I reach for some of the marshmallows and start working on my own s’more. I’ve never actually made one before, and I’m trying to pick up the skill by watching a bunch of eight- and nine-year-olds do it.

The kid next to me—I think his name is Hector or something—shakes his head idly before snatching the stuff out of my hand and saying, “Let me do it.”

So I do, because I don’t need to pick a fight with a small child, especially one who’s familiar with sharp objects and fire.

“Okay, new song!” Devin says, resting the uke on xyr knee. “What do y’all think? Any special requests?”

A couple of the kids start shouting out what I’m assuming are campfire songs. Even Cooper, this quiet kid who usually just smiles goofily at everything, has his hand waving in the air, and this loud kid named Dylan who always sits with him has his hands cupped around his mouth as he shouts out his request. Hell, I know nothing about camping and less about cheesy folk tunes, but soon enough, Devin starts playing again and the kids start singing along like they’re in church.

Devin nudges me with xyr shoulder, and I don’t know what xe wants from me because I literally don’t know the words, but eventually I start clapping in time with Hector and something weird washes over me. Camaraderie? As if I’m actually surrounded by people who care about me and want to see me happy? There’s a sort of euphoria flowing through me, and as I look at Devin, I can’t help but feel like I really am wanted there, like maybe I fit into this puzzle better than I ever thought I could.

Drew

Ugh, I’m so bored, and I miss you. This place sucks.

I saw this video and thought of you. [Link]

That camp’s really more interesting than me, huh?

Oh, you probably don’t have signal, do you? I miss you. Hope you get this eventually.

The next morning is miserable. Not only am I sharing a bathroom with seven other people, but there’s no Starbucks—or really, coffee at all—and all the kids are screaming and complaining, and I just want to go back to bed.

Finally, I drag myself to get changed with just enough time to help Devin wrangle all the kids together so we can head to the lake. I’m dressed in my swim trunks with a T-shirt on over them and my binder underneath since apparently the plan is to do some kayaking or something today.