Camp Cedar Ridge: The Unlikely Summer

2 0 0
                                    

Setting: Early Morning at Camp Cedar Ridge, Inside Team Teal Tent

Nathan and Wyatt were sitting quietly in their tent after retrieving Wyatt’s clothes from Zoe’s prank. The air was still cold, and the camp was slowly waking up. Nathan, feeling comfortable enough after everything, asked Wyatt a question that had been on his mind for a while.

"Hey, Wyatt," Nathan started, his voice curious but soft, "are you growing your hair out to be long because you’re... uh, MTF? You know, like, transitioning? Or are you just a straight guy who likes long hair?"

Wyatt blinked, surprised by the question. He hadn’t expected Nathan to ask something so direct, but at the same time, he knew Nathan wasn’t trying to offend him. Wyatt paused for a moment before answering.

"Nah, I’m not MTF," Wyatt said, shaking his head, a small, slightly awkward smile forming on his face. "I just like having long hair. And, uh... I’m not straight, either."

Nathan looked at Wyatt, clearly not expecting that answer. "Wait, so... you’re gay?"

Wyatt nodded. "Yeah. I’m a gay guy."

Nathan absorbed the information quietly, processing it. He hadn’t thought much about Wyatt’s sexuality, but hearing it now, he felt a strange sense of understanding. Nathan shifted uncomfortably for a second, not because of Wyatt’s answer, but because of a growing confusion inside himself. He had never really thought about his own feelings, not in that way.

"That’s cool," Nathan said, trying to sound casual but realizing how uncertain he sounded. "I didn’t know."

Wyatt shrugged, his tone light. "It’s not something I shout from the rooftops, but yeah."

Nathan nodded slowly, staring at the floor of the tent for a moment. His thoughts swirled, and there was a weird knot in his stomach. He had been noticing things about Wyatt lately—like how he’d stayed up to check on him, how he’d comforted him when Wyatt was upset, and even how he thought Wyatt was beautiful that night. But he hadn’t thought too deeply about what it all meant. Until now.

He glanced at Wyatt and then looked away, feeling a little flustered but trying not to show it. "Yeah, that’s cool," Nathan repeated, but this time with a softer, more reflective tone.

Wyatt, sensing Nathan’s uncertainty, didn’t push. "We all have our stuff," Wyatt said, giving Nathan an understanding look. "Thanks for asking, though."

Nathan nodded again, his mind still racing with thoughts he hadn’t fully figured out yet.
















Understood! Here’s a revised version where the campers remain completely unaware that they are in a VR simulation, focusing solely on their experience without any hints about the mechanics or how they might escape.

---

Setting: Camp Cedar Ridge - Morning After Breakfast

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over Camp Cedar Ridge as the campers of Team Teal gathered by the campfire after breakfast. Laughter filled the air, and Nathan felt a mix of camaraderie and unease as he exchanged glances with Wyatt, still grappling with his feelings.

As they settled down, Tyler and Dylan approached, their expressions enigmatic. “Alright, campers! We have a special challenge for you today!” Tyler announced, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

“What’s the challenge?” Wyatt asked, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

“Just wait and see!” Dylan chimed in, his excitement barely contained.

Camp Cedar Ridge: The Unlikely Summer"?  Where stories live. Discover now