Zach and Sam stood at the edge of the driveway, their bags slung over their shoulders, as Zach's mother delivered yet another lecture. The sun was shining brightly, casting sharp shadows on the pavement, but the tense air between them felt like a storm was brewing.Sam, with his short blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, shifted his bag higher on his shoulder. He wore a neatly tucked-in polo shirt and jeans, the picture of someone who could charm a parent into thinking he was a model student—if only they didn't know him."Zach, I can't believe you thought setting fire to the school would be a funny prank," she said, her voice a mix of disappointment and worry. "You didn't have to take the fall for David and Thompson. You could have told me the truth."Zach shrugged, a smirk creeping onto his face. He tugged at the zipper of his dark gray vest, trying to pull it closed over the matching dark gray sweater he wore underneath, as the cool breeze made him uneasy. "Mom, it was the right thing to do. Besides," he added, "they're my friends," glancing at Sam.His mother sighed, visibly frustrated but softened by her son's loyalty. "Sometimes, doing the right thing means looking out for yourself, too. I just want you to be responsible. Think a bit more before making decisions."Zach's expression barely changed. "I promise I'll be good," he replied, sarcasm dripping from his tone. "Won't even cross my mind to cause trouble."With a resigned shake of her head, she led them to the car and drove them to the camp gates. As she pulled up, she turned to Zach one last time. "Just behave, please. And Sam," she added with a pointed look, "try not to encourage him. The last thing I need is double trouble this summer."Sam raised his hands in mock surrender, a cheeky grin spreading across his face. "Me? Trouble? Never. I'm practically a saint."Zach snorted, shaking his head. "Yeah, a saint of chaos."His mother gave them both a look that screamed, I don't buy it, before sighing in defeat. "Just... try to survive the summer without getting expelled from camp, okay?"Once she drove off, Zach turned to Sam with a mischievous grin. "Ready for the best summer ever?"Sam chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "You mean the best summer of being grounded? But yeah, why not?"They'd barely stepped onto the camp's gravel path when a jovial park ranger named Chuck waddled up to them. A chubby man with a cheerful grin, his green uniform stretched tightly around his waist, and his wide-brimmed hat gave him an oddly heroic look. "Welcome to Camp Lakeside, boys!" he exclaimed, his voice booming and warm. "I'll be your guide—kind of like your camp guardian angel."They followed Chuck down a winding trail surrounded by towering pines and the occasional glimpse of the lake glistening through the trees. Laughter and the distant splash of water floated through the air, mixing with the earthy scent of pine and damp forest floor.After what felt like a small hike, they arrived at the camp's main area. Chuck gestured toward a scattering of colorful tents, rustic cabins, and picnic tables filled with buzzing campers. "This is your home away from home. Dorms are on the east side, and if you're wondering about food, lunch is over in the northern wing at the cafeteria. I'll be in the office near the entrance if you need anything."He tipped his hat and ambled off, leaving Zach and Sam to take in their new surroundings. Sam scanned the bustling camp scene, his curiosity piqued. "What now?"Zach's eyes sparkled. "We explore, of course. Who knows what kind of trouble we can get into?"They ventured toward the east side, walking past groups of campers unpacking their things or immersed in activities. A sense of freedom filled the air, and they exchanged exciting glances. This was nothing like school, and that meant new opportunities.The pair reached a large, rustic cabin—the common room. Inside, a lively crowd gathered around tables, chatting and playing card games. As they stepped through the door, a tall girl with a ponytail waved them over."Hey, newcomers!" she called out, her bright ponytail swinging as she moved. She wore a black faded camp T-shirt and army green cargo shorts, her skin tanned from days spent outdoors. "I'm Mia, and this is my friend Sarah."Sarah had a quiet elegance, her pale complexion and glasses hinting at hours lost in novels. She clearly avoided