The Vacation (physical/mental AR to 20s)

[EvitaReginae]

The Vacation (physical/mental AR)
By EvitaReginae

Part 1

Elaine and Marcus had been planning this getaway for months — a blissful weekend at a secluded cabin by the lake, a rare chance to escape the incessant bustle of daily life. As successful professionals, moments to reconnect without the pings of their smartphones or meetings dotting their calendars were precious. Elaine, with her sharp suits and sharper mind, had climbed the ranks at her firm, but since the kids had arrived, her ambitions were matched only by her worries.

Their home, usually brimming with the chaos of family life, was quiet today. Luggage lined the hallway, a testament to their impending adventure. Marcus, ever the optimist, was all grins as he zipped up the last of the bags, his thoughts on the peaceful weekend ahead. Elaine, however, couldn’t shake a niggling unease as she watched Jenny, their chosen babysitter, play a board game with Sophie and Max on the living room floor.

Sophie, eight, was fiercely independent, a trait she undoubtedly inherited from Elaine. Max, just five, with his mop of unruly curls, still needed that extra bit of coddling. Elaine trusted Jenny—really, she did—Jenny was responsible, beloved by the kids, and came highly recommended. Yet, as she observed from the doorway, her mind spun with ‘what-ifs’.

“Everything’s going to be fine, love,” Marcus said, coming up behind her and placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. He could always sense her worry, his presence a steady comfort.

“I know,” Elaine replied, though her eyes remained fixed on Jenny and the kids. “It’s just the first time we’ve been away since... well, since Max was born.”

Marcus nodded. “I know, but Jenny’s got everything under control. Look at them, they’re having a blast. Plus, we’re only a phone call away if they need anything.”

Elaine let out a small sigh, allowing herself a moment to really watch her children. Sophie’s laughter filled the room, her joy infectious, and even Max seemed to have forgotten his initial clinginess to their mother. They were okay; they were more than okay.

“You’re right,” Elaine admitted, finally pulling her gaze away and smiling up at Marcus. “Let’s get going then. The sooner we leave, the sooner we can start relaxing.”

They loaded the car, and said their goodbyes to the kids and Jenny.

But before they could officially hit the road, there was one more stop to make—a secret visit to the old shed at the back of their garden. Tucked away behind an assortment of gardening tools and old paint cans, a metallic box gleamed under the dim light. Marcus lifted the lid with a grin, revealing what looked like an ordinary TV remote. Yet, this was no simple channel changer—it was their age-changing remote, a miraculous device that Marcus brother had sent them recently.

"Ready for a blast from the past?" Marcus teased, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Absolutely," Elaine chuckled, the stress lines softening around her eyes as she took the remote from him. “Twenty years old sound good enough?”

Marcus rubbed his chin. That was sophomore year of college, when he and Elaine had been dating for a full year. He grinned thinking about how she had looked back then, ready to see his wife in her prime again.

He nodded.

Elaine pointed the remote at Marcus, finding the button labelled ‘Physical Minus’ and the air shimmered around him, particles of light dancing like fireflies in the twilight.

Elaine watched Marcus undergo his transformation, barely believing what she saw happening before her eyes. His slight paunch receded, muscles tautening under his shirt as if he were back in his rowing team days. His hair thickened, the tinges of gray at his temples vanishing, and his jawline sharpened—a return to the strikingly handsome young man she had met in college.

And there Marcus stood, looking just as he had at 20. Elaine bit her lip, having to admit that she had forgotten how handsome Marcus had looked in his prime.

“My turn,” she said cheerily, handing the remote over to Marcus.

He pointed the remote at her, and now it was her turn to shimmer. Elaine felt a tingling rush, from her toes up to her fingertips. She looked down at herself, witnessing the transformation. The added weight from years of motherhood and desk-bound job responsibilities melted away, revealing the slender figure she remembered from her twenties. Her skin regained its youthful elasticity and glow, erasing the tired lines etched by late nights and early mornings.

When it was done, she couldn’t resist the urge to catch her reflection in the shed's grimy window, surprised by the sight of her once familiar, now forgotten, athletic silhouette framed in the glass.

“Wow,” Marcus breathed out, his eyes wide as they took in each other’s rejuvenated forms. “I’d almost forgotten…”

Elaine laughed, a light, carefree sound she hadn’t heard from herself in years. “Me too,” she admitted, twirling around, her lighter frame moving with ease. “I feel incredible.”

They got dressed in the clothes they had stashed here for just this occasion, and couldn’t help but stare at each other a little more. Seeing their partner returned to their prime was awakening all sorts of long forgotten feelings for the two of them. Memories of a more passionate period, before they had married and settled down.

With a playful nudge, Marcus suggested, “Let’s not waste another minute then. We’re just two 20 year old college students about to leave on a romantic road trip, blasting music and planning adventures.”

Elaine nodded, caught up in the excitement, but as they tiptoed to the car, hoping that no one would see them, a familiar pang of anxiety tightened her chest. Her transformed appearance had not altered the maternal instinct deeply ingrained in her psyche. "Marcus, are you sure the kids will be alright with Jenny? It’s a whole weekend..."

Marcus, already behind the wheel, frowned slightly. "Elaine, we talked about this. They'll be fine. Jenny’s great with them, and we need this time together. Try to relax."

