Mysteries of Sparrow Lake Camp

Chapter eleven

After the Senior Social, our cabin buzzed with excitement. We returned, our laughter still echoing in the air as we changed into our pajamas and brushed our teeth. I felt a sense of warmth and connection with my cabinmates, but that feeling was abruptly overshadowed when one of our counselors announced, "Okay, everyone, time for bed!"

That's when it hit me. A wave of dread washed over me, and I felt my heart race. Why am I here? I miss my family. What if something happens to them? There are so many possibilities that I might never see them again. The thought consumed me. I want to see them. I want to see them now.

My breathing quickened, and I bolted upright in my bed, panic rising within me. I tried to take deep breaths, but it felt like I was spiraling deeper into a pit of anxiety. The walls of the cabin seemed to close in around me, and the laughter of my friends faded into the background.

Angelique and Amelie noticed my panic and rushed to my side. "Elyse! What's wrong?" Angelique asked, her voice filled with concern.

"I... I can't breathe," I gasped, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Just focus on us," Amelie said gently, her presence grounding. "We're right here."

I felt their hands on my shoulders, their warmth anchoring me as they spoke softly, encouragingly. But despite their efforts, I couldn't shake the feeling that my world was unraveling.

"Let's play a game," Angelique suggested, her eyes brightening with determination. "It'll help take your mind off things."

I hesitated but nodded, desperate for any distraction. We pulled out a board game and set it up on the floor, the colorful pieces a comforting sight. As we began to play, Angelique and Amelie kept the atmosphere light, their laughter and playful banter weaving through my anxiety.

Soon, Amelie started to yawn, her eyelids drooping. "I think I'm going to bed," she said, stretching. "But you two keep playing. I'll see you in the morning!"

"Goodnight, Amelie!" Angelique and I called out, and I felt a pang of loneliness as she climbed into her bunk.

I looked over at Angelique, who was still smiling at me. "You okay?" she asked softly, her concern soothing.

"Yeah," I replied, trying to shake off the remnants of my panic. "Thanks for staying with me."

"I'm not going anywhere," she said with a reassuring smile. And she meant it. We continued our game, but it felt less like a distraction and more like a lifeline. I could feel the tension slowly easing from my body, replaced by the comfort of her presence.

As the hours passed, we talked about everything and nothing-our favorite memories, silly camp stories, and dreams for the future. It was refreshing, and I felt a sense of relief washing over me.

Eventually, the clock ticked past four in the morning, and I could feel my eyelids growing heavy. Angelique yawned, and it was contagious. "I think we should probably get some sleep," she said, stifling another yawn.

"Yeah, you're right," I admitted, feeling grateful for her support.

"Goodnight, Elyse," she said, snuggling into her own sleeping bag.

"Goodnight, Angelique," I replied, a soft smile on my face.

As I closed my eyes, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. I knew I wasn't alone; I had friends who cared, and that made all the difference. With that comforting thought in my mind, I drifted off to sleep, the weight of my worries lifting just a little.