the outdoors, but her undeniable beauty drew attention without her trying. She wore a loose gray hoodie that hung slightly over her frame, paired with black sweatpants with white lines down the sides."You guys here for the summer?""Yep," Zach said, stepping forward confidently. "I'm Zach, and this is Sam." He couldn't help but notice that Mia's cargo shorts looked oddly familiar. It only took a second to realize why—they matched his own black cargo pants, though his were now dusted with the remnants of the hike they'd just taken up the trail"Welcome!" Mia smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm."We were just about to start a game. Want to join?"Zach and Sam shared a look before nodding. "Sure, why not?" Sam replied.Settling into the game, they exchanged stories, laughter echoing off the cabin walls. Here, among strangers who were quickly becoming friends, the weight of their recent past began to lift. Camp Lakeside was a fresh start—a place for new friendships, hidden adventures, and maybe even a little mischief. As Zach glanced around, his gaze settled on Mia, who seemed to effortlessly lead the group, her laugh infectious, her confidence magnetic.Mia was 16, slightly older than Zach and Sam, with an adventurous spirit that was contagious. Her hazel eyes sparkled with mischief, hinting at her love for excitement and spontaneity. Known as the camp's champion swimmer and an expert in water sports, she often spent hours in the lake, gliding through the water with the ease of a fish."You guys are going to love it here," she said, her voice warm and inviting. "There's a lake for swimming, canoeing, and even a ropes course that'll test your nerve!Just as Zach and Sam exchanged eager glances, a loud commotion erupted from the back of the cabin. The hum of laughter and chatter stilled as heads turned toward the source of the noise.Two boys stood face-to-face, their expressions locked in anger. One was Noah, a lanky redhead with a freckled face and a short fuse, his hands balled into fists. The other was Chris, a broad-shouldered, muscular Black teen whose intense glare dared anyone to challenge him. They shoved each other, their voices rising, thick with tension."What's going on?" Zach asked, his eyes never leaving the scene with intrigue."Uhhh, those two," Mia sighed, rolling her eyes. "They've been at it since they got here. Apparently, the top bunk is such prime real estate that they're willing to throw hands over it instead of just talking it out like civilized humans."Sam's grin faded as he watched them, concern replacing his amusement. With a sense of responsibility, he strode toward the two boys, raising his voice to be heard over their argument. "Excuse me, guys?" He waved, trying to break through their focus. When they ignored him, he tried again, louder this time. "HEY, GUYS!"The fighting stopped abruptly, Both Noah and Chris snapped their heads in his direction, glaring at him as though they'd found a common enemy. "WHAT?" they yelled, their voices perfectly synchronized.Sam swallowed, trying to steady himself. "Think you could settle this without going at each other's throats? You're kind of making everyone uncomfortable."Noah shot back, "Like I care! This is my bed, and I'm not leaving it without a fight!""What bed?" a voice chimed in from behind Noah and Chris. They turned to see Zach sprawled comfortably on the very bunk they'd been arguing over, a smug grin on his face."Hey, you dumbass!" Chris barked, his irritation flaring. "What do you think you're doing on my bed?""Your bed?" Noah scoffed, his surprise turning to anger. "This is my side, and you, hotshot, better get the hell off before I make you regret it."Zach smirked, undeterred. "Looks like neither of you has claimed it, so that means it's up for grabs, right?"Noah's patience snapped. He lunged at Zach, grabbing his collar and snarling, "You just signed up for an ass-kicking."Sam, caught between alarm and frustration, stepped forward. "Zach, please! We've barely been here ten minutes. Can we not start a fight already?"Zach laughed, shrugging Noah's grip with a confident twist of his wrist. "This isn't a fight," he quipped, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "It's a conversation." But the moment he loosened Noah's hold, Noah lunged, tackling him out the cabin door. The two boys tumbled to the ground outside, rolling through the sand, kicking