𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘳 ~ [𝘋𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘥 𝘹 𝘖𝘊]

⇒ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ꜱᴇᴠᴇɴ

I'd rubbed my eyes twelve times in the past five minutes, exhausted and wiped out. It was safe to say I was utterly suffering. Everyone's favourite time of year had rolled around: The Camp Critic Committee had come for their annual review. That was why I was so tired. All night, me, David and Gwen had been working tirelessly construct the first fully functioning piece of equipment in Camp Campbell's history. It was nothing special, just an assault course, but the three of us were pleased with our work. Gwen hadn't really been too keen on helping, but I managed to convince her, reminding my friend of how much our co-counsellor wanted to win the big award they handed out. We had to help him.

"We're so happy to have you here today!" I rambled, putting on my most chipper voice. The things I do for David... The three critics trailed after me slowly as I wove through the kids seated in the Mess Hall. I couldn't see any of their faces, each swathed in a pretentious robe, despite the sun. Pompous fucks.

"It's such an honour to have the Camp Critic Committee visit us again!" David jumped in the conversation. He paused, rubbing his arm. "Especially after last year's incident."

"Don't remind me..." I muttered under my breath.

"Which I want to apologise again for, and if you were wondering, yes the camper did survive. Physically speaking." The redhead was really selling this camp as a safe place to go. "But a lot has changed since then, and I think you'll agree that it's set me on track to be the prime candidate for the Counsellor of the Year Award!" Gwen and I both knew he wasn't going to get it, but this meant a lot to him, so we'd do our best to try and help. I shot David an encouraging smile. The critics scribbled something down on their clipboards.

"Right, we've got a big day of activities planned," I moved the conversation along, "And as you know the start to any good day is a balanced breakfast!" I was beginning to sound more and more like the man to my right. The sooner I could drop this act, the better. I also appreciated the irony in what I'd just said as I watched Space kid fill his helmet with maple syrup.

"Yup, we run a tight ship around here, but we also encourage creativity and freedom of expression." A surprisingly good save from the Camp's resident klutz.

"Uh, David, Avery?" Gwen looked a little worried as she stepped over, looking down at something on her phone.

"Not now!" The man with the yellow bandana hissed. "This is one of our other counsellors. She has nothing to report." He added. I side-stepped over to my friend.

"What is it?" I whispered. Gwen showed me her phone in answer. My eyes widened, annoyance setting in. "Shit. Davey?" I called, hoping to divert his attention. He completely ignored me, walking over to the window.

"The day's activities always include something challenging for the mind and body, and today is no exception. Behold!" He opened the curtains, revealing the obstacle course the three of us had worked so hard on.

"David!" I raised my voice slightly, stepping a little closer.

"What, Avery? I have gone through a lot of planning and preparation for today, what could you possibly have to tell me, that I don't already know?!" He snapped, face beaded with nervous sweat. I frowned, a little ruffled. What the fuck. I'd never seen him so... Borderline pissed. David had never snapped at me before. His answer came in the form of a clap of thunder, dark clouds swarming behind him. I grabbed Gwen's phone, swivelling to show him the weather forecast.

"That it was going to rain." I spat, angry from how he'd spoken earlier. I stuck up my middle finger in his direction, retreating to go check on the kids. His face fell immediately, staring out the window in sorrow.