𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐁𝐘 𝐌𝐄 - 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬

𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬

in the 1950s, castle rock, oregon, had a quaint charm that reflected the simplicity of the era. the population was of 1,281, and this tight-knit community fostered a sense of familiarity where everybody knew everybody. 

for the young tweens like chris, gordie, teddy, vern, and caroline, castle rock was not just a town; it was their entire world. the town's small size made it feel like a playground for the adventurous youth. every street corner, every familiar face, and every hidden spot held a special significance in the heart of their growing years, shaping the memories that would last a lifetime.

perched above the ordinary world stood a treehouse. the treehouse became an escape from all the adult pressures. it served as a meeting place, a haven for playing cards, and a place to break free from the burden of parents putting the weight of the world on the shoulders of their children. 

under the warm embrace of a summer afternoon, the gang decided to meet at the treehouse.

"bye mom! i'm going to meet up with some friends," caroline yelled as she was leaving her house.

her mother's words echoed, "don't stay out too late, hun."

the screen door gently creaked shut behind caroline.

as caroline was going down the porch steps, her gaze fell upon vern's silhouette in the distance, making his way towards the treehouse. 

"vern!" she called out, the excitement evident in her voice.

he turned with a grin spreading across his face as he slowed down to let her catch up.

"hi vern! how's it goin'?" caroline asked with a cheerful grin. she noticed his cherry-red face.

vern turned with his eyes gleaming in anticipation.

"caroline! you won't believe what i've got to tell you guys. it's something big--something that'll knock your socks right off!"

intrigued, caroline matched vern's fast pace, eager to hear the news.

vern, bubbling with something he needed to share, went up the treehouse ladder first. however, his enthusiasm was momentarily spoiled as he forgot an important procedure--the knock.

"knock the secret knock," said gordie.

below tessio, caroline rolled her eyes at him, unamused.

"i forget the secret knock, let me in!"

the door opened above them, revealing vern's eager face popping up first, then followed by caroline. 

chris greeted caroline, which was followed by smiles from the other two boys.

"hi guys!" caroline beamed, her infectious smile adding warmth to the space. 

gordie glanced over at the girl.

gordie's description of caroline:

caroline barnes brought a touch of southern warmth with her when she moved to castle rock after her dad got a job here. she was one of those rare, once-in-a-lifetime people who could light up even the gloomiest day. i, with my young heart, carried the biggest crush on her--more than i ever thought was possible for a young boy. i was especially drawn to her because she was dealing with a lot at home. she would tell us stories of her parents fighting, and how bad it got at times. some nights she would end up with holes in the walls, or having to clean up broken glass that was thrown on the floor, or having to scream at her dad to leave. she dealt with a lot. we were a bunch of boys, unsure how to navigate the presence of a girl, but caroline found her comfort among us. perhaps it was a welcome escape from the bickering parents or the catty world of schoolgirls. yet, in those moments, i felt a love for her that was too much for my young heart to bear. but i'm sure all the other guys harbored their own sizable crushes on her too.