Pulling Up to Camp241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ddHP81rx4
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—”241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKqSECW8tL
Sophia (cutting her off): “Yeah, can’t wait for the smell of bug spray and screaming ten-year-olds.”241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH20e3bffWF
Mom: “Think of it as an adventure. Who knows? You might actually have fun.”
First Impressions241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttBJFf0sHG
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?”241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGSiV4oyO4
Sophia (startled): “Oh, yeah. First year.”241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywR8SeQ96a
Counselor (grinning): “Good luck. Hope you like running after kids who don’t listen.”
The Cabin241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2uPxgR86R
Sophia’s unpacking in the counselor’s cabin when Lia strolls in, dropping onto the bunk across from hers.
Lia: “You’re Sophie, right?”241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNvVJQr5h5
Sophia (nervous): “Yeah. How’d you know?”241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVnRT9aXQ6
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.”241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDRDjELz8d
Lia (teasing): “We’ll see.”
Bonfire Night241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64UX4Tdplq
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.”241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YChFIIBlX
Sophia (glancing at her): “What if I don’t?”241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBsC7HNLzC
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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