As I breathe in, the crisp air fills my lungs, carrying the refreshing scent of pines. The sunlight dances on my skin, warm and tickling. This time, I'm back in Canada in the midst of summer. Lake Moraine in Banff is just breathtaking, with its water a surreal shade of turquoise blue, reflecting everything above it like a giant magical mirror. Far away, the Rocky Mountains stand in the background like colossal walls, the rugged shores lined with dense pine forests. Beside me, there's a nine-year-old girl with blonde hair and a cute hat, humming a catchy anime song she has been listening to nonstop for the last twenty days.
"Jack…" Anna suddenly holds my finger. The touch of her hand brings a whole wave of emotion crashing over me. "Do you think there are bears here?" her voice shivers a little.
"Oh, are you scared?"
"N-not really! I'm just curious!"
She's trying so hard to hide her fear, but it's showing clearly on her face.