But Elaine’s worry proved stubborn. "I just... I keep thinking about all the things that could go wrong," she murmured, her hands unconsciously twisting the fabric of her shorts.

Marcus's excitement dimmed as he watched his wife's joy dissolve into fretfulness. In a moment of frustration, he reached for the age-changing remote still in his pocket. “Elaine, you need to remember what it’s like to not worry all the time. Let’s just reset for a bit, okay?”

Elaine opened her mouth to protest but before a single word got out, Marcus pointed the remote at her and pressed another button labelled ‘Mental Minus.’ A pulse of light enveloped her head, and when it faded, her eyes sparkled with a carefree gleam that he hadn’t seen in years.

Elaine giggled, a sound light and unburdened. She felt a bit disoriented, unsure of how exactly she got here. One minute, she was daydreaming about how to spend the summer of sophomore year, the next she was standing next to her boyfriend, in a car that seemed to be filled with luggage and snacks.

“Woah, how did I get here?” Elaine said. “Did I smoke too much or something?”

Marcus had almost forgotten about his wife’s little habit in college. Elaine had been a certified stoner in college, only giving up the habit when she had taken on an important government job that required regular drug tests. How the times changed!

“We’re about to go on a trip, silly!” Marcus said. “Don’t you remember?”

This was the first Elaine was hearing about a trip, but Elaine wasn’t the kind of girl who worried about things. She was always ready to go with the flow, and she smiled at her boyfriend, giving him a quick peck on the cheek and sitting down in the passenger seat.

And so their vacation was off.

“This car is much nicer than that old junker you usually drive,” Elaine said, rolling down her window, and throwing her feet up on the dashboard.

Marcus admired the way the wind blew his wife’s hair, and the smooth, slim legs he hadn’t seen for years, and smiled. There was no hint of his responsible and serious wife in the carefree girl sitting beside him. Mentally, physically she was exactly as he remembered her.

Marcus said, “Well, I decided to borrow something nicer for our little roadtrip to the lake.”

Elaine’s eyes lit up. “A lake? Ah, this is going to be so fucking romantic, babe!”

Marcus couldn’t help but start a bit hearing his wife curse. He had forgotten how loose-lipped she had been back in the day. Nowadays, she never cursed out of fear that the kids would hear.

“Yeah, I rented an amazing cabin. I know you’re going to love it!”

As their drive continued, Elaine’s laughter often filled the car, and Marcus sometimes had trouble focusing on the road instead of the vivacious young woman sitting beside him. As the scenery whisked by, he didn’t feel a single ounce of regret about his decision to regress her mind. They were going to have a grand old time, and when he returned her adult mind, she was going to thank him for giving her the most amazing vacation ever. He was sure of it!

“Ooh, we should try to score some weed!” Elaine said, after they had been travelling for some time. “Think anyone up in the mountains is gonna be able to hook us up?”

Marcus felt a moment of doubt. Would it be okay for his wife to indulge a bit for this trip?

But then he remembered hanging out with his stoner girlfriend in college. Her apartment just off campus filled with smoke, and her passing the bowl, wearing only a t-shirt and panties. God, he missed the girl from his memories, and it was crazy to think that she was back.

“Actually, I can do us one better,” he said.

He took an exit, and soon pulled up to the last weed dispensary before they hit the mountains.

“Woah, how does this place exist?” Elaine said, when they stepped inside.

Marcus smiled. The state had legalized weed a few years ago, and he had forgotten just how mind-blowing that idea would be to his college self. The budtender explained all of their products, and Marcus bought a few products that Elaine picked out.

When they got back to the car, Elaine asked Marcus if he wanted to gas up real quick.

“Uh, I’ve got to drive,” he said.

“When did you become such a wet sponge?” Elaine laughed. “Oh well, more for me!”

As they got back on the road, and headed into the mountains Elaine had taken a few puffs and was enjoying the mountain air in her hair. She was in the mood to dance in her little seat, and she pulled out her phone and then stared at it a bit confused.

Her phone was different from what she remembered. It was much bigger. She pressed the button on the side, and tried her usual password. She was relieved when it opened up, but all of the icons looked foreign to her, and she might have been *just* a bit too high to figure out how to get ot her music.

“Put on some Beyonce!” she complained. “I wanna dance.”

Marcus pulled over, and pulled up Spotify, and soon Elaine was having a grand old time wiggling in the seat next to him. As they sped down the highway, the radio blasting hits from their college days, Marcus glanced over at Elaine. Her hair whipped around her face, freed from its usual meticulous styling, her laughter infectious and light. She drummed her fingers on the dashboard, singing along with off-key abandon. Marcus couldn't help but smile — this was the Elaine he had fallen head over heels for at a campus party so many years ago.

He wondered how a guy like him had managed to settle down with a girl like this. A free spirit with her whole life ahead of her.

"Remember that time we ditched Professor Dalton's lecture to hit the beach?" Elaine asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Marcus laughed. "How could I forget? We ended up sunburned and had to explain why we were both looking like lobsters in class the next day."