and punching as the crowd of campers gathered around, some cheering, others looking on with nervous anticipation.Amid the chaos, a sudden, commanding voice boomed, cutting through the noise like a razor. "ENOUGH!"The campers who had gathered to watch fell silent, their eyes darting to the source of the commanding voice. Standing tall and imposing was Ranger Ryan. Unlike Ranger Chuck, Ryan didn't exude warmth; instead, he had a soldier-like build, his posture rigid and authoritative. His buzz-cut hair and sharp gaze suggested he had served in the army and seen his fair share of discipline."What is happening here?" he barked, his voice a razor slicing through the tension. "I will not allow this type of behavior in my camp. Understood?""YES SIR!" the crowd responded in unison, voices tinged with a mix of fear and awe.Ryan's scrutinizing gaze bore into Zach and Noah, his expression unreadable but firm as steel. He raised an eyebrow, waiting for their response. Caught off guard, the two boys exchanged a quick glance before muttering in unison, "Yes, sir...""LOUDER!" Ryan's voice thundered, so intense it almost seemed to shake the ground beneath them."YES, SIR!" they replied, this time louder, the weight of the moment settling over them."Good," Ryan said, his voice still firm but measured. He turned his piercing gaze on Noah. "Now, apologize. Shake on it."Noah looked stunned by the abrupt command. He glanced hesitantly at Zach before extending his hand, his face a mixture of reluctance and resignation. Zach hesitated, glancing from Noah's outstretched hand to the ranger, whose arms were crossed as he watched intently, waiting."Well?" Ranger Ryan prompted, his eyes narrowing.Zach sighed, feeling the absurdity of the situation but recognizing there was no way out. He grudgingly took Noah's hand and muttered, "There. Happy?""Now, Zach, it's your turn to apologize," Ryan ordered, his voice leaving no room for negotiation."What?" Zach's tone shifted to disbelief. "Are we in middle school? Why are you treating us like kids? He threw the first punch!""I don't care who started it," Ryan shot back, his words like stone. "It ends now. I won't tolerate degeneracy in my camp, and I shouldn't have to treat you like children if you stop acting like one."Zach opened his mouth to argue but found himself caught in the ranger's intense stare. He realized arguing would be pointless. With a resigned sigh, he muttered, "Fine," and turned to Noah. "I'm sorry.""Good," Ryan replied, his gaze softening slightly. "Now head to the cafeteria—lunch is ready."As Zach turned to walk away, Ryan called out again, his tone cold but sharp. "Wait. What's your name, son?"Zach hesitated, turning back with a mix of curiosity and wariness. "Zach," he replied.Ryan's gaze hardened. "Zach... you're the kid who burned down his school, aren't you?"The ranger's words echoed across the silent crowd. A murmur rippled through the campers, their eyes widening as they exchanged looks. Zach's cheeks flushed hot with embarrassment and irritation."Yeah, that's me," he muttered, his voice laced with annoyance.Ryan's expression remained unchanging. "Well, try not to burn down my camp, and stay out of trouble, understood? I don't want to have this conversation again.""Fine," Zach replied, sarcastically and irritation seeping into his tone."Fine what?" Ryan pressed, his eyes narrowing further.Zach hesitated, caught off guard. "Uh... fine, sir?"Ryan's lips twitched in faint satisfaction. "Good. Now go eat. You'll need your energy."As Zach walked away, he could feel the campers' curious stares on his back, their hushed whispers following him. Sam, trailing a few steps behind, gave him a sympathetic look and leaned in as they headed for the cafeteria. "Welcome to Camp Lakeside," he murmured, half-smiling. "What a first impression."Zach sighs, muttering under his breath, "Just my luck." But somewhere inside, he couldn't deny a strange sense of relief. Maybe Camp Lakeside was exactly the wake-up call he needed. The summer had barely started, but already he could feel something stirring, as if this place might finally give him and Sam a chance to turn things around.When they reached the cafeteria, the lively buzz of laughter and conversation around the long tables was a stark contrast to the tense scene they'd left behind. Zach took a deep breath, shaking off the uncomfortable spotlight. Sam nudged him, gesturing