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“Great. I’ll just hang out down here for now. Good night, Mia.”

I grab my bag from the office and make myself a cup of tea in the kitchen before heading to the porch. Luckily, no one is out there. The hike and then the excitement from the snake must have tired the ladies out.

It is a beautiful night. It’s quiet and mostly dark. I pull out my notebook to start jotting down my thoughts. I’m still not sure how to write the story. After seeing Travis with the snake, I wonder if I should write more about him. It’s clear he’s the main attraction for these ladies. I just have to think of the right way to do it.

“There you are.” Travis steps out onto the porch.

“Hey. Yeah, I’m just taking notes and collecting my thoughts.”

“I can’t believe none of the ladies are out here.”

“I know! It’s a beautiful night.”

“It sure is.”

“I will say it takes some getting used to.”

“What does?” Travis asks.

“The quiet. The dark. The stars. I’ve never seen so many.”

“Oh yeah. I can see that. When I go into the city, I have a hard time sleeping. It's so loud and bright! Even in the middle of the night.”

“Yeah. It’s like a lullaby for me.”

“So, what do you think so far?”

“Of what? Whispering Meadows?”

“Yeah. If I’m allowed to ask.”

“Of course, you’re allowed to ask! This isn’t some secret mission. In fact, my brother pretty much said I have to write you an amazing review, which won’t be hard. This place is incredible.”

“Thanks. I think so, too. But please be honest. I don’t want to be anyone’s charity case.”

“I most certainly will be. I’m still trying to find the right angle. I’m sure it’ll come to me over the next few days. There’s definitely something special here.” It’s more than the land, the animals, the quaint rooms, and Roberta’s cooking. It’s Travis.

“Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”

“Yeah, actually, you can. Tell me more about Whispering Meadows.”

“What do you wanna know?”

“I’d love to know the origin story.” I feel him hesitate.

“I think that’s a story for another night.”

“OK, well, about the future? Maybe we can start there?”

“I can’t tell you what the future will bring.”

“No, but you can tell me what you hope it will be.”

“Ok,” he starts. I hope to make it a place that holds special memories for many people. I want people to want to come here year after year—friends, families, groups, everyone. And when those people grow up, I want them to return with their kids. I want it to be a piece of their heart—just like it is for me.”

“That’s beautiful.”

Travis sighs.