Elaine's laughter filled the car, but as it faded, a silence settled between them. Marcus realized something strange. He missed the conversations he usually had with his mature, adult wife. Sure, Elaine right now was stunning, and he had overall been enjoying this trip down memory lane, but he wasn’t actually a college student anymore. He had a job and a house, and he realized he missed the comfort and intimacy he had with Elaine.

He realized something was missing with this version of Elaine, and he was surprised it had taken him a few hours to realize it: This young girl hadn’t lived with him through more than a decade of partnership, weathering tragedy and sharing in his triumphs. Sure, she liked hanging out with him, and found him attractive, but in her mind they had only been together for a year, and Marcus realized that she took the relationship way less seriously.

To the mentally rejuvenated Elaine, Marcus was just her boyfriend. There was way less commitment there. But Marcus saw the gorgeous young woman as his soul mate. The love of his life.

They arrived at the cabin as the blanket of night enveloped the sky, the stars twinkling like tiny beacons guiding them to their weekend retreat. The structure stood serene against the backdrop of the dark forest, its wooden facade glowing under the moonlight. As Marcus parked the car, he felt a surge of excitement—a feeling he hadn't experienced since his carefree college days.

"Wow, look at this place!" Elaine exclaimed, her eyes wide as she surveyed their surroundings. "It's like something out of a movie."

"Right?" Marcus replied, his earlier reservations replaced by a bubbling enthusiasm. He grabbed their bags and led Elaine up the steps to the cabin. Once inside, they found it perfectly cozy, with a rustic charm that promised comfort and seclusion.

Elaine wandered to the large windows that showcased the lake shimmering under the moonlight. "Marcus, this is incredible. We should have done this years ago!"

Laughing, Marcus agreed, "Absolutely." He watched her as she bounced around the cabin, exploring every nook and cranny with childlike wonder. Her energy was infectious, and he found himself swept up in the excitement of having her so light spirited.

After settling in, they changed into their swimsuits. Marcus couldn't help but admire Elaine as she stepped out in a bikini, looking as stunning as the day he first saw her by the university pool. Her breasts were perkier than they had been in years, and Marcus couldn’t help but think that if his wife had been a few years later she could have made a killing on Intagram. The years had folded away, leaving her with the vibrant youthfulness that had first caught his eye.

"Let's hit the lake!" she called out, grabbing a towel and heading for the door.

Marcus followed, and they spent the late evening swimming under the stars. Marcus couldn’t believe how strong and agile he felt. Age had come at him little by little, and never given him the chance to directly compare, but as he swam and moved he couldn’t help but relish the return of his body at peak performance.

And he wasn’t the only one who noticed his stong, young body. It was clear Elaine was quite distracted by his athletic body. He kept catching her stealing glances at his abs and arms. Those looks were enough to make him think about how silly he was to worry about his wife’s lack of commitment to their relationship.

What they lacked in years of shared history, they more than made up for by having the sort of bodies that made it hard for them to keep their hands off of one another. The passion of young love was definitely worth experiencing once more, even if it meant no adult conversations with his wife for the weekend!

The water was cool, a refreshing embrace around them as they splashed and laughed, the sounds of their joy echoing off the water and into the night. It was like their world had contracted to just the two of them, young and free again.

As the night grew colder, they retreated to the warmth of the cabin, where Marcus built a fire. The crackling logs and the soft glow of the firelight created a perfect setting. They sat on the floor cuddled together under a large towel, their backs against the couch, sipping wine and sharing each others company.

“Isn't this just the best? I mean, can you imagine what it would be like to just drop everything and live by a lake like this forever?” Elaine said.

Marcus looked over at the love of his life, her hair still wet from the lake, her head resting on his shoulder, and realized that he had never seen her more beautiful than she was now.

He sighed. “It’s a nice thought, but you know, all our responsibilities would get in the way, it’s not really feasible.”

Elaine snuggled up to him. “Oh, right, the practical stuff. I guess I just think about escaping a lot. No plans, no schedules. This morning I didn’t even remember planning this trip with you. I just heard we were going on a trip, and I was ready to be whisked away by my prince charming.”

“I wish I could have experienced your version of this trip,” Marcus said, giving a wry smile. “All of this took so much planning. All the packing, renting the cabin - it was a lot.”

Elaine giggled. “Well, mister responsible. Did you bring my ukulele? Maybe I could play something for you later, lighten things up?”

Marcus hugged Elaine, smiling. He had almost forgotten about her ukulele. She had tried to teach herself how to play sophomore year, and given up after a few months. She had never been good, but he had always enjoyed watching her face when she played.

“I’m sad that I didn’t,” he said, his face getting closer to hers. “Music would be nice.”

They kissed.

Softly at first. He sensed an uncertainty in her.

He kissed her again, and this time she melted into him. Their kisses became hungry and passionate. Marcus reflected that it had been a long time since they had a moment like this. With kids, and busy jobs, they often went to bed exhausted and fell asleep without even a kiss good night.

His hand slid across her thigh and under her bikini bottoms.
Elaine moaned, and broke away.

She said, her face flushed, "I-, I'm sorry. Tonight has been amazing, but you know I want to save myself for marriage."

Marcus had to suppress the urge to laugh. Of course. 20 year old Elaine had been a virgin. He had completely forgotten that. He had been married to her for so long, he forgot sometimes that their story started out so differently.

