Pulling Up to Camp288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgFIFaLrBs
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—”288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7zA7Lg190
Sophia (cutting her off): “Yeah, can’t wait for the smell of bug spray and screaming ten-year-olds.”288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmGMcfl2bG
Mom: “Think of it as an adventure. Who knows? You might actually have fun.”
First Impressions288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCXqhmYYKo
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?”288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDo5jgXSpUh
Sophia (startled): “Oh, yeah. First year.”288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQEGpOnnrU
Counselor (grinning): “Good luck. Hope you like running after kids who don’t listen.”
The Cabin288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxe9tt758n
Sophia’s unpacking in the counselor’s cabin when Lia strolls in, dropping onto the bunk across from hers.
Lia: “You’re Sophie, right?”288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuriO5TnO5
Sophia (nervous): “Yeah. How’d you know?”288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwrAirwmgM
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.”288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghfRDnyVLx
Lia (teasing): “We’ll see.”
Bonfire Night288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzTwrIjdrN
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.”288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCYmODRwGd
Sophia (glancing at her): “What if I don’t?”288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDDW2qvOqw
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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