The Accidental BBQ Guest

That time I accidentally joined a random family's BBQ and didn't realize for 40 minutes

A few summers ago, my friend Federico texted me saying his family was having a casual BBQ at

the park near the lake. I was tired from work but thought, hey,

coke, sun, burgers why not? I arrive, and immediately

I'm greeted by music, laughter, and the smell of grilled meat. People are tossing

frisbees, kids are running around with popsicles, and a golden retriever is chasing its own

tail. Someone waves at me and hands me a coke, saying,

"Glad you made it, buddy!" I take it, thinking, wow,