He managed to rein his passions, and accept that he had done this to himself. He had been the one who had wanted to experience a younger version of his wife after all.
"You're right," he said, a little breathless. "Sorry."

He kissed her cheek, and she rested her head on his chest, listening to the beat of his heart, a soothing rhythm.

They stayed like that for a while, their bodies close, the warmth of the fire and the comfort of each other's presence creating a sense of contentment that neither of them wanted to end.

As the fire began to die down, Marcus felt Elaine's breathing become deeper and more regular, and he realized that she had fallen asleep.

Gently, he lifted her up and carried her to the bedroom. As he placed her on the bed, her eyes fluttered open.

"I had a great time tonight," she whispered.

Marcus smiled. "Me too."

As he leaned in to kiss her goodnight, he felt a moment of hesitation. He wondered if it wouldn't be better to use the remote on her and return her adult mind to her? Partly for selfish reasons (his wife wasn't a virgin, after all), partly because he missed his wife.

Marcus looked at Elaine, her features relaxed in the dim light of the dying fire. She was his Elaine, yet not—the young woman he had first fallen in love with, full of innocence and unspoken dreams. He felt a twinge of longing for the deeper connection they shared in their true present, a bond woven through years of shared experiences. It wasn't just about intimacy; it was about understanding and growth they had achieved together.

He reached over to the nightstand where the remote lay hidden under a pile of their clothes, a small, unassuming device that had the power to restore years of memories. His hand hovered, the weight of his decision pressing down on him. This young Elaine had reignited something in him, a spark he hadn’t realized was dimming. But the joy of their youthful vigor couldn’t replace the profound partnership he had come to depend on.

Taking a deep breath, Marcus picked up the remote. He watched Elaine's chest rise and fall with each peaceful breath, her face a canvas of tranquility. "I love you," he whispered, more to himself than to her. It was that love which made up his mind.

He pointed the remote at her and pressed the button, the soft click echoing slightly in the quiet room. Marcus expected to see the subtle shimmer around Elaine that indicated the device was working, but nothing happened. Confused, he pressed the button again, harder this time, his brow furrowing in frustration as there was still no change.

Elaine stirred slightly, mumbling something incoherent as she continued to sleep peacefully, oblivious to Marcus's growing concern. He flipped the remote over, opened the battery compartment, and his heart sank—a couple of corroded AA batteries lay inside, clearly drained.

"Great," Marcus muttered under his breath. He rummaged through his bag hoping to find spare batteries, but found none. A sense of helplessness washed over him. They were miles from the nearest store, deep in the woods, and completely off-grid. He was likely stuck with the youthful version of his wife until they could return home, at least if he didn't want to waste several hours of their weekend vacation chasing down AA batteries.

Sighing, Marcus set the useless remote aside and watched Elaine sleeping. The moonlight cast shadows that danced across her face, highlighting her youthful features that he had once fallen in love with at university. He couldn't help but smile, despite the situation. There were worse fates than being stuck with a 20 year old version of his wife for the weekend.

[Saitama]

Great start, can't wait to read more.

[EvitaReginae]

Part 2

When the sunlight pouring into the window finally woke Marcus, Elaine was already up, padding around the cabin in the quiet morning light. Her movements were graceful and unhurried, a stark contrast to the Elaine he knew from their daily life, always on a tight schedule. He watched her for a moment, the sunlight catching in her hair, before he got up to join her.

Marcus was still wearing his pajama pants and a t-shirt, while Elaine had thrown on a tank top and leggings. He couldn’t help but stare at her, noticing how the leggings clung to her ass and hips, accentuating her curves in a way that made his heart race. This 20 year old version of his wife was so effortlessly sexy, and he was captivated by her beauty.

“Good morning,” he greeted her, his voice a mix of warmth and a trace of the nostalgia from the night before.

Elaine turned, a bright smile lighting up her face. “Morning! This place is magical, Marcus. I was just outside, and it’s like a whole other world.”

Marcus nodded, still feeling the dissonance between this carefree version of Elaine and the wife he knew. “It is. Did you sleep well?”

“Like a log!” she chuckled, pouring them both a cup of coffee. “I had a super weird dream though,” she strained to remember it. “Something about me being older. I think you and I must have been married in the dream, because we had kids together.” Her brow furrowed slightly as she handed him his coffee.

Marcus raised an eyebrow, “So a good dream then?”

“I don’t know…” Elaine said pensively. “I just remember the dream being super stressful, like, all the time. Being a mother, woking a boring office job, living a quiet life in suburbia. I don’t know if I’d enjoy that.”

Marcus took a sip, considering how to respond. “I’m sure you’ll change your opinions when you’re older.” He already knew how her story went, after all.

Elaine set her coffee down a little harder than necessary, her earlier cheer fading as she eyed Marcus critically. “You sound just like my mother and aunts,” she said, irritation creeping into her voice. “Always telling me I'll change my mind, like they know me better than I know myself.”

Marcus was taken aback. Something he had said had clearly angered Elaine, but he was so unused to dealing with the volatile emotions of his wife at 20. It had been so much easier when they were both naive young adults, learning life lessons and maturing alongside one another.

He tried to smooth things over. “I didn’t mean it like that, Elaine. It’s just that people often evolve. What we want at twenty might not be what we want at thirty or forty.”

