Last September, as the weather turned and showed the first hints of fall, Marissa and I would walk the trail.

It was right near our dive apartment off campus. Our classwork was light at the beginning of the semester, and we liked to stroll in our free time. Some days it was too warm, but some days it was cool enough that we held hands and glanced up at the trees to see if the leaves had started to change yet.

“Oh, look at this,” she said one afternoon.

We were both done with classes for the day. It was still slightly warm, and the trail, for whatever reason, was deserted.

“What’s this?” I peered over her shoulder as she took a swig out of her water bottle.

“A new pavilion, tables and some benches. Let’s check it out.”

I followed... Read More