Evenings were usually quite lazy at our little apartment until Max got into stargazing. At first, he'd just get a few books and stare out the window, but that very quickly evolved into him getting a small amateur telescope and noting down sights, breathlessly calling me over to look at something new he discovered with an enthusiasm that goes beyond a mere hobby. And then, he got into weed. Man, some days, he'd just sit there for an hour, just staring through that telescope. Honestly, it was adorable, seeing him so into this. It was clear he was really into this, and I wanted to encourage him, help him out where I can. Well, turns out he was planning to give me a great opportunity to do that, and it's today.
It's a clear, temperate, full moon night, and I'm sitting here, just idling away an evening when Max comes up to me carrying a bag. "You going out tonight?" I ask him, not really thinking much of it.
In response, Max shakes his head. "No, we're going out! It's a full moon, there's no clouds out, and I've always wanted to do some natural stargazing. I already picked out a great spot, so c'mon, get ready," he tells me, leaving little room for arguing. Not that I would have argued. I'm more than game to tag along for his hobby, the way he wants to share it with me is incredibly endearing to me. So I put on some shoes, grab the apartment keys and head out with him into the warm summer night. This small town does have some very quiet nights, which makes them rather pleasant to just exist in, just kind of... vibe, I guess. That's something Max likes to talk about, vibing. I think he picked it up from the dude he gets his weed from.
After a couple of minutes of casual strolling, we arrive at the grassy fields just on the outskirts of town, and Max's got a clear destination in mind, because despite his casual demeanor, he absolutely walks with purpose in his step. Eventually, we make it to the place he's picked out in advance—a hill that's close enough to the city to still have residual light keeping us out of darkness, but far enough away and with the city behind us for less light pollution and a clearer view of the stars. But I'll admit, all this time, I've been wondering what exactly Max has been carrying along in his bag.
The two of us lay down in the grass, and it seems I'm about to get my answer, as he starts digging around in it, eventually producing a joint and a lighter. "Just a bit of Mother Nature, y'know? It'll make the whole thing even better," he explains, lighting the joint up and taking a puff before holding it in my direction. Now, I'll admit, I've never been one for this whole thing, I've always just shied away from it, but... I mean, what's the harm, right? If Max likes it, why can't I? So I take it from him, and after a bit of instruction, take a puff myself. I have to let out a little cough afterwards, causing him to giggle while I pass it back again. And that's how the next few minutes go, with us slowly taking turns smoking this joint and letting its effects take hold. It's such a strange feeling, kind of like I'm floating a bit, and everything just looks a little bit different, not necessarily in a bad way. Maybe there is something to this whole "communing with Mother Nature" thing?
After we finish that up, we just lay there, and Max begins pointing out star constellations to me, mostly focusing on the well known, easily spottable ones like the Big and Little Dipper, but also leaving some time to just... look at the big picture. Take it all in. And man, it really is amazing just how massive this whole space thing is. But when I turn to the left, looking at Max and causing him to look at me as well, I'm suddenly struck by an even stronger feeling. ...Have Max's eyes always been this pretty? These brown eyes, looking at me with such kindness, it's like there's a whole new depth to them I've never seen before. Max, for his part, seems to notice, but doesn't seem to mind. There's no words being spoken between us, the moment just... is.