toward an empty table in the corner."Let's sit there," Sam suggested. "We can regroup."As they settled, Mia approached with a tray of food. "Hey, you two! Don't let the ranger get to you," she said with a grin. "He's intense, but he means well. Besides, everyone here is still figuring things out.""Yeah, but now they all know me as the kid who burned down a school," Zach replied, glancing at the campers who kept stealing glances in his direction. "Not exactly the best way to make friends.""Trust me, it'll blow over," Mia assured him. "Just be yourself. Most of us have done something dumb at some point. It's part of being a kid.""Exactly!" Sam agreed. "We're all here for a fresh start. Let's make the most of it."Feeling slightly more at ease, Zach glanced around and asked Mia, "So what's the plan for today? Any fun activities lined up?""Absolutely!" she replied, her eyes lighting up. "After lunch, we're heading to the lake for some swimming and games. There's a big paddleboard race—it's going to be epic.""Paddleboard race?" Sam's eyes widened. "That sounds awesome!"Just then, Noah walked past, shooting Zach a sideways glance. Zach braced himself, half-expecting a remark, but to his surprise, Noah merely nodded and moved on. It seemed Ranger Ryan's no-nonsense attitude had struck a nerve.The race at the lake turned out to be a blast and victory went to Mia.Afterward, as the campers rested on the beach, a few new faces wandered over to join Zach and Sam. Leading the group was a girl that looks around the age of fifteen her smile radiant, her dark skin glistening in the sunlight. Her braids, adorned with colorful beads, seemed to catch and reflect the light as she moved. Known around camp for her fearless love of adventure, she had a reputation for tackling the toughest trails and scaling the highest rocks."Hey, I'm Tina," she said, offering a warm smile. "Heard you guys are new. Don't worry about what happened earlier—everyone's just curious. It'll die down soon."Among the new comers, Sam's eyes caught a familiar face-Sarah. She stood at the edge of the group, her pale complexion contrasting sharply against the lit back drop. Her glasses glinted faintly as she adjusted them clutching a well-worn book in her hand.With Tina's warm presence and Mia's friendliness, Zach felt a glimmer of hope. Despite the rocky start, maybe Camp Lakeside would be the perfect place to break free from the weight of his reputation.Simon, a tall, friendly Indian kid with an infectious enthusiasm for nature, rounded out the group. He spent most of his time exploring the woods, learning about the local wildlife, and was always eager to share his knowledge with anyone willing to listen.Without so much as an introduction, Simon plopped down at their table, his excitement practically buzzing. "Yoooo, is it true what everyone's saying? That you burned down your school?" His voice was a blend of curiosity and disbelief, while Tina and Sarah looked on with wide-eyed intrigue.Caught off guard, Zach felt a flash of embarrassment. His green eyes darted around the table, meeting each curious stare, feeling the weight of their gazes. Sensing his discomfort, Mia quickly jumped in, "Hey, relax! Don't gang up on him like that. Give the guy a second to breathe."But then, with a mischievous grin, Mia turned back to Zach. "Still, we're all dying to know—so...is it true?"Zach exchanged a knowing look with Sam, then let out a sigh followed by a faint smirk. "Alright, here's the deal. I've always loved pranks. Pulled 'em on my parents, friends, teachers—basically everyone. But one day, I wanted to take it to the next level." He paused dramatically, enjoying the captivated expressions around the table. "So, me, Sam, and a couple of friends, David and Thompson, decided to set off a firework in the school hallway...while everyone was in class."Sarah's eyes went wide. "What kind of firework did you use?"Zach and Sam exchanged a sly glance, then answered in unison: "AERIAL!"The entire table gasped, and Mia put a hand over her mouth, laughing nervously. "Oh, wow. This is gonna be good."Seeing he had a full audience, Zach scratched the back of his head sheepishly, while Sam chimed in. "Here's the thing—Zach isn't exactly the sharpest tool in the shed," he said with a grin."Hey!" Zach protested, feigning offense. But all eyes were on him now, eager for the rest of the story."Well," Zach