Pulling Up to Camp370Please respect copyright.PENANAUrBD4qLkqQ
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—”370Please respect copyright.PENANAlR39U6xyea
Sophia (cutting her off): “Yeah, can’t wait for the smell of bug spray and screaming ten-year-olds.”370Please respect copyright.PENANAQnjNLrajKY
Mom: “Think of it as an adventure. Who knows? You might actually have fun.”
First Impressions370Please respect copyright.PENANAkyMf25SlVR
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?”370Please respect copyright.PENANAOUSzVJ7Gcl
Sophia (startled): “Oh, yeah. First year.”370Please respect copyright.PENANABZ2Jg1rYg1
Counselor (grinning): “Good luck. Hope you like running after kids who don’t listen.”
The Cabin370Please respect copyright.PENANAH2gxGOhVdb
Sophia’s unpacking in the counselor’s cabin when Lia strolls in, dropping onto the bunk across from hers.
Lia: “You’re Sophie, right?”370Please respect copyright.PENANAAmw5PJO3NI
Sophia (nervous): “Yeah. How’d you know?”370Please respect copyright.PENANARspvfSv9RL
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.”370Please respect copyright.PENANA8028Kb5eGi
Lia (teasing): “We’ll see.”
Bonfire Night370Please respect copyright.PENANAkUzvo8gCsb
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.”370Please respect copyright.PENANAG5q2SHpZaE
Sophia (glancing at her): “What if I don’t?”370Please respect copyright.PENANAXq9h4IMSKO
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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