Pulling Up to Camp392Please respect copyright.PENANALRLAwo5kpQ
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—”392Please respect copyright.PENANAHVPA2faJJp
Sophia (cutting her off): “Yeah, can’t wait for the smell of bug spray and screaming ten-year-olds.”392Please respect copyright.PENANAeSKyrF0lgz
Mom: “Think of it as an adventure. Who knows? You might actually have fun.”
First Impressions392Please respect copyright.PENANAAQZzEfqeYA
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?”392Please respect copyright.PENANA4cVvfFZMvY
Sophia (startled): “Oh, yeah. First year.”392Please respect copyright.PENANAuhWRGJWJU1
Counselor (grinning): “Good luck. Hope you like running after kids who don’t listen.”
The Cabin392Please respect copyright.PENANAxqM40dC7vx
Sophia’s unpacking in the counselor’s cabin when Lia strolls in, dropping onto the bunk across from hers.
Lia: “You’re Sophie, right?”392Please respect copyright.PENANAgBXqKPyx6M
Sophia (nervous): “Yeah. How’d you know?”392Please respect copyright.PENANABfOT8lmQCr
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.”392Please respect copyright.PENANAl4LvxBNubS
Lia (teasing): “We’ll see.”
Bonfire Night392Please respect copyright.PENANACfX57jtyO0
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.”392Please respect copyright.PENANA0AGBXNHgjC
Sophia (glancing at her): “What if I don’t?”392Please respect copyright.PENANA4Cvayd2x91
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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