That was clearly the wrong thing to say. Rather than calming her down, Elaine only seemed to get more angry.

“That may be true for some, but I know what I don’t want, Marcus! I don’t want to be tied down with kids. I want to explore, live spontaneously. I can’t do that with children in the picture,” she said firmly, her expression set.

Marcus didn't quite know how to respond. How could he tell Elaine that, in her case at least, her mom and aunts had been right, that she was going to mature and change her mind and decide she wanted kids?

He sighed, a mixture of frustration and concern clouding his face. “Look, Elaine, I just think you should be open to the possibility that your feelings might change. It happens to a lot of people.”

Elaine crossed her arms, her gaze sharp. “And what if they don’t? What if I’m just as sure about this at forty as I am now? Are you saying my feelings aren’t valid unless they align with this... this conventional life script you’re so fond of?”

“That’s not what I’m saying at all,” Marcus replied, his voice rising slightly in his own defense. “I’m just trying to say that we both have a lot of growing to do. Who knows where we'll end up?”

“But you seem to have it all figured out, don’t you? Settle down, get an office job, have kids...” Elaine’s tone was mocking, her words sharp as knives. “Maybe I don’t want to end up where you think we should.”

Marcus felt his temper flare, the serene morning slipping away as the conversation spiraled. “It’s not about what I think we should do, Elaine. It’s about considering all possibilities—”

“By ‘all possibilities,’ you mean your possibilities!” she interjected, her voice echoing off the walls. “You just assume I’ll come around to your way of thinking because it’s the ‘mature’ thing to do. Well, maybe maturity to me means knowing what I want and not compromising on that.”

The silence that followed was heavy, filled with unspoken words and missed connections. Marcus looked away, his heart heavy with both love and frustration. How do I support her dreams now when I know they change in the future?

A part of him wanted to sweep this argument aside, and just get back to enjoying their vacation together. After all, it was useless to argue with her, she was just too immature, and didn't know what the future held for her.

As Marcus gazed out the window, the forest outside seemed to breathe tranquility back into the cabin. He took a deep breath, feeling the chill of the morning air mingle with the warmth of the rising sun, and turned back to Elaine. His voice softened, "Let's take a walk, clear our heads a bit. It's too beautiful a day to spend it arguing."

Elaine looked at him, her anger subsiding slightly, replaced by a weariness. She nodded silently, and after Marcus changed into more sensible hiking attire, they slipped on their shoes and stepped outside. The forest enveloped them with its serene whispers and the crunch of dried leaves underfoot seemed to mark the rhythm of their cooling tempers.

As they walked, Marcus kept a careful distance, giving Elaine the space to lead their path. They wandered without speaking, the only sounds the rustle of leaves and the distant calls of morning birds. The tension between them began to dissolve a bit, overtaken by the peacefulness of their surroundings.

As they rounded a bend, Marcus heard laughter — a rich, deep sound that seemed to resonate with a sense of worldly knowledge. They paused, and ahead on the path, they saw another couple, likely in their mid-40's, their attire and demeanor screaming of a bohemian lifestyle. The man wore a loosely fitted linen shirt, paired with rugged, well-worn jeans, his hair tied back in a careless bun. The woman was dressed in a flowing skirt and a vibrant scarf, her laughter just as engaging as her companion’s.

Elaine, ever the social butterfly and eager for something to distract her from the unresolved tension that still lingered between her and Marcus, waved energetically. "Hello there!"

The couple paused, their smiles welcoming. "Bonjour!" the man called back with a thick French accent, his voice melodious.

As Marcus and Elaine caught up, introductions flowed easily. "I’m Jean-Paul," said the man, offering a hand with a warm grip. "And this is Sofia," he added, gesturing to his companion.

"Pleased to meet you," Sofia said, her voice smooth, her smile infectious. "We’ve been traveling through the States, trying to capture its essence on canvas and in memories."

Marcus’ eyes narrowed. He knew exactly what kind of people Jean-Paul and Sofia were. They weren’t serious people who understood the value of hard work and settling on a realistic life. Not bad company during a vacation surely, but not the kind of person one could truly depend on.

Elaine's eyes lit up with interest. "That sounds amazing! What’s been your favorite place so far?"

Marcus couldn’t help but judge his young wife in that moment. He had to remind himself that she had lost 20 years of experiences thanks to him, and so of course she would be this naive. Still, he couldn’t help but wonder how she could ever take two people like this seriously!

Jean-Paul chuckled, his eyes twinkling. He seemed oblivious to Marcus’ judgemental stare. "Ah, every place has its charm, but the natural beauty here is unparalleled. Isn’t that right, Sofia?"

"Absolutely," Sofia agreed, turning to Marcus with a thoughtful look. "What about you two? What brings you out here?"

"Just a weekend away from the city," Marcus replied, trying to match the warmth of the conversation, though he still felt uneasy about how easily Elaine was being taken in by Jean-Paul’s eccentricities. Marcus couldn’t help but feel like the adult Elaine would have seen right throught that bum.

As they resumed walking, Jean-Paul kept close to Elaine, commenting on her hiking prowess. "You have a remarkable agility for these trails. It's impressive!"

Marcus glared at Jean-Paul. Was he imagining the older man checking out his young wife?

