Page 28 of Summer’s Echo

I didn’t need to think long to figure it out.

I missed Echo. His face—the way his brow furrowed in disappointment when I told him I’d be working at the camp—replayed in my head more times than I wanted to admit.

His college plans were set and fully funded, which meant returning to Camp Quest wasn’t on his radar.

And we hadn’t made any official plans for the summer, but we didn’t have to.

It was understood. This was supposed to be our summer.

And I’d broken those unspoken plans without so much as a second thought.

The sky was always a masterpiece at this time of the day, painting streaks of orange and violet as the sun slept for the night.

The moon was pale, yet luminous as it began to awaken, casting a faint glow over the campgrounds.

It was a perfect first evening of summer.

The cool breeze rustled through the leaves, and the chirps of birds and bugs blended into a soothing melody.

Even the air felt lighter, a reprieve from the stifling heat of the day.

I was relieved that the day was finally winding down and my shift was over.

The campers were nestled in the amphitheater, enjoying dinner and a movie, their chatter fading into the background as I finished my rounds.

After double-checking that everyone was accounted for and fed, I made my way back to my room.

Thankfully, assistant directors had the privilege of their own space, and tonight, I was more than ready to sink into the solitude.

The promise of quiet felt like a much-needed gift at the close of this lonely birthday.

My steps slowed, navigating the gravel road from memory while I marveled in the beauty of my surroundings.

Staring into the night, I willed the first stars to show their light.

And then, there it was, a faint twinkle streaking across the sky.

I paused, closing my eyes as I made a wish.

But this time, I whispered the words aloud, letting the stillness of the night carry them away.

The path was empty, its hush amplified by the faint rustling of leaves in the evening breeze.

So, when a soft, almost imperceptible sound broke the quiet, it seemed to echo louder than it should have.

My ears perked instinctively, straining to catch what might not have been there at all.

I shook my head, telling myself it was just my imagination playing tricks.

But as I took a few more steps, the sound came again, stopping me in my tracks.

“Psst.” The whisper was sharp, cutting through the serene night like a blade. I scanned the shadows, my pulse quickening.

“Hello?” I called out, my voice urgent yet low, laced with restrained authority. “If you’re supposed to be watching a movie, you better get there…now,” I said firmly, assuming some campers were sneaking where they shouldn’t be.

“Don’t hurt me, Sunshine,” the familiar voice murmured from the shadows, the teasing edge instantly unraveling my tension.

I froze, my heart pounding as the figure stepped into the moonlight. The glow illuminated the curve of his jaw, the warmth of his smile, and the easy confidence in his stride. Recognition hit me like a wave, and my breath caught.

“Echo,” I screeched, my voice ringing through the trees. He lifted a finger to his lips, his playful expression urging me to be quiet.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, my tone a mix of surprise and joy.

“Happy birthday,” he said. Without thinking, I closed the distance, falling into his arms as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

His embrace was firm and familiar, and just like that, the loneliness that had weighed down my day lifted.

What had been gray and dull was now bursting with color—vibrant, brilliant, and calm all at once.

Echo

Post-Graduation, Summer 2005

“Summer solstice is here, giving us the longest day of the year and plenty of sunshine to soak up. Whether you’re planning a trip to the amusement park, a barbecue in the backyard, or just enjoying the warmth of the season, today is the perfect time to celebrate everything summer has to offer.

Stay hydrated, don’t forget the sunscreen, and let’s make the most of this sunny start to summer! ”

The television’s glow faded as I turned it off, not wanting to be reminded what day it was.

Today wasn’t the first day of summer, but it was Summer’s birthday.

And I wanted to see her…bad. She’d had been gone a few weeks, but it felt like an eternity.

Her absence left a hole where all the hours we used to spend together used to be.

Don’t get me wrong, my summer wasn’t empty.

Between volunteering and the internship my dad had secured for me at the university’s School of Art, I had plenty to do.

But no matter how busy I was, in every quiet moment, Summer filled my thoughts.

She was like a drug I couldn’t quit, and on her birthday, the craving hit harder than ever.

I glanced at the clock, realizing I was running late. The fellas were already waiting at the basketball court. I threw on some shorts, a tank, and sneakers before darting out of my room and bounding down the stairs.

