Pulling Up to Camp120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xNVEmO7XX
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—”120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpP5X4qnfA1
Sophia (cutting her off): “Yeah, can’t wait for the smell of bug spray and screaming ten-year-olds.”120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJVmK33AVt
Mom: “Think of it as an adventure. Who knows? You might actually have fun.”
First Impressions120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaf7jgRers
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?”120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiAvR4OeUO
Sophia (startled): “Oh, yeah. First year.”120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xyMEoDH9m
Counselor (grinning): “Good luck. Hope you like running after kids who don’t listen.”
The Cabin120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqRM2r5DhN
Sophia’s unpacking in the counselor’s cabin when Lia strolls in, dropping onto the bunk across from hers.
Lia: “You’re Sophie, right?”120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOGz1gN7CS
Sophia (nervous): “Yeah. How’d you know?”120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0M1NliQFhS
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.”120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8WsrQINGf
Lia (teasing): “We’ll see.”
Bonfire Night120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYKKkTuSI7
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.”120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnBlFUKiRS
Sophia (glancing at her): “What if I don’t?”120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QaLlk2auy
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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