The Pen That Changed My Life - Chapter 38 – The School Camp

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One morning, our homeroom teacher entered the classroom carrying a stack of papers.

"I have good news."

The room immediately became lively.

"No quiz today?"

The teacher laughed.

"No."

"Next month, our class will attend a two-day school camp."

Excited voices filled the classroom.

"A camp?"

"Really?"

"Will we stay overnight?"

The teacher nodded.

"Yes. You'll stay one night. Your parents will need to sign these permission forms."

As the forms were passed around, Narin leaned closer to me.

"Please tell me you're coming."

"I'll ask my mother."

He smiled.

"I'll take that as a yes."

That evening, after dinner, I showed the permission slip to my mother.

She read every line carefully.

"Your teachers will be there?"

"Yes."

"And your classmates?"

I nodded.

She smiled gently.

"Then you can go."

"Thank you."

From the other side of the room, my little sister clapped her hands.

"Bring me a souvenir!"

I laughed.

"I'll try."

The day of the camp finally arrived.

Two buses waited outside the school.

Students carried backpacks much larger than they needed.

Some had footballs.

Others brought cameras and card games.

Narin waved the moment he saw me.

"Over here!"

I walked over.

"You packed half your room?"

He looked at his large backpack.

"...Maybe."

"I only brought what we needed."

"I brought snacks."

"That explains the weight."

He laughed.

"Want some already?"

"It's seven in the morning."

"So?"

I shook my head, smiling.

The campsite was surrounded by tall pine trees and rolling hills.

The air felt cooler than in the city.

Teachers divided everyone into cabins.

When the list was posted, Narin quickly searched for our names.

"There!"

He pointed excitedly.

"We're in the same cabin."

"With four other boys."

"Still counts."

The afternoon was filled with activities.

There was hiking.

Team games.

A treasure hunt through the forest.

By sunset, everyone was exhausted.

After dinner, students gathered around a large campfire.

The teachers encouraged everyone to sing.

Narin joined immediately.

I stayed near the back, watching the flames dance against the night sky.

A few minutes later, Narin quietly slipped away from the group and sat beside me.

"You always find the quietest place."

"I like watching."

"What are you thinking about?"

I looked at the fire.

"Everyone looks happy."

"They are."

"So are you."

He smiled.

"I am."

Then he looked at me.

"...Because you're here."

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

The fire crackled softly.

Laughter echoed through the trees.

I wasn't sure why...

But my heart beat just a little faster.

Before I could say anything, one of the teachers called out,

"Narin! Come help us with the next game!"

He stood up reluctantly.

"I'll be back."

I nodded.

"I'll be here."

As he ran toward the others, I watched him disappear into the circle of light.

His words stayed with me for the rest of the evening.

"Because you're here."

I still believed they were the words of a close friend.

I didn't realize...

His heart had already crossed a line that mine had yet to see.6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58N48H25rT

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