“Echo,” my mother called out, halting my momentum.

“Yeah, Mum?” I responded over my shoulder, stopping mid-step.

“Come here, please,” she requested. Peeking into the kitchen, I noticed Sadie and Eazy at the table eating lunch. It struck me as odd. Meals in the Abara household were almost always shared as a family.

“Where is everybody?” I asked, stepping fully into the room.

“Kemi’s at a friend’s house, and Samir just left for his Boy Scouts weekend,” she said, reminding me of my little brother’s first overnight trip with his troop.

I nodded. “I’m heading to the court to play basketball. Did you need something?”

“I was going to ask if you wanted to join us for a movie,” she said, gesturing toward Sadie and Eazy whose faces lit up with excitement.

“We’re going to see The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl !” Eazy blurted, practically bouncing in his chair.

“And then Mum is taking us to the arcade,” Sadie added, beaming.

I remembered how much I used to enjoy these kinds of outings with my mum when I was younger. With Dad away for the weekend with Samir, she was making the most of her time with the youngest two.

“I’ll pass. You three have fun,” I said, kissing my mum on the cheek and giving Sadie and Eazy quick tickles that left them giggling. As I turned to leave, an idea sparked in my mind like a lightbulb flickering on. “Mum, can I stay at Maxell’s tonight?” I asked.

She tilted her head, considering for a moment, then nodded. “As long as it’s okay with his parents. Are they traveling?”

“I don’t think so, but you know they’re always cool with it. Donte might be there too,” I added, laying the groundwork for my plan.

“Okay. Be careful, Echo,” she said, her tone warm but laced with the usual motherly concern.

“Always,” I replied, already halfway out the door. By the time I reached the basketball court, my plan was fully formed.

“What up, E? You’re late!” Donte called, wiping sweat from his forehead as he grabbed a water bottle.

“My bad,” I said, noting that they’d just wrapped up a three-on-three game and were taking a break.

“Yo, Max, can I stay at your crib tonight?” I asked, raising an eyebrow with just enough mischief to make him suspicious.

Maxell leaned against the fence, squinting at me. “Yeah. My parents are out of town, but they won’t care. Why are you looking like you’re up to something?”

I was unable to hide my excitement. “Because I am.”

“Care to share?” Maxell prompted, crossing his arms.

I hesitated, glancing at Donte, then back at Maxell. Finally, I spilled, “I’m going to see Summer.”

“At camp? In Brighton?” Maxell barked, his disbelief loud enough to make the other guys glance over.

“Yeah,” I said, grinning like a kid who’d just gotten away with something. “Today’s her birthday.”

“I know,” Maxell said, looking at me like I was insane.

“It’s less than two hours,” I continued to plead my case.

Maxell rubbed his temple like my plan was giving him a headache. “You realize this is a terrible idea, right? Less than two hours away or not, what if you get caught? Mr. Abara is going to whoop your ass, dog.”

“I know,” I admitted, shrugging, “but it’s worth it.”

Maxell sighed, glancing at Donte for backup. “And how do you plan to get onto the campgrounds? You know they lock the gate at night.”

“I’ve got someone on the inside,” I said with a grin, feeling my excitement build. “I’ll sneak in right as it’s getting dark and be out before morning.” Donte nodded in approval, while Maxell, who followed rules only when it was convenient for him, wasn’t convinced.

“Just tell your parents I’m staying just in case my mum calls your mom,” I said, patting his shoulder. “Call my cell phone if some shit pops off,” I continued, sounding all too confident.

Maxell shook his head, muttering under his breath, “This dude,” as we jogged to the court.

My plan wasn’t perfect, but as far as I was concerned, nothing would stop me from seeing Summer tonight.

After a few intense games of basketball, I went home to shower and pack a bag before heading to Maxell’s place.

Walking into his house, I couldn’t help but shake my head at the scene in his basement.

For someone who always gave me grief about following rules, Max clearly didn’t follow them all.

He, Donte, and a few other guys were chilling with a group of girls I recognized from school, music blasting as they sipped from colored cups.

The vibe was pure Home Alone , and they were clearly enjoying it.

Before heading out, I ran down my plan one last time for the guys, just in case things went sideways, and they needed to cover for me.

Max nodded begrudgingly, agreeing to play lookout if needed.