Pulling Up to Camp367Please respect copyright.PENANAH0ioKd2F5U
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—”367Please respect copyright.PENANAHzQzV9itTi
Sophia (cutting her off): “Yeah, can’t wait for the smell of bug spray and screaming ten-year-olds.”367Please respect copyright.PENANAArPtWQPYoh
Mom: “Think of it as an adventure. Who knows? You might actually have fun.”
First Impressions367Please respect copyright.PENANASElRRpMAFF
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?”367Please respect copyright.PENANA8vKssKfUxJ
Sophia (startled): “Oh, yeah. First year.”367Please respect copyright.PENANAOf9Iqzx7pZ
Counselor (grinning): “Good luck. Hope you like running after kids who don’t listen.”
The Cabin367Please respect copyright.PENANAWNJPGVsZAG
Sophia’s unpacking in the counselor’s cabin when Lia strolls in, dropping onto the bunk across from hers.
Lia: “You’re Sophie, right?”367Please respect copyright.PENANAiIJZrR1wLf
Sophia (nervous): “Yeah. How’d you know?”367Please respect copyright.PENANA7Z3tQrOzRD
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.”367Please respect copyright.PENANAe7wtrrfVcQ
Lia (teasing): “We’ll see.”
Bonfire Night367Please respect copyright.PENANAMEPtwKhSHN
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.”367Please respect copyright.PENANAQFGDSOzHVX
Sophia (glancing at her): “What if I don’t?”367Please respect copyright.PENANAHBJYgROULL
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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