Camp Dog Days

Chapter One | An Alteration in My Vacation

I ROLLED OUT of my bed at quarter to three. Three in the afternoon, that is. I stretched my arms over my head as I let out a yawn. I couldn't even remember the last time I woke up this late. It was only the first day of summer vacation, yet I already felt like I caught up on a year's worth of lost sleep. For the next two months, I didn't have to worry about tests, pulling all nighters to finish assignments, and waking up before the crack of dawn.

Good freaking riddance.

I forced myself out of bed and I went downstairs, making a beeline for the kitchen. I swung open the fridge door and I grabbed a carton of milk. Since I was alone, I drank straight from the carton.

"Good morn— what are you doing?" my mom cried.

Startled, I dropped the milk carton on the ground, and I spat out the milk in my mouth. It was one of those perfect spit takes people did on TV. The only difference was that this wasn't TV, and I was going to get hell for it.

Mom folded her arms across her chest. "I was going to give you some good news, but that's not going to happen until you clean up."

"Don't worry, I'll clean the milk," I assured her.

She raised her eyebrows. "I was talking about your appearance."

I glanced down at my attire. "What's wrong with my appearance?"

"You're wearing solely boxers, your hair looks like a crow's nest, there's dried up drool on your chin, you smell terrible, and I doubt you've even brushed your teeth." She used her fingers to list off everything.

"Mom, it's summer vacation. I don't need to brush my teeth," I scoffed.

She gave me a disgusted look. "How about you go freshen up, and I'll clean the spill?"

"Then you'll tell me the supposed good news?"

She nodded, smiling. "I think you'll be very excited, Danny."

"I doubt it," I muttered as I ran up the stairs.

After completing my morning rituals and appearing presentable, I came back downstairs. My mom was busy talking away on her phone, so naturally, I couldn't help but eavesdrop.

"Don't worry, I think I found someone to fill the position," she said.

I gave her a confused look. What position was she talking about?

"Don't worry," she continued. "I know he'll do it. Even if he doesn't want to, I'll find a way."

I involuntarily gulped. My mother was a very persistent person and she did whatever she could do to get what she wanted. I pitied the poor soul who was going to 'fill in the position' for her.

"Danny, you're back," my mom said, making me emit an unnaturally high pitched scream. "Now that you're here, I want to tell you the news, honey."

I gave her an incredulous look. Honey? She only acknowledged me with terms of endearment when she wanted something.

"Come, sit." Mom gestured at the chair beside her at the dining table.

I cautiously sat down. "So what'd you want to tell me?"

"I know you're aware of my job, right, sweetheart?"

I nodded. My mother ran our town's community centre. With River Falls being such a small town, we only needed one community centre, which was used for practically everything.

"And you know how there are so many different programs that take place there during the summer break, correct?" she confirmed.

Once again, I nodded my head. "What does this have to do with me?"