"Brett, I say we leave today. When I get home, the real fun begins. I'm talking about Darien Vance. Dean Green and Professor Thorne and all the rest of them won't be able to ignore his lying and cheating and stealing any longer. You'd better believe that I'll make sure he gets what's coming to him." It's impossible to prevent your glee from creeping into your voice.
Your friend has the biggest grin you've ever seen on her face. "I couldn't agree with you more on all fronts. Hot showers and ice-cold beer, here we come!"
Yes, those too. It feels so good to be able to leave today. This is what it's like to have a future back home.
Moving on, you note, "From what I've seen of the terrain, there may be a shortcut we can take to reach the lake."
Shortcut