continued, "we thought the firework would just explode, maybe cause an evacuation, and we'd get a laugh out of it.""It did cause an evacuation," Sam added dryly.Zach rolled his eyes. "But instead of just exploding, it shot up and started bouncing around the hallway, ricocheting off the walls. It almost took David's head off! Then it somehow made its way into the chemistry lab...""And then—BOOM!" Sam cut in, throwing his hands up to mimic an explosion. "The whole lab went up in flames.""Yeah," Zach finished, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "So... the fire spread, and, well, the school kind of went up with it."Tina raised an eyebrow, half-amused, half-impressed. "So why are only the two of you here? What happened to David and Thompson?"Zach shrugged. "Well, we didn't rat out our friends, so it's just us two here."For a moment, the table fell silent, his words hanging in the air. Then, Simon let out a loud laugh, breaking the tension. "You guys are insane! I love it!" he said, shaking his head.The table relaxed, and conversation resumed around them as everyone shared jokes and swapped stories between bites of food. Zach leaned back in his chair, feeling a rush of relief. He wasn't just the kid who burned down his school; he was part of a group that accepted him for who he was, quirks and all.As the afternoon sun warmed their backs, they continued to chat and bond, laughter spilling over the table as they imagined the adventures Camp Lakeside still has in store for them.As night fell over Camp Lakeside, the campers gathered around a crackling bonfire, a perfect end to a long day filled with laughter and adventure. The flickering flames cast dancing shadows on their faces, their movements eerie and hypnotic in the glow. The air smelled faintly of burning wood and the marshmallows slowly roasting over the fire. Despite the warmth of the blaze, the cool night breeze sent shivers through the group.Chris and Noah joined them forming a close-knit cluster as they huddled on logs and scattered rocks, eager for stories under the starry sky. Their faces, lit intermittently by the firelight, reflected a mix of excitement and playful mischief.Simon began the evening by recounting a story his uncle used to tell him. His voice was low, attempting an ominous tone that didn't quite hit the mark. "So, there was this creepy old house at the end of the street," he started, glancing around dramatically. "And everyone said it was haunted..."As Simon continued, describing the so-called spectral inhabitants of the house, the campers exchanged amused glances. Sarah stifled a giggle while Mia rolled her eyes in exaggerated disbelief. The fire popped loudly, making Tina jump and clutch her knees, though she quickly masked her reaction with a forced laugh.Simon's attempt at eeriness faltered. "And... uh... there was a door that always slammed shut on its own!" He widened his eyes for effect.Noah couldn't take it anymore. He burst out laughing, the sound loud and jarring against the tranquil night. "You call this a scary story? Are you joking?"The group turned to Noah, his smug expression illuminated by the firelight. Zach, sensing an opportunity to poke fun, leaned forward. "Well then, why don't you tell us one if you're so good at it?"Noah's confidence flared as he stood, brushing off imaginary dust from his pants. Strutting to the center of the circle, he positioned himself as though he were a seasoned storyteller at a theater. "I don't tell stories," he declared, his voice dripping with mock gravitas. "I tell history."Expecting applause or at least awed silence, Noah was instead met with Zach's exaggerated clap. "Okay, Professor Noah!" Zach shouted, grinning.The girls erupted in laughter, and Noah's confident facade cracked just slightly. His cheeks tinged red as he shot Zach a glare. "Shut up!" he snapped, though the corner of his mouth twitched into a smile. He cleared his throat, regaining composure."Legend has it," Noah began, lowering his voice to a near-whisper that drew the group in closer, "25 years ago, before this camp was even built, this wood was infamous for the misfortunes that befell those who ventured into it. The most famous story is about a couple... Jason and Rachel."The names hung in the air like a soft echo, and even the fire seemed to dim slightly."They were driving through this very area one night when their car broke down on the