Page 6

Willie cleared his throat. “So.” I turned back to look at him.

“What makes you want to be a camp counselor, Aster? You got any experience?” I shook my head.

He raised a brow. “Then why the hell are you applying here? I mean, working at this place isn’t exactly the most ideal way to spend your summer.

Just look around.” I didn’t like his attitude.

“Maybe not to you .” I grabbed my bag and hauled it over my shoulder.

“But for me, a job like this is perfect. Flaws and all.” It really was.

Sure, the place smelled old and looked ancient, but it was secluded and tucked away from the world.

Away from prying eyes. And that was exactly what I needed.

Not to mention, if hired, it would give me a place to stay, food to eat, and some cash in my pocket.

A runaway couldn’t ask for a better way to spend their summer.

Willie crossed his arms. I could tell he was hesitant. “And why would someone like you want to spend their summer way out here, isolated from everyone? I mean, come on, no one wants that.” There it was again. Someone like me.

I stepped closer, and he watched me closely.

“You don’t know anything about me, Willie.

If I’m not the kind of person you’re looking for, then just say it.

But don’t waste my fucking time. What I have is borrowed, and I can’t go wasting it on people like you.

” I turned to leave but stopped as I heard him laugh.

My head looked back over my shoulder at him. He just smiled and laughed. “Oh, you got a real temper, don’t you, Asher?”

“Aster,” I snarled.

“Yeah, yeah. Look.” He walked towards me, and I turned to face him.

“I won’t bullshit you. Working here isn’t exactly the vacation you may think it is.

The food sucks, the cabins are barely standing, the pay is shit, and don’t get me started on the fucking campers.

But—” He took my bag from my hands and tossed it over his shoulder.

“I’m short staffed and you obviously need a place to stay.

So, let’s go.” Willie grabbed a lantern and walked out onto the cabin porch.

I quickly followed him. The storm had apparently softened into a gentle sprinkle. Thank God.

“Wait!” I tried to keep up with Willie’s wide strides as he trampled down onto the muddy road. “You mean, I’m hired? I got the job?”

Willie turned around. “No. I’m just taking your bag to a random cabin in the woods so I can chop you up.” I made a face, and he laughed. “Oh, chill out. I’m just fucking with you. Yes, you’re hired.” Willie resumed walking.

“Your joke wasn’t funny,” I shot after him. He simply shrugged his arms. I walked beside him down the long and winding path. “So, I’m really hired? But what about my lack of experience? Do you have more questions? Do I need to know certain things? Or is there training?”

Willie stopped me in my tracks. He raised the lantern to his face and spoke down to me.

“Aster. This camp is barely standing, barely getting by financially, and sadly short staffed. I could care less if you know what the hell you’re doing.

As long as you can keep the campers alive and not burn the place down, I’m chill.

As for those questions, well I ask those to keep Thisbe happy.

She’s a bit old school and prefers things more organized than the rest of us. ”

“Why would she care if you asked me questions?” I asked.

Willie smiled. “Because Thisbe doesn’t just work here, she owns the camp.

Not to mention the redwoods surrounding it.

She’s the boss.” I had to process that information.

“Look, I know they were really annoying, but I had to ask them. You didn’t have to go busting my balls, though.

That was a pleasant surprise.” He grinned, and I blushed.

“I think you’re going to fit in well here, Aster. ”

I really hope so.

Willie continued to walk down a winding path, and I did my best to keep up. “So, the woman who brought me here, Thisbe?”

He nodded. “Weird name, right? Kind of like yours.” Rude. “Thisbe wears many hats around here. She’s the owner and camp nurse. I call her by her name, but everyone else here calls her Nurse B. I suggest you do the same.” He side-eyed me. “Out of respect.” Weird, but okay.

My body shivered as a soft breeze blew past. I couldn’t wait to get to the cabin and change out of these wet clothes. I wondered if I’d be sharing a cabin with anyone else before the campers arrived. “Thisbe—Nurse B mentioned other staff. Who else is here?” I asked.

Willie adjusted his grip on my bag. “Let’s see.

There’s Solomon, he’s the most senior camp counselor, aside from yours truly, of course.

” Willie winked. “He works in the woodshop mostly and then helps out with things like archery and other sports. Kaila and Sandy are the counselors you’ll be working with.

They’re pretty chill, and I have a feeling you’ll mesh well with them.

” Presumptuous. “Oh, and then there’s Wolfe, Doug, and Randy.

They’re the other counselors. So, including you, there’s six counselors, Thisbe, Solomon, and myself. Oh! Can’t forget good ol’ Beatrice.”

“Beatrice?”

Willie nodded. “Beatrice. She acts like one tough son of a bitch, but deep down, she’s an old softy.

And I mean deep, deep, deep down. She's in charge of the kitchen all summer. Her and Thisbe actually go way back and have been working here for, I’d guess, almost thirty years?

” Such a long time. “But that’s everyone. ”

Wow. Only ten people running an entire summer camp out in the middle of nowhere.

We approached a lone, dark cabin. “And this is you.” He raised the lantern and revealed the cabin number. “Lucky number thirteen.” Since when was thirteen lucky?

Willie handed me my bag and walked past me toward the cabin. The porch squeaked and creaked as he walked around and opened the front door. It was dark inside. Too dark. Willie noticed my hesitation. “It won’t bite you.” He grinned.

I stepped closer and clutched my bag. “Am I the only one staying here?” I asked.

He shook his head. “Kaila and Sandy are bunking with you. I’m not sure where they are, but I’m sure they’ll be back soon.” He handed me the lantern and stepped out of the cabin and back onto the path. “Sleep tight, Aster. Don’t let the bed bugs bite.”

Willie began to whistle and walk down the path back towards the administration cabin.

I stood there with the lantern and my bag and stared deep into the dark cabin.

Rows of empty bunk beds lined either side.

I could see the other counselors’ belongings and felt better knowing they’d be returning at some point.

The wind rustled, and the distant sounds of branches snapping made me jump.

I rushed inside and shut the door behind me.

Fuck, I need to stop letting these woods mess with my mind.

I held the lantern high and stepped further inside.

The other counselors had chosen beds to my right, so I turned to my left and tossed my bag on a lower bunk.

Before I knew it, my exhaustion had hit me like a ton of bricks.

I fell onto the dusty, thin mattress pad, and I kicked my shoes onto the floor as I rolled over.

The bed was stiff, but oddly comforting.

I couldn’t remember the last time I had slept in an actual bed, even one as crappy as this. God, I had missed it.

“Goodnight, Ozzy,” I whispered aloud. “I love you. And I’m sorry.” A single tear rolled down my face and onto the bed as I drifted into a deep sleep.

I’m so sorry.