Day One – School Bus to Camp
The school bus rumbled down the highway, filled with the low hum of students talking, laughing, or trying to sleep through the bumpy ride. Naya sat by the window, headphones on but no music playing. Her backpack was wedged between her knees, stuffed with snacks and a half-folded hoodie.
Lucien was across the aisle, sketching in a small notepad, occasionally glancing her way when he thought she wasn't looking.
Kelvin sat two rows behind, pretending not to care that he'd been grouped with the girl who turned him down.
Jessica sat in the front seat—of course she did—scrolling on her phone and already acting like a camp counselor. Her voice was way too loud when she said, "Group Four, that's me, Naya, Lucien, Kelvin—try to keep up, okay? I'm not babysitting."
Naya didn't even flinch. "God, she's gonna get us lost on purpose."
Lucien muttered, "Wouldn't be surprised if she left someone behind."
Their group was one of several that would be sent off on a "mini forest challenge"—a hike through a mapped trail to collect something symbolic (a leaf, a bark sample, something dumb and 'team-building') and find their way back to the dorms using the map.
Jessica was given their map with a dramatic, "Use it wisely. The trails loop, but only one leads directly back."
She smiled like she'd just been crowned queen of the woods.
Lucien whispered to Naya, "If we go missing, I'm blaming her."
Naya smirked. "Same."
Later – Deep in the Forest
The trees stretched tall and endless above them, the sunlight breaking through in shattered pieces. Leaves crunched underfoot, and the air was starting to cool. The group had been walking for a while—too long, honestly.
Jessica paused, dramatically unfolding the map again. Then she frowned.
"Where's the river bend?" she muttered, spinning the paper around like that would help.
Lucien raised a brow. "Don't tell me you lost it."
She rolled her eyes. "I didn't lose it. I just… can't figure out where we are."
"Same thing," Naya muttered.
Jessica ignored her and clapped her hands. "Okay! We're gonna split up. Two and two. That way, if one pair finds the trail, we can call the other group."
Lucien gave her a look. "You sure that's smart?"
Jessica smiled tightly. "Well, unless you have a better plan, future boy scout…"
Lucien said nothing.
"Cool. Naya, Kelvin—you two head east, follow that path near the mossy stump. Lucien and I will go the other way."
Kelvin nodded, already taking a few steps. Naya hesitated but followed. She wasn't thrilled, but it was better than being stuck with Jessica.
Along the Trail – Naya and Kelvin
Kelvin was rambling again, nervous energy spilling out in the form of random stories and awkward jokes. Naya nodded along, half-listening, scanning the trees.
"—and then the guy just stood there, covered in glitter, swearing he saw a ghost raccoon—wait, Naya?"
He turned.
She wasn't there.
"Naya?"
He backtracked a few steps. The path was quiet. Empty.
His stomach dropped.
---
Meanwhile – Deeper in the Trees
Naya kept walking, thinking Kelvin was still right behind her. "You seriously talk like you drank five cups of coffee," she muttered, glancing over her shoulder.
Nobody there.
Her heart kicked up a beat.
"Kelvin?" she called, louder.
No answer. Just the wind brushing the leaves.
Panic crept in, slow and sharp.
She turned in a full circle. "This is not funny—"
Then she froze.
Jessica stepped out from between the trees. Alone.
"Looking for someone?" she asked, voice way too calm.
Naya took a step back. "Where's Kelvin?"
Jessica smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Oops."
And then she pushed.
Hard.
Naya stumbled backward—slipped—and went tumbling down the slope, leaves and branches tearing past her as she rolled.
By the time she stopped, she was scraped up, winded, and very much alone.
---
Back at the Upper Trail – Jessica and Lucien
Jessica appeared out of the trees, brushing her hands off like she'd just tied her shoes. "Weird," she said. "Kelvin said he heard something and ran off. Naya followed."
Lucien narrowed his eyes. "They just left?"
Jessica shrugged. "I tried to stop them. But you know Naya."
Lucien's jaw clenched. Something felt off. Way off.
Somewhere Between the Trees
Naya limped through the underbrush, her clothes streaked with dirt, a fresh scratch running along her forearm. Her breath came in sharp pulls, not from running—but from panic. Confusion. Hurt.
She didn't know how long she'd been walking. Long enough for the adrenaline to wear off. Long enough to feel every ache and bruise.
Then, through the trees ahead, she heard voices.
She crept forward slowly, brushing a branch aside.
There—just through a break in the trees—stood Jessica and Lucien.
Safe. Together.
Naya exhaled in relief, about to step forward—when she froze.
Jessica turned her head—and saw her.
Their eyes locked for the briefest second.
And then Jessica moved.
She spun toward Lucien, grabbed him by the collar—and kissed him.
Naya's heart shattered mid-beat.
Lucien didn't kiss back. He looked shocked—caught off guard.
But Naya didn't stay long enough to see the rest.
She turned.
She ran.
Not through the forest this time, but toward the direction she hoped was the entrance. Her ankle throbbed. Her side ached. But nothing hurt more than what she'd just seen.
---
Forest Entrance – Late Afternoon
A single plastic chair sat just outside the path, probably left by a teacher who was checking in groups earlier.
Naya collapsed into it.
The forest loomed behind her. The sun was beginning to dip, gold and soft. And still—her chest hurt like something had cracked open.
She wiped her face. It wasn't tears. Not really. Just sweat. Just dust.
Just heartbreak.
She hugged her arms tighter around herself, head down.
Jessica kissed him.
And he didn't stop her.
Despite everything—despite the fall, the fear, the way her whole body ached—none of it compared to what she felt now.
Like she'd finally hit the ground.
And this time, it really hurt.