deserted road. No cell phones, no passing cars... just the endless forest surrounding them. Jason told Rachel to stay put while he went to find help. Hours passed, and Rachel, sitting alone in the car, started to hear strange noises—branches snapping, low whispers she couldn't quite make out. She was terrified."Noah's voice dropped even lower, barely audible over the crackle of the flames. "Then, out of nowhere, she heard Jason screaming, calling her name, begging for help. She got out of the car and ran toward the sound, deeper into the woods... and she was never seen again."The campers sat in silence, the tension thick enough to feel like a physical presence. Even the wind through the trees seemed to have stilled, as if the forest itself was listening. The fire popped loudly, making Sarah jump.Noah took a step closer to the fire. "And Jason?" His lips curled into a knowing smirk. "He never made it to town. Some say they hear their voices on nights like this, calling out for each other, forever lost in these woods."Just as the story's weight settled over the group, Chris sprang out from behind a bush with a deafening "BOO!"The girls shrieked, Sarah practically leaping into Tina's lap. Laughter erupted, with Chris doubling over in hysterics. "You should've seen your faces!" he howled."Chris, you idiot!" Mia shouted, though she couldn't help but laugh along.The mood lightened instantly, the spell of Noah's story broken. Zach noticed, however, that the story had left some of them visibly uneasy. Seizing the opportunity, he turned to Noah. "So, if neither Jason nor Rachel's bodies were found, and there were no witnesses, how did you hear this story?"Noah faltered, his smug demeanor slipping. "I... uh... I heard it from a friend.""And that friend?" Zach pressed, raising an eyebrow."He heard it from his friend," Noah muttered defensively, clearly flustered.Zach smirked triumphantly. "Well, Professor, you might want to double-check your sources next time."The group dissolved into laughter, and Noah, clearly outmatched, tossed his half-burnt marshmallow into the fire with a muttered, "Screw this!" He stood abruptly and stomped off toward the cabins."Wow, he really couldn't handle the heat!" Sam joked, sending the group into another round of laughter.As the fire crackled and the stars twinkled above, Zach felt a growing sense of camaraderie among them. The night had taken a turn from eerie to playful, their shared laughter and teasing weaving them closer together. Even the faint rustling of the leaves seemed more like nature's applause for their newfound bond."Who's next?" Mia asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Let's keep the stories going!"The group lingered around the fire a little longer, sharing smaller stories and jokes, but eventually, the chill of the night grew too sharp, and the energy began to wane. One by one, they retreated to their respective cabins, the earlier laughter lingering faintly in the air.Zach's cabin was quiet, save for the rhythmic creaks of the bunk beds and the occasional rustle of sleeping bags. He had just started to drift off, the warmth of his blanket pulling him into a deep, restful sleep, when a sudden, firm hand clamped over his mouth.Zach's eyes shot open, his body tensing instinctively. In the faint moonlight spilling through the cabin window, he saw Noah leaning over him, his eyes wide and intense. "Shh," Noah whispered. "Don't wake the others."Zach shoved Noah's hand away. "What the hell, man?" he hissed, keeping his voice low."Just follow me. Quietly," Noah urged, his voice trembling slightly—not with fear, but with urgency. "You'll see. Just trust me."Half-asleep and more annoyed than anything, Zach reluctantly rolled out of bed, grabbing his boots and jacket. "This better not be some stupid prank," he muttered under his breath.When Zach stepped outside, the cold night air hit him like a slap. Standing in the shadows of the tall pines were Mia, Sam, Tina, Simon, and Sarah, all looking equally confused and groggy. Each of them held flashlights, their beams cutting faint paths through the darkness. The faint rustling of the forest around them added an eerie backdrop to the scene."What's this about?" Zach asked, his voice a mix of irritation and skepticism. "Did you really bring an audience to watch me kick your ass?""Hotshot, I didn't bring you out here to fight. Well, not today at least," Noah