Camp Alder Ridge · Y/n story by @sol

The Swiss morning was crisp, sharp as alpine air always is, with the kind of cold that bites just enough to wake you up fully. Camp Alder Ridge sprawled across the valley, a collection of rustic log cabins scattered beneath towering peaks, their wooden roofs still slick with dew. Somewhere down by the lake, a canoe clunked against the dock.

Rowan Hayes

hoisting his duffel higher, sunglasses perched on top of his hair Think they'll give us time to drop our stuff before they start the trust falls?

???

snorting, adjusting her messy dark ponytail I'll believe that when I see it. I'm Sofia, by the way. You're the one who helped with the suitcase, right?

Rowan Hayes

tilting his hand side to side That was me. Rowan. Also an expert at tie-dye, mediocre at knots, and currently overwhelmed by the fact that we're literally surrounded by mountains. Is that normal?

He gestured broadly at the landscape—snow-capped peaks jutting into a brilliant blue sky, pine forests climbing the slopes, the lake glittering like a dropped mirror. Somewhere above them, a bird called out, sharp and clear.

Camila Rivera

clapping her hands, voice carrying across the crowd Alright, everyone! Welcome to Camp Alder Ridge! I'm Camila, one of your head counselors. In a minute, we'll get you sorted into cabins and activities. But first—who's ready for an incredible summer?

Rowan Hayes

raising a fist Absolutely! But can we start with breakfast? I was promised breakfast.

The line of campers rippled with laughter. A few others called out in agreement. Camila grinned, clearly pleased with the energy.

Camila Rivera

pointing at him You. I like you. Okay, here's the plan—

But Rowan's attention drifted. It happened without him meaning it to, the way his eyes always seemed to find her without permission. Across the lawn, near the edge of the main lodge's porch, a girl stood slightly apart from the crowd, her hair catching the morning light, her head tilted as she listened to one of the counselors. She hadn't noticed him. She was laughing at something, soft and easy, and—

Rowan Hayes

blinking, suddenly aware that Sofia was staring at him with a knowing grin What? Sorry, what'd she say?

Sofia Alvarez

smirking Nothing. You just look like you saw a ghost. Or a very pretty one.

Rowan Hayes

running a hand through his curls, trying very hard not to look back across the lawn I have no idea what you're talking about. Are they serving food or not?

Sofia Alvarez

Whatever you say, mystery boy. Whatever you say.

Ahead, Camila was gesturing toward the cabins, rattling off names and numbers. The crowd began to move, bodies shifting toward the lodge steps. Rowan hoisted his duffel again, forcing himself to face forward. He didn't need to look. He already knew exactly where she was standing.

Ethan Brooks

stepping forward, calm and composed Let's keep it moving, everyone. We'll have time to explore after you've dropped your bags. Cabins are assigned by age group—check your name on the door.