Elaine laughed, clearly flattered. "Thank you, Jean-Paul. I guess I just try to keep up with Marcus here."

Jean-Paul’s laughter joined hers, and he leaned in as if to share a secret. "But it is you who seem to be setting the pace, not following."

Elaine gave Marcus a thoughtful look at those words.

“So, Sofia, what's your favorite subject to paint?" Marcus said, trying to direct some of the energy of the conversation away from Jean-Paul.

Sofia considered this for a moment, her gaze drifting over the landscape. "I love capturing transitions. Whether it’s the change of seasons or the way light alters a scene, there’s something profoundly beautiful in those moments."

Marcus nodded, appreciating her perspective but distracted as Jean-Paul had pulled Elaine aside to point out a rare bird to her, and he had his arms around her. In spite of himself, Marcus felt a protective feeling towards his wife. As far as Elaine was concerned, he had nothing to worry about - after all she wouldn’t even sleep with her own boyfriend. But Marcus didn’t know Jean-Paul, or more accurately, guessed that he knew Jean-Paul’s type all too well, and didn’t like how close the older man seemed to be trying to get to his young wife.

Marcus attempted to keep the conversation going with Sofia, though his attention frequently strayed back to Elaine and Jean-Paul, who kept stopping to name wildflowers and point out interesting looking trees, each laugh and shared moment of wonder between them sharpening the pang of jealousy Marcus felt.

As the path split near the lake, Jean-Paul pulled a small, hand-drawn map from his pocket. “We’re camping not far from here tonight. Why don’t you join us for dinner? Sofia’s cooking is something you shouldn’t miss.”

Elaine’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “That sounds wonderful! What do you think, Marcus?”

Caught off guard but seeing Elaine's excitement, Marcus managed to force smile. Surely, he was just being silly to worry. He didn’t want to waste the whole vacation feeling petty jealousy. “Sounds great. We’ll bring something to contribute.” Marcus needed to embrace the vacation atmosphere, that was all.

“Perfect! Let’s say around six?” Sofia suggested, her warm tone smoothing over any of Marcus’s hesitations.

“See you then!” Elaine waved as they parted ways.

Back on their own, walking through the dense underbrush, Elaine was buzzing with excitement. “Marcus, wasn’t that amazing? When I grow up, I want to live just like Jean-Paul and Sofia — exploring, creating, living freely without being tied down.”

Marcus, who had been quietly stewing in his thoughts, looked at her sharply. “Elaine, not everyone wants a life on the road. Some people want stability—like having a steady job, a home, kids…”

Elaine frowned, taken aback by his tone. “Sure, but there’s so much more to life than just settling down and doing the same thing every day. Don’t you ever want more?”

He responded more defensively than he intended. “What’s so bad about wanting a normal life? Not everyone needs to be an artist or a wanderer to feel fulfilled.”

Elaine’s voice rose slightly, “I just think life is too short to spend it in an office, Marcus. Why can’t you see that?”

“And what’s wrong with finding happiness in a family? In building a life with someone?” Marcus shot back, his voice tinged with frustration.

The conversation escalated quickly as they continued to walk. Both were too wrapped up in their own perspectives to notice the distance it was creating between them.

Elaine stopped and turned to face him, her expression serious. “Marcus, I’m not saying your dreams are wrong. I’m saying I want more than that. I thought you might understand.”

Marcus sighed, the fight draining out of him. “I do understand, Elaine. I just... I just worry.”

Elaine looked like she wanted to say more, but she bit her tongue. Instead, she gave a small smile, and said, “I’m touched that you care so much about me, but I’m an adult Marcus. I can make my own decisions. I don’t need you to smother me with your worry.”

Their argument hung unresolved as they reached the cabin, the prospect of the evening’s meeting with Jean-Paul and Sofia now overshadowed by the tension between them.

Marcus watched as Elaine paced near the window, her silhouette framed against the lush greenery outside. He knew she was still unsettled from their argument, her dreams clashing vividly against his desires for a more conventional future. In a bid to lighten the mood, he decided to suggest a distraction.

"Hey, how about we go for a swim?" Marcus offered, trying to inject a note of cheerfulness into his voice. "It might help us cool off a bit."

Elaine paused, her expression softening as she turned to look at him. "Yeah, that sounds nice," she replied, though her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.

They changed into their swimsuits and headed to the lake, the forest around them alive with the sounds of late afternoon. As they reached the water's edge, Marcus couldn't help but feel a spark of the attraction that first drew him to Elaine. The sun highlighted her features, her swimsuit accentuating her carefree spirit (not to mention her incredible curves!), and for a moment, he was reminded of their earlier, easier days.

They waded into the cool water, the lake enveloping them with its refreshing embrace. Marcus splashed playfully, trying to provoke a genuine laugh from Elaine, and for a brief moment, it worked. She splashed back, her laughter mingling with the sounds of the water. But as they swam, a palpable tension floated between them like the leaves that drifted on the lake's surface.

The unresolved argument seemed to hover in the air, an invisible barrier that kept them from truly reconnecting. Marcus dove underwater, hoping the physical activity would wash away the awkwardness, but when he surfaced, he saw Elaine staring pensively at the distant shore.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" he said, swimming closer to her.

