It was a beautiful day to go to the lake. Kyle sat grinning in the passenger seat while his father cruised toward their destination. Today is the day I love spending, Kyle thought to himself. He couldn't help the grin that slowly was overtaking his once placid face.
"What are you smiling about, son?"
"Nothing. Just excited for the lake," Kyle slowly admitted, as he glanced over at his father. The man seemed to be hiding his own beam, but couldn't help letting it escape from his deep, dark eyes.
Kyle's father was an attractive man and Kyle admired this. Everyone had said Kyle had looked just like him, which often made his heart flutter. Kyle snuck another look at his old man.
Dave was the definition of masculine father. His tall exterior, complete with his sturdy frame was something to admire. His chest was wide and heavily spattered with dark chest hair. Kyle was often distracted by it. It was true, he was looking more and more like him by the year. He was twenty one, and resembled his father a great deal.
And today will be the day I will see, for sure, if I am just like him, Kyle thought to himself.
The car pulled up to their usual, secluded spot where the two had come every summer. They would peel out of the car, as usual, talking about school, work, etc. They would unload their light belongings and set up the tent; Dave with his sturdy arms and legs that beamed with sweat would tie and hammer in the tent stakes while Kyle would begin organizing the unloaded luggage. The commotion would finally settle and the two would cheer two beers as they gazed out over the lake as the sun glistened in the background.
"How have you been, Dad?"
"I've been getting on. Missing you at school. Working. Thinking about things..."
Kyle looked at the jawline of his father as he studied the water and swirled his beer slowly. His father had been through a lot, as had Kyle. Their mother had passed when Kyle was young. He was too young to remember her, but instantly became fascinated with boding with his Father, who reciprocated in her death. The two lived a quiet life together, and Kyle grew and completed school and adolescence with ease. When the time came for Kyle to leave for college, his father was proud yet apprehensive to let him go. His father remembered well the experiences and adventures of college; the thrill of coming into manhood around others who are developing to find a spot for themselves in the world. But to keep a balance in both of their lives, Dave and Kyle always reconvened in the summer at the lake.
"I'm glad we're here. I feel like I've really needed a break from everything."
Kyle had never quite understood his fascination for his father, be it his approval or affection. Kyle always felt an instilled need and desire for Dave's stoic nod of father-son pride. He was a stern man, but Kyle always felts an immense bond between the two.
I just want this trip so much.
