Pulling Up to Camp312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXrEuYYhsU
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—”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOO9DBqilLu
Sophia (cutting her off): “Yeah, can’t wait for the smell of bug spray and screaming ten-year-olds.”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTroYdqY62a
Mom: “Think of it as an adventure. Who knows? You might actually have fun.”
First Impressions312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5JTabb4CD
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?”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0rZhzjsPA
Sophia (startled): “Oh, yeah. First year.”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDlrgA00FH
Counselor (grinning): “Good luck. Hope you like running after kids who don’t listen.”
The Cabin312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDOArRVS7J
Sophia’s unpacking in the counselor’s cabin when Lia strolls in, dropping onto the bunk across from hers.
Lia: “You’re Sophie, right?”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LHfY8g3WR
Sophia (nervous): “Yeah. How’d you know?”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UwzFsk8IB
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.”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhz1UpQD1oe
Lia (teasing): “We’ll see.”
Bonfire Night312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOAhppMfIq
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.”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNys4NO7GeT
Sophia (glancing at her): “What if I don’t?”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbWnWEIybG
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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