𝗟𝗨𝗥𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 》𝙗𝙚𝙣 𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙪𝙨 ✓ [𝟏]

𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐞

*PROOFREAD*

"Vera!" Her mother's exasperated voice carried up the stairs. "If you don't start packing now, you'll miss your flight!"

Vera rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a twinge of excitement. Mr. Masrani, her mother's colleague, had extended an incredible invitation - a chance to visit the newly constructed, cutting-edge camp at Jurassic World. The thought of seeing real dinosaurs up close sent a thrill down her spine, but first, she had to get through the dreaded task of packing and dealing with others.

Vera's room was a flurry of activity as she hastily packed her belongings. Clothes flew through the air, landing haphazardly in her open suitcase. She paused, reaching for the crumpled invitation letter on her desk, her eyes scanning the contents once more:

---

Dear Vera Alvarez,

You are one of the select few formally invited to experience our state-of-the-art Camp Cretaceous!

In light of Ms. Camille Alvarez's invaluable contributions to Jurassic World, we would be honored to host you at our camp. Please find below a list of required items and prohibited objects.

Required Supplies:
• Flashlight
• Two weeks' worth of clothing
• Bathing suit
• Sunscreen
• Hygiene products (toothbrush, floss, etc.)

Prohibited Objects:
• Electronic devices (cameras, phones, laptops - this is an off-the-grid experience. MP3 and music players are permitted)
• Weapons
• Alcohol
• Any non-prescribed substances

To confirm your attendance, please reply via email by November 31st. The camp runs from December 15th to December 31st. Kindly inform us of any allergies or medical concerns in your response. We eagerly await your arrival!

Warm regards,
Claire Dearing

---

Vera tossed her well-worn exploring backpack into her luggage, already filled with most of the required items. Her brow furrowed as she realized she was missing a crucial item. "Flashlight, flashlight," she muttered, dropping to her knees to peer under the bed. "Aha!" she exclaimed, fishing out the elusive torch and tossing it into her suitcase.

"Vera Valentina Alvarez! Let's go!" Her mother's impatient voice echoed up the stairs.

Vera's heart raced as she hastily laced up her favorite pair of decorated Converses. With a final glance around her room, she grabbed her suitcase and bolted out the door.

As she stumbled down the stairs, her mother stood by the front door, tapping her foot. "I don't understand why you chose to wait until the day of," she sighed, handing their bags to the waiting chauffeur.

Vera crossed her arms, her voice laced with frustration. "I don't understand why you roped me into going at all."

"Because it'll be fun!" Her mother's tone softened, a hint of concern creeping in. "You need to get out of your shell, make friends. Stop treating your room like a hermit's cave."

As Vera climbed into the back seat, she muttered under her breath, "It would be easier to socialize if we didn't have to uproot ourselves every time we finally got settled."

Her mother slid in beside her, reaching out to touch Vera's arm."I'm sorry honey. If I could control it we wouldn't-"

"Yeah, yeah I know, we wouldn't be constantly moving." She huffed, cutting her mother off.

As the car pulled away, Vera gazed out the window, her reflection a blur against the passing scenery. Deep down, she knew the frequent relocations weren't her mother's fault. Her job demanded extensive travel, and stability simply wasn't in the cards. Vera understood her mother was only trying to provide for them, but that knowledge did little to soothe the ache of constantly being the new girl, always on the outside looking in.

𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘳𝘪'𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴！
___________________________
hi guys!!! sorry I know this prologue is a bit short but I really just wanted to create it to give a little insight on Vera and her mother's dynamic. If you notice other names besides Vera please lmk bc I changed her name like four times. I know I said I would post this later on this week but I'm so excited for this book!! Chapter one will still be posted June 29th so keep an eye out!! thank you guys for reading, ily and enjoy!!

_________ ⋆ ★
©-CRETACEOUS, 2024