Pulling Up to Camp269Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpVEfwbiGq
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—”269Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdg86MtTb3
Sophia (cutting her off): “Yeah, can’t wait for the smell of bug spray and screaming ten-year-olds.”269Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweUZnzrVr0
Mom: “Think of it as an adventure. Who knows? You might actually have fun.”
First Impressions269Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeegs6OzPlx
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?”269Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DIKWUl7RH
Sophia (startled): “Oh, yeah. First year.”269Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXyud499pb
Counselor (grinning): “Good luck. Hope you like running after kids who don’t listen.”
The Cabin269Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeIDXPsMcV
Sophia’s unpacking in the counselor’s cabin when Lia strolls in, dropping onto the bunk across from hers.
Lia: “You’re Sophie, right?”269Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1QIXKkuuz
Sophia (nervous): “Yeah. How’d you know?”269Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBmj01e0AT
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.”269Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3s2xaC5AP
Lia (teasing): “We’ll see.”
Bonfire Night269Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uGAteWNrx
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.”269Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJNP61DVRV
Sophia (glancing at her): “What if I don’t?”269Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lojETs7RG
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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