"It is," she agreed quietly, her gaze still distant. "I just wish... we could see things the same way, Marcus."

Marcus treaded water near her, searching for the right words. "Maybe we don't need to see everything the same way," he ventured. "Maybe it's okay to have different dreams."

Elaine looked at him, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. "Is it? Even if those dreams pull us in completely opposite directions?"

Marcus felt a pang of fear at her words, he couldn’t imagine his life without Elaine there by his side. But he reminded himself that he didn’t need to fear that future. No matter how this vacation turned out, in a day or two his wife would be back to normal, and all of this arguing would be behind them. Still, Marcus began to wonder if it might be worth driving back alone to town tonight, and just getting new batteries for the device.

Getting to see Elaine at her prime in a swimsuit, and not being able to do more than kiss her was torture enough. But her immature mentality was creating more tension than he had anticipated. Maybe it would be worth loosing a little sleep to have his wife back with him a day or two early, so that the two of them could enjoy their last day of the vacation?

"I think we can find a way to make it work," he said earnestly. "I love you, Elaine. I'm sure we can figure something out."

She nodded, her smile tentative. "I love you too, Marcus. Let's just enjoy today, okay?"

The two of them kissed, and Mark sensed a strange hesitation from Elaine.

"Okay," he agreed. They swam for a while longer, each lost in their thoughts amidst the physical closeness. As the sun began to dip behind the trees, they headed back to shore, the chill of the evening air matching the unresolved chill in their hearts.

* * *

“Are you sure you want to meet up with these two?” Marcus grumbled. “Don’t you think it would be more fun to spend time together in the cabin?”

“Stop complaining! We’re almost there anyways,” Elaine said. “Besides, I’ll make things up to you once we get back. We can make out on the cabin couch, and I’ll let you touch my boobs.”

Marcus almost laughed at her offer. It was so… childish. But he would be lying if he didn’t find it an enticing offer. He wanted to do so much more with her, but he had to admit that the idea of easing his young wife back up to losing her virginity did hold a certain appeal.

He shut his mouth, and Elaine nodded, seemingly satisfied with his response.

The two of them arrived at Jean-Paul and Sofia's camp as the evening shadows lengthened across the forest floor. The camp was comfortably set up in a small clearing, with a fire crackling warmly and blankets spread invitingly on the ground. Sofia was adjusting a pot over the fire, while Jean-Paul was arranging plates and glasses with an easy grace.

"Ah, welcome!" Jean-Paul greeted them with a charismatic smile. "You’ve found our little slice of paradise!"

Elaine smiled back, her eyes briefly catching the twinkle in Jean-Paul's. "It's beautiful here," she said, her voice reflecting genuine admiration.

Marcus tried to ignore her tone, and remind himself of the reward that awaited him after all of this finished up.

As they settled around the fire, the warm glow flickering across their faces, Jean-Paul's charm was palpable. He shared stories of their travels, each tale imbued with an adventurous spirit and a zest for life that seemed to captivate Elaine.

Jean-Paul, noticing her interest, directed more of his attention towards her, his words often accompanied by a gentle, engaging smile or a look that lingered just a moment too long. "Life is about embracing the freedom to explore," he mused, looking directly at Elaine. "Not just the world around us, but also the depths within ourselves."

Marcus stayed as pleasant as possible, and tried to enjoy the dinner and the company. He might not agree with Jean-Paul and Sofia’s lifestyle, but they were pleasant enough for light dinner conversation.

The conversation somehow drifted towards personal philosophies. Jean-Paul, with a playful yet thoughtful tone, shared his views on commitment. "You see, for Sofia and me, our union goes beyond traditional labels. We are committed, deeply so, but not in the conventional sense. We don’t believe in limiting our love to just each other—we are, let's say, open to life's experiences and to sharing our love."

Elaine's interest deepened, her earlier surprise morphing into curiosity. "So, you're not married?" she ventured, her voice a mix of intrigue and disbelief.

Sofia, catching the cue, chimed in with a warm laugh. "No, marriage isn't for us. We live together, love together, and sometimes, we share that love with others. We're what you might call swingers."

This revelation seemed to spark a myriad of emotions in Elaine. Raised with traditional views on marriage and intimacy, she found herself both shocked and fascinated by the idea. Here were Jean-Paul and Sofia, exuding happiness and a profound bond, yet their relationship defied all norms she had known.

Jean-Paul, sensing her mix of shock and fascination, leaned slightly closer under the guise of adding a log to the fire. "It's all about what makes you feel alive, cherie," he murmured, his voice low and enticing. "Some find it in one person, others in many. The beauty of life is in its variety, don't you think?"

Jean-Paul’s words, soft and seductive, floated across the firelit space to Elaine, who absorbed them with an expression of conflicted fascination. "The beauty of life is in its variety, don't you think?" he concluded, his gaze holding hers just a little longer than necessary.

Elaine nodded slowly, her mind visibly churning with the new ideas being presented to her. "It's a very freeing perspective," she admitted, her voice tinged with a curiosity that hadn't been there before.

