Pulling Up to Camp334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpT8DgHaMTf
Sophia sits in the passenger seat of her mom’s car, watching the trees blur by as they drive up the long, winding road to Camp Maple Ridge. Her phone buzzes in her lap—texts from friends back home about beach trips and parties she’s missing. She sighs, shoving it into her pocket.
Mom (cheerfully): “You’re going to love it here! Fresh air, sunshine—”334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsA5bRPIPG
Sophia (cutting her off): “Yeah, can’t wait for the smell of bug spray and screaming ten-year-olds.”334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34dZvN0gPo
Mom: “Think of it as an adventure. Who knows? You might actually have fun.”
First Impressions334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxL4yyGcN1W
The camp is buzzing with activities kids running around, counselors unpacking, and the faint smell of pine in the air. Sophia drags her duffle bag toward the main cabin, looking around nervously. That’s when she spots her.
Lia stands by the lake, sunglasses pushed up in her hair, laughing with a group of counselors. Sophia tries not to stare, but it’s impossible. M catches her eye for a second, smirking just enough to make Sophie look away.
Counselor (behind her): “You new?”334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAbn2nbleL
Sophia (startled): “Oh, yeah. First year.”334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7mFW8SnC0
Counselor (grinning): “Good luck. Hope you like running after kids who don’t listen.”
The Cabin334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTN5yS58zY5
Sophia’s unpacking in the counselor’s cabin when Lia strolls in, dropping onto the bunk across from hers.
Lia: “You’re Sophie, right?”334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjCwiEn8dx
Sophia (nervous): “Yeah. How’d you know?”334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3BgZeP1Du
Lia (grinning): “I know everyone. Plus, they told me I’m stuck with you for the next eight weeks.”
Sophia’s heart skips. She tries to play it cool.
Sophia: “Lucky you.”334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VgRh4wE27
Lia (teasing): “We’ll see.”
Bonfire Night334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYf0BDshba
Later that evening, the counselors gather around a bonfire to kick off the summer. Sophia sits quietly, listening to everyone joke and laugh. Lia slides down onto the log next to her, shoulders brushing.
Lia (softly): “Don’t worry. First week’s always awkward. You’ll get used to it.”334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtr2oUYGrAs
Sophia (glancing at her): “What if I don’t?”334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZ2RFOZKVo
Lia (grinning): “Then you’re stuck with me. I make a great escape plan.”
Sophia laughs, and for the first time, summer doesn’t feel so bad.
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