The sun hung low over the Thames, casting long shadows across the water as the three friends—Liam, Sophie, and Raj—sat on the deck of their rented boat, arguing over what to pack for the weekend. 

“It’s not just about the weather,” Liam said, arms crossed, his voice taut. “We’re going on a holiday. You can’t just throw everything in a bag and hope for the best.”

Sophie rolled her eyes. “I brought a waterproof jacket, a sweater, and a towel. That’s enough for any weather. You’re overthinking.”

Raj, who had been quietly watching the debate, finally spoke up. “You’re both missing the point. We’re not just packing for the weather. We’re packing for the weekend. If we’re going to be out on the water all day, we need proper gear. And if we’re staying on the river, we need to think about what we’ll need for the evening.”

Liam frowned. “And what exactly does that mean? We’re not going to be camping. We’re just going out for a few days. We can bring whatever we want.”

Sophie shook her head. “That’s exactly the problem. You’re treating this like a regular trip. It’s a holiday. We should be prepared for anything. If it rains, we don’t want to be stuck with nothing to dry off in.”

Raj sighed. “I brought a couple of books, a notebook, and a few snacks. I figured we’d have time to read and relax. But if you’re bringing everything, we’ll end up with a mountain of stuff.”

Liam waved a hand. “That’s not the point. The point is, we need to pack efficiently. No one wants to carry a suitcase full of useless stuff.”

Sophie laughed. “And that’s exactly what you’re doing. You’re arguing over what to bring like it’s some kind of competition. We’re just trying to make sure we’re comfortable.”

Raj finally stood up, stretching his arms. “Look, maybe we should just compromise. I’ll bring a few more items, and you two can decide what else you need. If we’re going to be on the river, we should be ready for anything.”

Liam relented with a sigh. “Fine. But don’t expect me to carry all the weight.”
