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chapter seven - when we drink, we do it right

As Daisy settled into the passenger seat, her mom turned on the engine and they pulled away from Camp Pinewood. "Did you have a good time?" her mom asked, glancing over with a warm smile. "Yeah, it was amazing! I mean, who wouldn't love living in the woods and pretending they're a survivalist?" Daisy replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Her mom chuckled. "So, you're ready for your new career as a wilderness expert then?" Daisy grinned. "Absolutely! Just as soon as I find a way to make s'mores on a campfire in our backyard." "Perfect! I can see it now: 'Daisy's Backyard Campfire Experience.' You'll be rich in no time," her mom teased, shaking her head.

After a few hours, they arrived home, Daisy quickly unpacked her bags, tossing clothes haphazardly into her room. The familiar scent of home enveloped her, but it felt oddly quiet after the lively chaos of camp. "Mom, I think I'm going to have to create a shrine for my camp memories. You know, pictures, rock paintings, maybe a life-size cutout of Gemma," Daisy said, dramatically placing her hand over her forehead as if fainting from the thought. Her mom laughed, rolling her eyes. "As long as you don't put the cutout in the living room, we're good. I draw the line at camp memorabilia in shared spaces." "Fine, but it's going in my room. Gemma is my spirit animal now," Daisy declared, plopping down on her bed and grabbing her phone. "Just promise me you'll feed her, too." her mom replied, a playful glint in her eye. Daisy's mom was well used to her daughter's ability to talk about Gemma for hours, only now she was starting to guess just how Daisy felt.

Gem

where can i get a life-sized cutout of you?

Hmmm, maybe target.

Miss me already?

is that even a question?

of course, i miss you

I miss you too, love ❤️

Daisy remembers to text the CIT group chat, to plan the party.

R.I.P. Lola's soul

Daisy Dukes: guys 🎉

i was thinking we should throw a party tomorrow night

my mom and brother are going to Chicago

she said you guys can come over

who's in 👉👈

Lolagator: Count me in!

I need to celebrate my freedom from the camp food.

Cassiegh: I'll come, but only if I get to wear my 'Camp Pinewood Survivor' t-shirt.

Bannah Hannah: Ooh, yes.

I need to let loose after being surrounded by sticky children all summer.

American girl doll Julie: I still can't look at glue after one of my camper's dumped glue and glitter all over the grass outside the lodge

Tilor: LMAO

i forgot about that.

Yeah, a party Sounds awesome!

I can bring some drinks. Just, don't ask me what's in them.

Drew looks at me: And I'll bring the music! I just got a new playlist ready to go.