The Okitwawa Camp

Chapter Twenty-Three: The Canoe Challenge

Saturday July 18, 2020, 10:45 A.M

After all those challenges that we did, I feel ready to battle against anything, even water! Okay, we didn't success at the kitchen one, yet I fell confident that we can do it!

With no regrets!

- Put on a safety voice, choose a pedalo and go! Declares Miss Weird, as everyone calls her that.

Reluctantly, the both of us walk towards the vest place. For s short time, for about thirty seconds, my mind is blowing. Yet I'm all silent, seeking for the right size that won't let me drown. Will we do it and gain everyone's respect? That remains a mystery.

And if we don't, what happens?

Adjusting my life jacket, I throw my friend a glare, who's two meters away. I join her, running, sitting next to her. An instructor pushes the pedalo and pushes it in the water. We begin moving our legs, as if we were on a bike.

- Easy, we won't need a second chance! Audrey comments, leaning back, crossing her arms behind her head to sunbathe

We could say that Audrey has a relaxed state of mind. Not me, though. As we arrive the middle fo the lake, that's when I start panicking.

- Um, Audrey, where are we? I inquire nervously

I hate that my voice is so muffled, so weak. I know I shouldn't be scared, and yet I am.

- At the middle of the lake, duh! We can see the island right in front of us and the camp is behind us; you don't have to worry!

I gulp, trying to calm myself down. Okay, she knows what she's doing, I try to convince myself, and yet it doesn't work a single inch.

Quickly, we arrive at the Island, parking our pedalo as we shift slightly.

- Oh, here's the canoe, wanna help? Audrey demands calmly, taking one extremity

I nod my help, helping her to pose it on the water.

- Okay...(I pause) If you want, I can sacrifice and come back with the canoe...I suggest.

Audrey agrees and gets in the pedalo, as she gets back to the camp. Slowly but surely, I climb in the canoe with the paddle we brought, following her.