Pulling Up to Camp291Please respect copyright.PENANATbqN9LPVWT
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—”291Please respect copyright.PENANAOKI8T8mUzT
Sophia (cutting her off): “Yeah, can’t wait for the smell of bug spray and screaming ten-year-olds.”291Please respect copyright.PENANA9ILBpS9vqE
Mom: “Think of it as an adventure. Who knows? You might actually have fun.”
First Impressions291Please respect copyright.PENANAbcyaO9imti
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?”291Please respect copyright.PENANAqmCQY2XCuB
Sophia (startled): “Oh, yeah. First year.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAeJZ5Or77ly
Counselor (grinning): “Good luck. Hope you like running after kids who don’t listen.”
The Cabin291Please respect copyright.PENANAQ1C0W3gMqh
Sophia’s unpacking in the counselor’s cabin when Lia strolls in, dropping onto the bunk across from hers.
Lia: “You’re Sophie, right?”291Please respect copyright.PENANAYoz0CBlTaZ
Sophia (nervous): “Yeah. How’d you know?”291Please respect copyright.PENANAtPctN6QWAl
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.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAW7zH3VE6TQ
Lia (teasing): “We’ll see.”
Bonfire Night291Please respect copyright.PENANA4pbpxPgI6N
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.”291Please respect copyright.PENANANhLTXgm8s2
Sophia (glancing at her): “What if I don’t?”291Please respect copyright.PENANA3QslYClQML
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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