Pulling Up to Camp383Please respect copyright.PENANANfZz0PQYzv
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—”383Please respect copyright.PENANATfqN1lGmBS
Sophia (cutting her off): “Yeah, can’t wait for the smell of bug spray and screaming ten-year-olds.”383Please respect copyright.PENANAeHCoP5qsXv
Mom: “Think of it as an adventure. Who knows? You might actually have fun.”
First Impressions383Please respect copyright.PENANAWjQaUmAnph
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?”383Please respect copyright.PENANAAqhZOsjo78
Sophia (startled): “Oh, yeah. First year.”383Please respect copyright.PENANAgRiSivvIDc
Counselor (grinning): “Good luck. Hope you like running after kids who don’t listen.”
The Cabin383Please respect copyright.PENANAgtdy1ztLu3
Sophia’s unpacking in the counselor’s cabin when Lia strolls in, dropping onto the bunk across from hers.
Lia: “You’re Sophie, right?”383Please respect copyright.PENANAY0vZyvWCzQ
Sophia (nervous): “Yeah. How’d you know?”383Please respect copyright.PENANAIiaCRy2Syx
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.”383Please respect copyright.PENANAAt4hFILIVd
Lia (teasing): “We’ll see.”
Bonfire Night383Please respect copyright.PENANAOuZDyreniT
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.”383Please respect copyright.PENANAkaOeWnUVTe
Sophia (glancing at her): “What if I don’t?”383Please respect copyright.PENANAbOOLMgipzH
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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