Pulling Up to Camp371Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTE1d3vEPLa
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—”371Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsX6MrA8w8u
Sophia (cutting her off): “Yeah, can’t wait for the smell of bug spray and screaming ten-year-olds.”371Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVXYwwqRfq
Mom: “Think of it as an adventure. Who knows? You might actually have fun.”
First Impressions371Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmClgPSB3Q
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?”371Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxV0aI3S5K3
Sophia (startled): “Oh, yeah. First year.”371Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUR4Xo89xJd
Counselor (grinning): “Good luck. Hope you like running after kids who don’t listen.”
The Cabin371Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJFA5RWEKo
Sophia’s unpacking in the counselor’s cabin when Lia strolls in, dropping onto the bunk across from hers.
Lia: “You’re Sophie, right?”371Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppGmosf59d
Sophia (nervous): “Yeah. How’d you know?”371Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fgH9Taxe3
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.”371Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByYDXixME5
Lia (teasing): “We’ll see.”
Bonfire Night371Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0081m7ynv
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.”371Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmi1eKBMP2
Sophia (glancing at her): “What if I don’t?”371Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX23i0RrjSO
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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