully this time. But...

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He fell again not very far away.

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And again! Gah! Are you okay Cale?

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(NO! I'm not okay, I'm not, I'm not, I'm not!)
He got a mood swing and is feeling rebellious. What does a hormonal teenage boy do when they're feeling rebellious?

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Take a selfie showing off your muscles to send to a girl, of course. What else would he do? hehe

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Cale didn't fall again and made it home safely after that. On the way there, he ran into another Kodama in the same place as the other one he'd encountered. However, this one blessed him instead of cursing him and put him in a very inspired mood as evidenced by the daily post pic for this update.

I was hoping Cale would encounter some 'wild animals' while out hiking for the aspiration, but he didn't get attacked at all. Oh well, hopefully next time...