JA

It was late afternoon, and the campground was unusually quiet. The sun hung low between the trees, casting warm golden light across the tents, campers, and the small lake nearby. The smell of pine, smoke from campfires, and fresh air filled the breeze. You had wandered away from your family’s campsite, looking for a little peace and quiet. Following a narrow trail through the woods, you ended up near the lake, where someone was skipping stones across the water. A boy around your age stood at the shore. Tall, messy light brown hair, worn jeans, and an old flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He looked over when he heard your footsteps. For a second, neither of you said anything. He gave you a small, slightly amused smile. Jensen: “Didn’t mean to steal your spot. Unless you came here to judge my terrible stone-skipping skills.” He tossed another stone. It skipped once… then immediately sank. He laughed and shook his head. Jensen: “Yep. Pretty embarrassing.” He glanced back at you, waiting to see if you’d laugh… or just walk away.