Pulling Up to Camp16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06AjO555EG
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—”16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlALeHB2aX7
Sophia (cutting her off): “Yeah, can’t wait for the smell of bug spray and screaming ten-year-olds.”16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxt0m4VehKK
Mom: “Think of it as an adventure. Who knows? You might actually have fun.”
First Impressions16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVtVkPHpzT
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?”16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7YIRbFJ81
Sophia (startled): “Oh, yeah. First year.”16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NWJqklDe0
Counselor (grinning): “Good luck. Hope you like running after kids who don’t listen.”
The Cabin16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvvy0GZSTa
Sophia’s unpacking in the counselor’s cabin when Lia strolls in, dropping onto the bunk across from hers.
Lia: “You’re Sophie, right?”16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rrfCIrkAi
Sophia (nervous): “Yeah. How’d you know?”16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqZgfmixoY
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.”16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffE9Z1CYTm
Lia (teasing): “We’ll see.”
Bonfire Night16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJi3S5KjZVK
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.”16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIzsc6qgav
Sophia (glancing at her): “What if I don’t?”16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KUlmb8Var
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.
ns 15.158.61.39da2