replied dismissively."Then why did you wake us up at 3:00 AM?" Sarah grumbled, rubbing her eyes.Noah tossed a flashlight to Zach, a smirk playing on his lips. "We're going to explore the woods."The campers exchanged incredulous looks, waiting for Noah to break into a grinand reveal it was all a joke. But he remained serious."Bro, are you serious?" Zach said, narrowing his eyes. "You woke us up in the middle of the night for some Scooby-Doo bullshit?"Noah smirked. "You called me a liar, remember? So now you get to see for yourself. Chris is already out there waiting for us. We're going to the place where the couple disappeared.""Insane," Mia muttered, shaking her head.Zach shook his head in disbelief. "Unbelievable. You're seriously dragging us out there over some made-up story?""Then prove me wrong," Noah challenged, his smirk turning into a confident grin. "Unless you're scared."Zach's jaw tightened. He hated being baited, and Noah knew exactly how to push his buttons. "Fine. But when we find nothing, you're buying everyone pizza tomorrow.""Deal," Noah said, already turning toward the woods. "Let's move."The others hesitated, exchanging glances. "This is insane," Mia whispered to Tina, who nodded in agreement."Yeah, but I kinda want to see where this goes," Sam admitted, adjusting his flashlight.With a collective sigh of resignation, the group followed Noah, their boots crunching against the frost-kissed ground. The further they ventured from the camp, the darker and quieter the world became. The dense canopy above blocked out most of the moonlight, leaving them reliant on the weak beams of their flashlights. Shadows seemed to stretch and shift unnaturally in the periphery, and every snap of a twig underfoot made someone jump."Chris better not try anything," Sarah muttered, her grip on her flashlight tightening. "If he jumps out again, I'm punching him.""Same," Mia agreed, her voice tense. "This whole thing is already creepy enough without his stupid pranks."As they approached the front gate, they spotted Chris hiding in the bushes, waving for them to come over. When they reached him, he said, "Duck and hide!"
Noah yelled, "What's the meaning of this? I told you to take care of the guard! Why are you still here?"
Tina, holding back laughter, whispered, "Shhh, look at Chuck!" They turned to see Chuck, the camp supervisor, sitting in his office, oblivious to their antics as he munched on a donut."I put a little something extra in it earlier," Chris added, snickering.Zach's eyes widened. "No, you didn't!"Just then, Chuck stood up abruptly, clutching his stomach and sprinting toward the restrooms, leaving the campers in hysterics."You guys are dicks, you know that?" Mia scolded.Noah and Chris shrugged it off, and the group slipped out of the camp and into the woods, excitement mingling with a hint of apprehension.After wandering through the woods for what felt like hours, the girls began to feel tired. "Can we go back now?" Tina asked, stifling a yawn."No way! I'm not leaving until we find something," Noah insisted, his flashlight cutting jagged paths through the dark. " How about we split up".Sam rolled his eyes. "Split up? Are you kidding? Don't you watch horror movies? That's a bad idea.""Are you scared?" Noah smirked, goading him. "If you want to go back, fine, but this is the quickest way to cover ground."The group exchanged uneasy glances. Despite their reservations, they agreed to split into three teams: Zach, Sam, and Mia; Tina, Sarah, and Simon; and Noah with Chris.As Zach, Sam, and Mia ventured toward the eastern side of the woods, a tension hung in the air. Shadows loomed larger than life, stretching and distorting with each step. Zach and Mia walked side by side, while Sam stayed a few paces ahead, his posture rigid.Mia broke the silence. "Thanks, by the way. For what you did earlier at the bonfire. You really lightened the mood when the girls were feeling uncomfortable."Zach glanced at her, startled, then quickly looked away. "Don't mention it." His cheeks tinged pink, a contrast to the pale beam of his flashlight.Their conversation was interrupted by a distant, shrill yell. "Guyyyys!" Simon's voice shattered the stillness.Panic surged through them as they bolted toward the sound. The other teams, hearing the commotion, converged at the scene. They all stood frozen, their collective breaths hitching at the sight before them.