Pulling Up to Camp310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxkExvpJN8
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—”310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioz39EUAtB
Sophia (cutting her off): “Yeah, can’t wait for the smell of bug spray and screaming ten-year-olds.”310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjgAa4b2Yy
Mom: “Think of it as an adventure. Who knows? You might actually have fun.”
First Impressions310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxo21jZDDox
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?”310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqehKFfYjo
Sophia (startled): “Oh, yeah. First year.”310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWOdBy4Axj
Counselor (grinning): “Good luck. Hope you like running after kids who don’t listen.”
The Cabin310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEyqSGsoBg
Sophia’s unpacking in the counselor’s cabin when Lia strolls in, dropping onto the bunk across from hers.
Lia: “You’re Sophie, right?”310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa03GkiJymm
Sophia (nervous): “Yeah. How’d you know?”310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGHTAk0WIJ
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.”310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3szUR7vsV4
Lia (teasing): “We’ll see.”
Bonfire Night310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dCTSlkIcT
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.”310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlba47WkNp
Sophia (glancing at her): “What if I don’t?”310Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgYErfmm4J
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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