Pulling Up to Camp364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6loaCyMQRR
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—”364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXV0s6EVRI
Sophia (cutting her off): “Yeah, can’t wait for the smell of bug spray and screaming ten-year-olds.”364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrjUpXB1YK
Mom: “Think of it as an adventure. Who knows? You might actually have fun.”
First Impressions364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDi1WlgAix
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?”364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwXrHrRUbJ
Sophia (startled): “Oh, yeah. First year.”364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1ES2LjR8H
Counselor (grinning): “Good luck. Hope you like running after kids who don’t listen.”
The Cabin364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowu7i3TkGF
Sophia’s unpacking in the counselor’s cabin when Lia strolls in, dropping onto the bunk across from hers.
Lia: “You’re Sophie, right?”364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqt6JvIoaS0
Sophia (nervous): “Yeah. How’d you know?”364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwtVWpYEdc
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.”364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAKU1wTDej
Lia (teasing): “We’ll see.”
Bonfire Night364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72E7i1IoGK
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.”364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQa9pfROtO
Sophia (glancing at her): “What if I don’t?”364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQmzsszNxF
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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