The hike up elicited many shrieks and groans from Emma. She was caked in mud, she walked into a spider web, and she had forgotten her sunglasses so her eyes were squinting most of the day.

Once they all arrived at the campground, John suggested Emma rinse off in the creek. More shrieks when she realized how cold the water was and how many water bugs were surrounding her every step. She huffed and stomped back to camp, wet hair and all, and sat begrudgingly on a log. Emma swatted at bugs until Lucy handed her a citronella band and a beer.

John and Gray lit the bonfire and started cooking with Lucy while Emma stewed quietly. After dinner, Gray made s’mores and everyone took turns telling scary stories. Emma found herself laughing at her friends’ jokes after a time and began to relax.

As everyone wound down for sleep, Emma sighed deeply. The subdued sounds of crickets and flowing water gently lulled her into a deep sleep unlike any she had ever experienced in the loud city. She woke the next morning, fresh for another day out in the woods. Maybe this camping thing wasn’t so bad after all.