Camp Ivory is a home away from home for Astrid, Violet and Harper. Every summer without fail, they pack their bags and drive to the camp and this year is the same as always. However when they finally arrive at Camp Ivory, something feels off. Differ...
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"Turn it up, Claudia!" Harper's voice pierces through the already blaring music. I hear my sister huff and turn around to face us. I shoot her an apologetic smile Violet giggles beside me.
Claudia, who is driving us, begrudgingly obeys, twisting back around and turning up the volume dial as Harper lets out a cheer, loudly singing along to the radio.
Squished into the middle of the back seats, since Claudia decided I wasn't allowed to sit in her precious passenger seat, I can't help but join Violet in laughing at our friend. My blonde hair tumbles into my eyes as I shift, trying to find a semblance of comfort in the cramped space.
Amidst the noise, an odd sensation tugs at my stomach—a mix of anticipation to finally be back at Camp Ivory and the bittersweet realisation that this marks our final summer together before we go our seperate ways.
Claudia eventually decides that she's had enough of Harper's singing and turns the radio down, for which I silently thank her. With the music off, a comfortable silence envelops the car, punctuated only by the soft hum of the engine and the faint sound of singing coming from Violet's headphones.
As we get closer and closer to camp, my eyes get heavier and heavier, with my head gradually finding its place on Harper's shoulder.
♡
"Astrid!" A nudge at my shoulder pulls me from the hazy edges of sleep. My eyelids flutter open, meeting Harper's mischievous grin a little too close to my face. "Finally!" she says, triumphant.
"Harper," I groan, swatting her away as I sit up, "boundaries." Her laughter is unbothered, and I blink against the sun filtering through the car window.
"Rise and shine, Sleepy," Harper sing-songs as Claudia rolls the car into the parking lot. I feel the familiar bump of the uneven, gravel driveway beneath the tires - my heart giving the smallest flutter - like it always does when I come back here.
Violet rolls down her window, and I eagerly take in the fresh air. It's crisp in a way that exists only here - the perfect mix of pine needles and summer air. In the front seat, my sister mutters to herself as she carefully parks the car. Luckily she manages to successfully park the car on the first try - a rare occurrence for her.
Stretching our legs, we all pause to take in the scenery. The camp looks exactly as it always does - towering trees swaying slightly in the breeze, sun spilling between the leaves and clusters of other campers bustling towards the Quad. Masses of luggage roll behind them accompanied by the sounds of greetings with old friends.
It's both overwhelming and comforting at the same time.
Suddenly, a car door swings open, slamming into me so hard I stumble backwards and collide with the pavement. My breath hitches as the impact sends a sharp pain through my ribs.
