Sarah let out a breath. “You know, Chase, Lily mentioned how much she liked being the camp medic this season, and that she might want to come back again.”

Chase gave her a long look. “Lily has a job and a life in New York City, Sarah.”

“People change,” Sarah said.

“Do they? I’m not so sure.” Chase shook her head. “Besides, what we had has been what Lily needed. You can see she’s ready to go.”

“What about you?” Sarah asked. “Has it been what you needed?”

Chase grabbed her cup and said firmly, “It’s been exactly what I wanted. And I’m fine that it’s only been this summer. So don’t worry.”

Sarah merely nodded, and Chase finally escaped. She’d meant what she’d said. Lily had been who she’d wanted, and that would have to be enough.

* * *

Marty stirred when Ford crept out of the cabin before anyone else was awake. Marty debated following for a few minutes, but since everyone would be rising soon for breakfast anyhow, they didn’t figure Ford would mind the company, and they could bring Ford the pack she’d left by her bunk. They dressed quickly, grabbed the day pack that they’d readied the night before with everything necessary for the day’s activity, and carefully crossed the room to the bunk Ford shared with Shannon. They probably didn’t have to worry about waking Shannon, who’d come in just before Alisha made her last rounds at midnight. Marty usually woke up when Shannon snuck in, and that was most nights now. At the beginning of the summer, Ford used to go out with her, but not any longer. Not since right around the William Henry night, as Marty thought of it. That had been a special night—not just cool to see the lake and the fireworks. Which had been cool. That was the night they’d known for sure they and Ford were friends.

“So,” Ford had said as they leaned on the rail as the William Henry steamed up the lake, watching the waves spread out in frothy crests, laughing as the spray drenched them both, “I saw you talking to Suwallia earlier. You going to do the archery thing?”

“Yes,” Marty said, “I thought I would.”

“That’s all good then.” Ford paused. “So, um—who was the guy who was there?”

“You mean Keno?” Marty asked. “He’s Suwallia’s cousin. He came with the rest of her family for the tour.”

“Huh. Maybe you can introduce me later.”

Marty stared. “Like tonight?”

“Well, yeah,” Ford said as if they were clueless.

“Sure. Now?”

Ford gave them another hello look. “No, not now. We’re talking.”

“Okay. Right. Later.”

Ford watched the water another minute. “I decided what I’m going to do next year.”

Marty struggled to keep up with the conversation. “You mean college?”