Pulling Up to Camp203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhe6coGEzd
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—”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HWmzjc0I9
Sophia (cutting her off): “Yeah, can’t wait for the smell of bug spray and screaming ten-year-olds.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbSlt588kO
Mom: “Think of it as an adventure. Who knows? You might actually have fun.”
First Impressions203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEnMedDnSX
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?”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvaA8xgjsO
Sophia (startled): “Oh, yeah. First year.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx17uFnGDhL
Counselor (grinning): “Good luck. Hope you like running after kids who don’t listen.”
The Cabin203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7n6JOEeSK
Sophia’s unpacking in the counselor’s cabin when Lia strolls in, dropping onto the bunk across from hers.
Lia: “You’re Sophie, right?”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVT28qSf7q
Sophia (nervous): “Yeah. How’d you know?”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaK9IvDbZ2w
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.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBe4y9dy0LO
Lia (teasing): “We’ll see.”
Bonfire Night203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4tpbi71Sx
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.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUq5Mo6ser
Sophia (glancing at her): “What if I don’t?”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvEjdfOMph
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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