His Destructive, Toxic Love

Casper picked out a stunning spot for their camping trip. By the time they got there, other campers had already set up their tents in all sorts of sizes. Casper was a one-man show, setting up the tent, arranging the chairs, getting the portable stove ready, and laying out the food like a pro.

Once everything was set, he took Brock out to play. Eliza settled into one of the outdoor chairs Casper had set up, soaking in the winter sun and feeling pretty good. This sort of time together was easy for her. No messy emotions, no lingering dramas. Just two parents,

having fun with their kid.

With her heart feeling lighter, she let herself relax, a gentle smile tugging at her lips. Then, her phone buzzed. Glancing down, she saw a message from Manuel. "I'm in Falconridge now. If you've got time, I'd love to see the baby."

Manuel wanted to meet Brock. But she'd told Casper she'd give things another shot with him. Eliza hesitated, unsure how to turn Manuel down. After holding her phone for what felt like ages, she finally replied, "Sorry, I'm out camping with the baby's dad right now."

His response was almost instant, "No worries, enjoy. Let's catch up in Oak Falls." Clearly, he'd been waiting for her reply. A pang of guilt hit Eliza. She figured she'd talk to Manuel once they were back in Oak Falls. Even if things didn't work out with Casper, she didn't want to string Manuel along as a backup option. With his qualities, he'd find someone way better than her.

Putting her phone away, she sighed gently. Casper and Brock were having a blast. While they played, Eliza whipped up a simple dinner. The campsite was perfect, with fresh air and a clear sky promising a night full of stars.

Casper was all about spending time

with Brock. His chats with Eliza were few and far between, and when they did talk, it felt a bit formal and awkward. As night fell, the stars were dazzling. Eliza listened as- Casper pointed out constellations to Brock. She'd never really had moments like this with Casper before, and she realized he knew quite a lot. From stars to geography, to countries, culture, and schools, Brock might not get it all, but he

listened intently.

Eventually, the little guy nodded off in Casper's arms. "Can you get his sleeping bag ready?" Casper whispered softly, not wanting to wake him. Eliza nodded, fixing up the kid's sleeping bag. "Alright, bring him over." She tucked Brock in snugly, and Casper finally stretched out his arms, stiff from holding the boy. Eliza felt a bit bad, "Thanks for all the help."

"No problem," he said with a small smile, checking his watch, "It's getting late, we should probably turn in too."

"Yeah, okay," Eliza agreed and went

to grab the sleeping bag. But there was only one adult sleeping bag. She searched everywhere, but it seemed one got left behind, thanks to Ditton. One sleeping bag for two adults was technically possible, but definitely not happening.

"Casper, looks like we're short a sleeping bag You take it, and I'll just cozy up with Brock," she suggested Casper came over, double-checking, "Yep, just the one. You shouldn't squeeze in with Brock; it'll be

uncomfortable. You take

too cold with the tent, It's not

just sleep

outside."