Camp MondCove

Chapter 4: Is this real?

"It's a new soundtrack, I could dance to this beat"

Welcome To New York — Taylor Swift

Nico had always dreamed of visiting New York, but now that he was finally standing in its heart, it felt almost surreal. Everything was bigger, louder, and faster than he'd ever imagined. The towering skyscrapers stretched so high that they seemed to touch the clouds, casting long shadows over the bustling streets below. Yellow taxis honked impatiently as they weaved through the traffic, while the air was filled with the mouthwatering scent of hot dogs and pizza wafting from street vendors. The city wasn't just alive—it had a pulse, a heartbeat that thrummed beneath Nico's feet, sending his thoughts spinning with excitement.

Without a second thought, he rushed toward the Empire State Building. The iconic structure loomed so high overhead that Nico had to tilt his head back just to take it in. He pulled out his phone, recording the building from its base to its soaring spire, trying to capture its sheer enormity. It was a strange feeling, standing before something he had seen in countless photos and movies, but experiencing it in person made it all feel so much more real. *This is it*, he thought, *I'm actually here— in New York*.

Determined to see everything, Nico made his way to Times Square. The moment he stepped into the chaotic intersection, it was like stepping into another world. A barrage of neon lights and flashing billboards hit him from all sides, advertising everything from Broadway shows to high-end fashion brands. Tourists swarmed the streets, snapping selfies, while street performers danced and sang, their music blending into the constant hum of the city. Nico spun around in circles, laughing to himself as he tried to take it all in. For a second, he imagined his brother next to him, pointing out the exact spot where Spider-Man fought Electro in the movies.

Amid the chaos, something unexpected caught Nico's eye: a giant inflatable hot dog floating above a crowd of people. A colorful sign proudly announced the "Annual Hot Dog Eating Challenge," and below it, contestants sat at long tables, shoveling hot dogs into their mouths as fast as they could. The scene was wild—cheering crowds, ketchup and mustard splattered everywhere, and contestants' faces red with effort. Nico watched for a moment, both fascinated and slightly horrified. "Only in New York," he muttered to himself, shaking his head in disbelief.

After the sensory overload of Times Square, Nico decided to head toward the Financial District. The vibe shifted dramatically here—still buzzing with energy, but much more intense and focused. Tall, glass buildings lined the narrow streets, reflecting the hurried strides of men and women in sharp suits, their faces etched with concentration. As he walked past Wall Street, Nico couldn't resist snapping a selfie in front of the iconic Charging Bull statue. Its bronze surface gleamed under the city lights, and Nico chuckled to himself as he thought about *The Wolf of Wall Street*, imagining himself atop the world like Leonardo DiCaprio, but with way fewer yachts and FBI agents chasing him.

His feet were starting to ache, but he kept moving, making his way to Battery Park. In the distance, the Statue of Liberty stood tall, smaller than he had expected but still awe-inspiring. She was more than just a statue; she was a symbol of hope, of new beginnings. Nico stared at her for a long moment, a quiet sense of peace settling over him. This trip felt like the start of something new for him too—a fresh chapter filled with endless possibilities. He promised himself that next time, he'd take the ferry and see her up close.

As the day began to wind down, Nico crossed into Brooklyn via the iconic bridge. The stone arches and intricate web of cables felt almost like a work of art, and when he stopped to look back, the Manhattan skyline was bathed in the warm, golden glow of the setting sun. It was a breathtaking sight. Nico snapped the obligatory tourist photo, capturing the moment, before heading deeper into Brooklyn's quieter, artsier neighborhoods. In DUMBO, he found a small coffee shop with cobblestone streets and old warehouses that made him feel like he'd stepped into another world, far from the frenetic pace of Manhattan. He sat for a while, sipping coffee and catching his breath, feeling like he'd stumbled upon a hidden gem in the heart of the city.