Fox Cabin

June 1st, 1994

The parking lot grows crowded as it fills with parents dropping their kids off for the camp bus. Most are hugging their kids goodbye and crying as if it's the last time they will ever see them.

I groan and roll my eyes as my Mom kisses me on my cheek, "Mom, can you not?! Everyone saw that". "Sorry, sweetie you just know how much I love having you around. It is going to be tough this summer without your Father here to keep me company". My Mother says with a dull look on her face.

This is going to be rough for me too, I think in my head.

"Well, at least you have your knitting " My Mother looks at me as if I said something wrong.

This is usually my favorite time of the year, I get to see all my friends and spend the summer at the camp. But this year I am dreading it.

"KATYYY!!" I hear my name through the crowd. I close my eyes as I prepare to be bombarded. I turn around "Hi, Em". I smile. "Kat, I am so sorry" Em says as she hugs me tight.

Her arms wrapped around me like a nice warm blanket. A single tear travels down my cheek until it stops at my chin, then slowly drops onto her shoulder.

I take a deep breath and try to speak, but the words won't form. "I - I'm, It's okay. I'm fine." I lift up my head and smile every so slightly. "This is going to be the best summer yet, just you wait and see!" Em says with confidence.

Then she looks over at my Mom "I'll take good care of her, Miss Sarah." Em pulls me away towards the bus. I wave goodbye. "Come on! We have to get good seats. I am not sitting next to the CC's."

I feel the guilt take over as I see my Mom hold back her tears. I shouldn't be going to camp, I think. "I love you, Mom." "I love you, too KitKat. See you in two weeks."

Em and I drop our bags off at the side of the bus. Walking up the steps to the bus, I stop. "Em, I can't." I say with a huge gulp and sigh. "I don't think I am ready." "Katy, it will be fine. I promise. I will be there with you the whole time." Em says with reassurance.

"Let's go, Ladies!! Pick a row and get seated. We are leaving in 5 minutes." The head CC yells.

As soon as I snap back into reality, I walk down the aisle of the bus trying to find a seat that's not caked in old food or gum. I sit in a seat closest to back. Em follows behind me.

I stare out the window. My mom no where in sight. Other parents and siblings lined up waving goodbye as the bus slowly pulls away. I drift off into my own little world, it's quiet and in that moment I forget all my worries.

.......

"I heard last year there was an accident. It happened in Fox Cabin and now no one can go near it". A girl whispers "I can't imagine how she feels. I bet she doesn't come back this year."

"Excuse me, but you should really stop talking" I hear Em exclaim. Slightly nodding her head in my direction.

"OH my Gosh! I didn't think she would show up". The girl gasps, covering her mouth as if that'll help her stop talking. "I would never go back to the camp where my Dad died".

"BECCA!!! Why are you still talking?" The girl next to her bursts out, "She can hear you!" "Oh, sorry." As they both turn to each other whispering and occasionally looking back at me.

I close my eyes and drift off again. Drowning out all the noise.

.......

"Kat, KAT! KATY!!!" Em shakes me trying to wake me up. "I think you are having a nightmare. You were screaming in your sleep."

I open my eyes. Everyone is looking at me. "Nothing to see hear, folks." Em scoffs. Then looks at me, "We are here, Kat. Come on."

I walk out of the bus, looking around everyone is at the camp black board. That's where you see what cabin you are in. I walk towards the board.

Eagle Cabin; -Kelsey -Robin -Mindy

Bear Cabin; -Emily -Rebecca -Katy

Elk Cabin; -Missy -Lindsey -Hailey

Fox Cabin; CLOSED FOR REPAIRS

.....

"YAY! Kat" Em exclaims, "Let's go get our bunks before the good ones are taken." Em and I grab our bags and head to the cabin.

My stomach quenches and my heart drops as I see my once favorite Cabin in the distance. Fox Cabin. Now it is the worst place on the earth.

A carved wooden bear sits on the porch our Cabin. Two chairs and a small wooden table off to the side. I see a Bluejay sitting on the back of one of the chairs. I admire its beauty. The door slams open. Scaring the bird away. It flies to a nearby tree.

Holding out her hand "HI! I'm Becca short for, Rebecca." Em and I look at each other. "I'm Emily. This is Katy." Em walks past her into the cabin. She yells, "We call these bunks! You can have the one by the door."

"Hi. Excuse me." I grin, walking past her and into the cabin to find Em already setting up all her stuff on the dresser next to her bunk. "This bunk is for you, Kat" pointing to the bunk next to hers.

I toss my bag next to the bunk and then fall into the bed. "Kat, come on. You can't sleep already. We just got here!" Em sits next to me. "Here I know what will cheer you up" She hands me a piece of paper.

It reads;

Camp Counselors 1994; -Sydney -Taylor -Bryce -Lizzy

"Bryce is here!" Raising my eyebrows with confusion. "YES, Kat. So get up and put on something cute. We are going to the mess hall."

....

To be continued