Pulling Up to Camp375Please respect copyright.PENANAGdSYyvBwe0
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—”375Please respect copyright.PENANAkSQ8WJ0YOU
Sophia (cutting her off): “Yeah, can’t wait for the smell of bug spray and screaming ten-year-olds.”375Please respect copyright.PENANAJYUMnlrGaS
Mom: “Think of it as an adventure. Who knows? You might actually have fun.”
First Impressions375Please respect copyright.PENANACgf8IctbCo
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?”375Please respect copyright.PENANADJ9ow7Y8YX
Sophia (startled): “Oh, yeah. First year.”375Please respect copyright.PENANAdlBwsUxiOH
Counselor (grinning): “Good luck. Hope you like running after kids who don’t listen.”
The Cabin375Please respect copyright.PENANATbWRJtbGLG
Sophia’s unpacking in the counselor’s cabin when Lia strolls in, dropping onto the bunk across from hers.
Lia: “You’re Sophie, right?”375Please respect copyright.PENANA6XoZMxmLt8
Sophia (nervous): “Yeah. How’d you know?”375Please respect copyright.PENANAjWbiWOuZf2
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.”375Please respect copyright.PENANABJ1vTaPDC4
Lia (teasing): “We’ll see.”
Bonfire Night375Please respect copyright.PENANAzKi4ElZzAo
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.”375Please respect copyright.PENANArtVVDRfbGk
Sophia (glancing at her): “What if I don’t?”375Please respect copyright.PENANAskpia5ooA0
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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