Pulling Up to Camp388Please respect copyright.PENANAHAcAhsNSdT
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—”388Please respect copyright.PENANA2Z0GT6FcMj
Sophia (cutting her off): “Yeah, can’t wait for the smell of bug spray and screaming ten-year-olds.”388Please respect copyright.PENANANhkcvgl1ni
Mom: “Think of it as an adventure. Who knows? You might actually have fun.”
First Impressions388Please respect copyright.PENANAIS2upBwNvo
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?”388Please respect copyright.PENANAAs3Q6cZcd3
Sophia (startled): “Oh, yeah. First year.”388Please respect copyright.PENANA5pLH68tEWt
Counselor (grinning): “Good luck. Hope you like running after kids who don’t listen.”
The Cabin388Please respect copyright.PENANA40R6dqXWEh
Sophia’s unpacking in the counselor’s cabin when Lia strolls in, dropping onto the bunk across from hers.
Lia: “You’re Sophie, right?”388Please respect copyright.PENANAiKGEarRD8P
Sophia (nervous): “Yeah. How’d you know?”388Please respect copyright.PENANAAX0nx3257B
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.”388Please respect copyright.PENANAXYC7na1EIA
Lia (teasing): “We’ll see.”
Bonfire Night388Please respect copyright.PENANA8B84OV4veU
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.”388Please respect copyright.PENANAIucdXiyaCb
Sophia (glancing at her): “What if I don’t?”388Please respect copyright.PENANAvcU7EBxQDe
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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