Pulling Up to Camp376Please respect copyright.PENANAVu441cuCmw
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—”376Please respect copyright.PENANA48hCEue2tW
Sophia (cutting her off): “Yeah, can’t wait for the smell of bug spray and screaming ten-year-olds.”376Please respect copyright.PENANAKcDyDjU7eJ
Mom: “Think of it as an adventure. Who knows? You might actually have fun.”
First Impressions376Please respect copyright.PENANAVdZa8KwAOJ
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?”376Please respect copyright.PENANAwFrB2JPwa1
Sophia (startled): “Oh, yeah. First year.”376Please respect copyright.PENANAcuc9gzNhTn
Counselor (grinning): “Good luck. Hope you like running after kids who don’t listen.”
The Cabin376Please respect copyright.PENANAaIKyYzFBgp
Sophia’s unpacking in the counselor’s cabin when Lia strolls in, dropping onto the bunk across from hers.
Lia: “You’re Sophie, right?”376Please respect copyright.PENANA5rLvVhbA9O
Sophia (nervous): “Yeah. How’d you know?”376Please respect copyright.PENANAcAxpDjwIUu
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.”376Please respect copyright.PENANA9f5Bf4Toxh
Lia (teasing): “We’ll see.”
Bonfire Night376Please respect copyright.PENANA4Fuzho1Sgd
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.”376Please respect copyright.PENANA3MTLzuTnco
Sophia (glancing at her): “What if I don’t?”376Please respect copyright.PENANADjxPffBbKv
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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