Gleemrose Camp - The Crew (Draft)

Beneath the Stars: Welcome and Farewell

The guy was now in the medical wing of the camp. It was breakfast time and no one was jolly. Everyone was either quiet or murmuring about what happened that night.

A heavy silence replaced the usual chatter of clinking utensils and laughter, as campers shuffled into the cafeteria, their eyes downcast.

I sat at the table with Raph, Reagan, Marcus and Arwa, our plates untouched. The smell of pancakes flared through the air, but it felt distant and uninviting. I glanced around the room, searching for something to talk about.

"Did anyone hear what happened to him?" Arwa finally broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Just that he was found shaking on the ground," Raph replied, his brow furrowed.

"They said he looked... sick. Like he was in some kind of shock." Theo added.

"I still can't believe it," Reagan added, shaking his head. "He seemed fine last night. I barely knew him, but he looked nice to me..."

I thought back to the water bottle, the way Bear's mom had seemed off, and the frantic way the guy had taken it. I could feel a knot tightening in my stomach. "Maybe he drank something from it," I said, my voice shaky. "Something... dangerous."

"Maybe it was an allergy...?" Supposed Marcus.

The table fell silent again, and I could see the uncertainty in everyone's eyes. It was as if a dark cloud had settled over the camp, suffocating any sense of normalcy.

Just then, the door to the cafeteria swung open, and Minotaur rushed in, his face pale and drawn. "Listen up, everyone!" he called out, commanding attention. "I know there are a lot of questions right now, but we need to stay calm. The medical team is taking care of the situation. Please do not panic."

I exchanged worried glances with my friends. Panic seemed unavoidable.

"Is he going to be okay?" a voice called from the back, and the tension in the room thickened.

The monitor hesitated, glancing at the floor. "We're doing everything we can," he said finally. "But we must keep the area around the medical wing clear for now. If you see anything suspicious, report it immediately."

With that, he left, and the murmurs became louder this time. People were speculating about what had happened, sharing rumours and theories,

"Imagine if we all returned home because of that...!" Implied Raph.

"Well, I hope not..." I muttered.

I noticed Bear across the room. He looked concerned. Nervous, even worried. I frowned, inspecting him.

"Oi chap!... Are you feeling okay?"

As I was pacing out, Alexis appeared before me as he sat down with his tray.

"Oh- Oh, yeah I'm fine don't worry! I just... Zoned out." I glanced at him. "I mean I guess."

"You're sure that you're okay?... I mean.. You really didn't look like you were...-"

I waved to him before he could finish. "Seriously, it's nothing. Just need some fresh air. Thanks though..."

Before he could answer, Tauriel blew her whistle. "Alright, everyone! Time for the lake! Everyone to the canoes!"

I sighed, pushing myself up from the table. "Guess we'll see how I feel after some paddling," I muttered.

Alexis gave me a worried glance, but we followed the crowd outside. The sun was brilliant, and for a moment, it felt like the atmosphere lightened. The lake shimmered in the distance, the sound of water lapping against the shore almost calming, followed by the sound of the people chattering surprisingly gently.