It was about nine at night when Amber grabbed the TV remote, turning it off without even rewinding the VHS.

Peter was already asleep in his seat, snoring softly. Noa and Rion were both out too, Noa leaning into Rion, who was leaning into Amber. That put all the pressure on Jesse since Amber was snuggled up to him. Not that he minded.

“I think it’s time to call it a night,” Amber said to Jesse.

“Yeah,” he said. “Can’t believe they all fell asleep. It isn’t even that late.”

“They’re kids,” Amber said.

She leaned in and stole a quick kiss. Jesse leaned in for another one but pulled back sharply when Mr. Murphy peeked his head in from the kitchen.

“Is the movie over?” he said.

“Yup,” Amber said, sitting straighter.

“I was just about to head home,” Jesse added.

“I was going to walk him next door,” Amber said. “I just have to untangle myself.”

“Okay,” Mr. Murphy said. “Sounds good.”

He disappeared back into the kitchen. Both of Amber’s parents had been in there for the better part of the evening, chatting in voices too soft to be heard over the movie.

“Urgh. Feels like I have three brothers instead of one,” Amber said, gently trying to pull away from Rion. “I don’t want to wake them up.”

“It’s fine. They need to head to bed anyway,” Jesse said.

He wasn’t even sure if Rion was supposed to be sleeping over, but it happened so often that Jesse didn’t question it. He was practically part of the family.

“I know, but I’d rather Mom and Dad woke them up,” she said and then glanced back at Jesse. “I don’t wanna be the bad guy.”

“You’re not the bad guy. You’re the responsible one,” he said.

She rolled her eyes playfully. Jesse got up so that Amber had more room to shuffle to the side. But when she did, Rion stirred.

“Nn… Mom?” he said.

He sounded half asleep. It was probably just a weird dream and a slip of the tongue. But Jesse jolted.

Rion never brought up his mom.

Amber was surprised too, but she quickly put on a smile. “No, Rion. Sorry. It’s just me – Amber.”

“Wha…?” Rion said and then woke right up, his whole face going red. “Oh… Oh! Amber! Good morning!”

“Good night, you mean,” she said.

Noa grumbled unhappily, raising his head. He squinted at them in sleepy annoyance as he pulled Rion close.

“What?” Noa said.

“I’m going to walk Jesse home,” Amber said. “You guys should get to bed.”

“But I’m comfyyy,” Noa said, snuggling back down.

“Amber’s right,” Rion said. “We should wake up Peter too.”

“Don’t wanna,” Noa said into his shoulder.

“Don’t be a baby, Noa,” Amber said. “If you’re that tired, then you should head to bed. Or pull out the sleeping bags. Is Rion sleeping in your room tonight?”

“Sure,” Noa said.

“I think so,” Rion added. “If that’s okay.”

“Of course it’s okay,” Amber said. “Why wouldn’t it be?”

“Why are you so noisy?”

The question came from Peter who followed it up by tossing a cushion at Amber. It bounced harmlessly off her shoulder.

“Ow! Hey!” she protested.

“No pillow fights,” Mrs. Murphy said as she came into the living room. She turned on the main lights and they flinched. “Time to get ready for bed.”

“I’ve been blinded!” Peter complained.

“You’re fine,” Mrs. Murphy said. “Come on. Up.”

The boys were all groaning complaints at having to get up. Amber took Jesse by the hand. He gave her a squeeze and she squeezed back.

“I’m just gonna go walk Jesse home,” Amber said. “We’ll be right back.”

“Okay,” Mrs. Murphy said. “I’ll be waiting for you.”

They stepped outside together. The air was still warm, and it made the walk nice, even though it wasn't far. The lights were on in Jesse’s house, including the porch light. There was an entire gathering of insects swarmed around.

“Hey, we should try and make time to hang out next weekend,” Amber said.

“We might not have time,” Jesse said. “I mean, since we’re saying goodbye to Danny and his family… And then we need to clean the cabin and all that. It’s going to be busy. Plus, there’s school.”

“I know,” Amber said. “But I want to have more time with you. Even if it’s just a couple hours.”

“Sure,” he said. “I mean, I love spending time with you. It’s not like I don’t want to.”

“I know,” she said.

And then she hugged him abruptly. Jesse wasn’t expecting it, but he hugged her back, holding her tight.

“I love you so much,” Amber said.

“I love you too,” Jesse said.

She peeked up at him, eyes catching light in the dark.

“We’re going to be together, right? No matter what?”

“Yeah. Of course. Why wouldn’t we be?” Jesse said, surprised. “Did something happen? Or are you worried about something?”

“I’m just… I don’t know. There’s a lot going on I guess,” Amber said. “Danny’s moving away, and school is starting… I’ve been feeling really emotional about everything.”

“That… Yeah, that’s fair,” Jesse said. He didn’t really get it, but he tried to. “I’m here for you. And you know you can talk to me about anything.”

“Yeah. I know,” she said, smiling warmly. “I’m just… Urgh… I don’t know how to say it. Maybe…? I don’t know.”

“Is there something you’re not telling me?” Jesse asked.

Amber hesitated. She opened her mouth but then closed it, shaking her head.

“I just need to think about some stuff, and… I feel overwhelmed, I guess,” she said. “Next weekend, everything should sort itself out. Once we say goodbye to Danny and the cabin’s all cleaned up for winter, I’ll deal with stuff.”

“That’s a good idea,” Jesse said. “I’m sure everything will work out.”

“Yeah,” Amber agreed. “You should head in. If we take too long, our parents will start to wonder.”

“You’re right.”

They stole another kiss and then Amber let him go, stepping back with a smile.

“Goodbye, Jesse,” she said. “Have a good night. I love you.”

“Bye,” he said with a wave. “Love you too.”