Marcus, sitting slightly apart from the intimate tableau forming near the fire, felt a surge of discomfort. His hands clenched involuntarily as he watched the exchange, the words 'freeing perspective' echoing in his ears with a jarring dissonance. He saw the way Jean-Paul looked at Elaine, the way his words seemed to caress her thoughts, enticing her to envision a life so drastically different from the one they had built together. The one Elaine would return to when the weekend was done.

As Jean-Paul continued to expound on his philosophies, Marcus felt an odd possessiveness tightening within him. He was committed to Elaine, deeply so, and the thought of her being drawn into another man's orbit—especially under the romantic guise of exploring life's vast experiences—was unsettling. The more Jean-Paul spoke, the more Marcus felt the urge to intervene, to reassert his presence and his connection with Elaine.

"Sounds like you've had some interesting adventures," Marcus interjected, his tone a bit sharper than he intended. "But I guess it's not for everyone, right? Some people find happiness in simpler things." His comment was pointed, a reminder of the life he and Elaine shared, one that was perhaps less adventurous but grounded in mutual commitment and love.

Elaine turned to look at Marcus, her expression unreadable. She seemed to be weighing his words against the allure of the freedom Jean-Paul described. Jean-Paul, picking up on the subtle shift in dynamics, gave a nonchalant shrug.

"Of course," Jean-Paul agreed smoothly, his voice still warm but now with a hint of caution. "Each to their own path. What matters is being true to oneself and finding joy in whatever form it takes."

Marcus nodded, not entirely mollified but reassured by Jean-Paul's diplomatic response. He decided it was best to change the subject, to steer the conversation towards neutral ground before his growing unease manifested into overt conflict.

"So, Sofia," Marcus asked, turning towards Jean-Paul's companion with a forced smile, "what’s the most memorable place you’ve painted?"

The evening continued, the conversation veering away from personal philosophies to more general topics, but the tension remained palpable. Marcus kept a watchful eye on Elaine, his mind racing with thoughts of how to reaffirm their bond in the face of these new, unsettling ideas. As they eventually made their way back to the cabin, Marcus knew they needed to talk, to address the undercurrents that had surfaced so unexpectedly in the flickering firelight.

When Marcus and Elaine went back to the cabin, he had to admit that even he had had a good time. But he was most excited for what lay ahead for him. The anticipation was killing him.

The thought of making out with him, and rubbing her perky breasts had guided his conduct throughout the dinner.

As soon as the cabin door was behind the two of them, Marcus pushed her against the door, and started making out with her. She moaned and kissed him back with a gusto. She might not have been experienced, but the genuine passion she kissed him with was sending him into overdrive.

“Just kissing,” she panted after breaking away. “And touching my boobs,” she said. “I don’t want any funny business mister.”

“Of course,” Marcus said. He was willing to play nice for now, but he had an advantage over Elaine. He knew exactly what got her motor running, after 20 years of marriage to her.

His hand slipped under Elaine’s tank top, and he savored the expressions that crossed her face as his hands found their way to her breasts. He had almost forgotten how amazing it had been to explore intimacy with her for the first time, but he loved seeing her face at this new experience.

He rubbed her breasts with all the skill he had accumulated in their time together, and watched in satisfaction when her expression changed. Her will to resist going further within was melting with each second that he massaged her breast, working her body and giving her pleasure, filling her with the curiosity of what else he could do if his hands wandered elsewhere, wandered lower.

He kissed her again, kissed her neck, and worked his way down her neck. He could sense the growing willingness on her part, she was like putty in his hands, and he was sure that one more bit of pleasure would push her over, and remove any objections, but-

“Stop,” Elaine said.

Marcus widened his eyes. “What?”

“Stop,” Elaine begged. “I… I want this so much, but… I want my first time to be special.”

Marcus sighed. The tent in his pants was begging for more to happen, but he knew how to reign his passions in. Still, this was the last straw. He was ready for adult conversation, adult emotions and the mind of his wife back. And sure, maybe he wanted to have sex with the vision of beauty before him, instead of being constantly blue-balled. Could you really blame him?

“I understand,” he said. “I’m going to go for a quick drive, if that’s alright. I should be back by the morning.”

Elaine looked surprised. “Oh, you’re don’t want to stay and cuddle together on the couch or something?”

Marcus smiled at her. “Trust me, when I get back the two of us are going to be having a lot more fun together. I promise.”

He kissed her, and took the keys and the device with him into the truck.

“Don’t worry,” he assured her. “I’m going to be back before you know it.”

She watched in confusion as he drove off. She felt a mix of anger and uncertainty. How could he just… drive off like that? How could he just leave her alone? He hadn’t even offered to take her with him!

Elaine was starting to question so much about her relationship with her boyfriend Marcus. She had really liked him when it was just the two of them in university, but being out here by the lake had brought something ugly out of him, and she wasn’t sure she liked this side of him.

Elaine started crying in spite of herself. She was so stupid! Why hadn’t she just given in to the pleasure that his skillful touches had promised to her?

She shivered. In spite of everything, a part of her still wanted Marcus arms around her to comfort her. But he wasn’t around. Still crying, she decided she needed advice from people who knew more about love and the world than her. Elaine glanced at the fire nearby, where she knew Jean-Paul and Sofia were still probably sitting and chatting.

Her mind was made up. She needed to ask them for advice.

Trying her best to calm herself and wipe her tears, Elaine walked out into the cool night.