The last of the cars rumbled out of the campsite. Brucie sat watching them go from a distance. A smile came over her face. *Alone at last, she thought.*
Every year it was the same routine. The humans came and virtually got in their way, but now they were all gone. She and her woodland companions could go about their business preparing for autumn.
Brucie and her companions were wood sprites. Wood sprites are a kind of fairy or elf. They are found in the woods where is serene and cool. Sprites have one important job. That job is changing the trees colors in autumn.
Brucie made her way back to the clearing in the woods. The others were waiting.
“Well?” Nyx asked.
“They’re gone,” Brucie, answered.
“Good, we can start!” Nixie said happily.
“But what about the late campers?” Nissa asked a bit worried.
“Don’t worry. There’s not many of them. They won’t interfere,” Brucie assured her. “Now let’s go tell Bobby and the guys. We’ve got a big festival to prepare for this year.”
~~~~~
Mike and Peter had borrowed camping gear from their friend Alfred. They were busy going over their list to make sure they had everything they needed. Micky and Davy were still not as excited as the other two about the prospect of spending four days in the woods.
“That just about does it. We’ll be ready to leave here Thursday,” Mike announced after he and Peter finished checking the list.
“Just make sure ya got enough repellent,” Micky said solemnly.
“An’ rain gear,” Davy added.
“Will you guys just give it a rest?” Mike sighed. “Just give this a chance, will ya?”
“Yeah. This is gonna be a groovy experience. Getting back to nature will do us all good,” Peter smiled.
“Sleeping on the ground? With bugs? Ugh!” Micky said making a face.
“Bugs? Ha!! Try gettin’ drenched. I’ll catch me death of pneumonia!!” Davy added shuttering.
“Think peace, guys,” Peter offered.
“Yeah, peace and bugs,” Micky countered
“An’ rain,” Davy added. Mike and Peter looked at each other and shook their heads.