Different Doesn't Mean Broken
This is a collaborative novel between StoryZen, who will post the same story on Inkitt, and me.
Every summer, kids around the country attend summer camp. There are camps for every type of child, including sports, drama, art, and science.
There are even camps for kids with disabilities and chronic illnesses. A place where they feel a little less conspicuous regarding their medical needs. These camps allow kids to be in a safe, supportive and tolerant environment where their medical needs don't set them apart.
Mia is excited about spending another summer at Camp Big Pine. This is her third summer, and, now that she's 13, Mia's in the 'big girls' cabin. But Mia's also a little nervous. Camp Big Pine is full of kids with different abilities and illnesses. This year, Mia's coming with a new diagnosis, a new food restriction and a new mobility aid. Mia now walks with crutches, something she didn't have last summer. She's also been diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and has also been told she is to avoid cheese. Cheese! Her favourite food! How will she survive?
Alex doesn't belong at Camp Big Pine. It's a camp for kids with disabilities who are in wheelchairs and on crutches and stuff like that. Alex doesn't have a disability. Alex has Type 1 Diabetes, and that's not a disability. It just means she has to be careful about what she eats, ensure she takes insulin every time, and ensure she knows how to check if her sugar is too high or too low and how to treat that. That's not a disability. Alex doesn't want to be at Camp Big Pine. And she will do her best to get kicked out and sent home if she doesn't run away first.
Something happens that forces Mia and Alex to rely on each other. And the last thing Alex wants to do is rely on anyone.
Can Alex help Mia see that her life really doesn't have to change as much as she thinks, even with new restrictions? Can Mia help Alex see that being different doesn't mean you're broken?
