Dog Days

Chapter 1: Summer Spark

I tugged at the zipper of my suitcase, struggling to close it over the bulging pile of clothes. The feeling of frustration overcame me as I glared at the suitcase that refused to cooperate.

"I think it's a sign that I'm not meant to go," I sighed, collapsing onto the floor amidst the scattered clothes and giving up on the suitcase.

"What do you think you're doing?" a cold voice demanded, making me jump to my feet instantly.

From the doorway, Mrs. Park's -- my mother's gaze fell upon me, her arms crossed and her expression unmoved. "Hannah, you know the drill. We're leaving for New York soon. If you don't finish packing now, you'll be up all night."

I clenched my fists and blurted out, "This is a waste of time."

"What's the point of going to a stupid summer camp right before moving? Isn't that just inconvenient for both of us?" I asked my mother angrily. "I won't even get a chance to rest once camp ends. I'm so tired of this."

The irritation on my mother's face told me this argument was going nowhere. I felt a shiver run down my spine just by making eye contact with my own mother. The mess in my room, with boxes scattered everywhere, along with her presence began to overwhelm me. 

Mrs. Park's eyes remained indifferent. "It's part of the job, Hannah. We can't always control where we go. This is your last summer camp before we move. It's supposed to be a break for you, not a cause for more stress."

My chin quivered and my face grew tight with emotion. My hands shook as I folded a shirt, frustration spilling over. "A break? You mean like when we moved from Chicago to here? Or when we left San Francisco? I don't see how any of this is a break. It's just another place I'll have to leave behind."

Everything is temporary—homes, relationships, seasons, Summer camps. Getting attached only leads to pain.

The coldness in my mother's demeanor didn't waver. "Life doesn't always go as planned. You have to learn to adapt. Now, either you finish packing or I'll have to come in and do it for you."

The air grew heavier with silence as I searched my mother's eyes for any hint of empathy or understanding. Finding none, I turned away and placed the folded shirt into what felt like the millionth bag.

Mrs. Park's eyes softened for a brief moment before she turned and walked away, leaving Hannah alone in her messy room. As Hannah sat down on the edge of her bed, she glanced around at the chaos, feeling a mixture of sadness and frustration. The thought of another new city and another new beginning was overwhelming.

But amidst the frustration and the coldness of her mother's indifference, a small flicker of curiosity and hope remained. Camp Evergreen was a new adventure, a chance to escape the relentless cycle of moving and find a bit of solace, even if it was only for a short time. With a tired determination, Hannah completed her packing, pushing aside her mounting anxiety and trying to focus on the opportunities that awaited her.

The car came to a stop, and my eyes widened as I caught my first glimpse of Camp Evergreen. The campgrounds stretched out, surrounded by lush greenery. The lake sparkled in the distance, and rustic cabins were nestled among the trees. It looked like a place full of adventure and calm, a welcome change from the chaotic mess of my room at home.

Camp leaders stood beside a row of cars, signing everyone in like a drive-through. Each camper rolled down their window, handed over their paperwork, and got a brief orientation.

As if they materialized out of nowhere, an Evergreen camp leader appeared by the driver's side window, prompting my mother to roll it down.

"Mrs. Park, right? Ha-yun is in Cabin #20A," the camp leader said, handing my mother a map. Without even glancing at it, she handed the map back to me.

My mother leaned in from the driver's seat, her voice sharp as she delivered her final instructions."Remember, don't be late for pick-up in a week. I'll be here exactly at the end of camp. Don't forget, Hannah."

"I won't," I replied, forcing a smile as I got out of the car and grabbed my bags. As my mother's car pulled away, I felt the familiar pang of loneliness, standing there alone with my suitcase and duffel bag.

I glanced at the map and then up at the steep hill leading to Cabin #20A. It was the farthest cabin from the main area, and the incline seemed more daunting with every step. How lucky I am, I thought to myself as I tugged at the handles of my luggage, struggling to pull it up the hill. 

The weight of the bags grew heavier with each step, and sweat started to bead on my forehead. I couldn't believe no one had offered to help; I felt so embarrassed. Almost as if he had read my thoughts, an unfamiliar voice spoke from behind me.

"Need a hand?"

I looked up, surprised by his sudden appearance. "Uh, sure. That would be great." I said with an awkward smile pasted across my face.

The young boy trotted over, his own bags slung over his shoulder. He effortlessly grabbed one of my heavy overfilled duffel bags, lifting it with ease. "This looks like a lot of stuff for one person. I've got the rest. Let's get you to your cabin."

As we walked together, the boy chatted casually, and his easygoing demeanor made me feel a bit more at ease. I was surprised to find myself laughing at his jokes and enjoying the conversation, even though I was determined to keep my guard up.

When we finally reached Cabin #20A, I felt a mix of relief and embarrassment. However, the beauty of the nature surrounding me quickly caught my attention. My cabin was tucked away in a quiet corner of the camp, encircled by tall trees. It looked quiet and cozy, but the journey had left me feeling exposed and vulnerable.

"Thanks for the help," I said, gratefully accepting the bag from the boy. "I really appreciate it."

"No problem at all," He replied with a grin. "I'm Jake, by the way. I've been a camper here for a few years now. You must be new?"

I nodded. "Yeah, this is my first time here. My name is Park Ha-Yun."

Jake's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Welcome to Camp Evergreen, Ha-Yun. I'm sure you'll love it here once you settle in. If you ever need anything, I'm usually at Cabin #5B or in the music room!"

As Jake walked back down the hill, Hannah felt a strange flutter in her chest. It was a feeling she hadn't experienced before—a mix of excitement and nervousness that left her both exhilarated and wary. She watched him go, feeling a spark of something she had been trying to avoid: a connection.

Shaking her head, she tried to focus on unpacking her things. The camp was beautiful, and perhaps there was something special about it after all. As she arranged her belongings and took in her surroundings, she couldn't shake the feeling that this summer might be different from the rest. Maybe, just maybe, it was worth letting herself enjoy it.