The sun crept higher in the bright blue sky as Matthew made his way around the camp with the map in hand. Despite it being early in the morning, the temperature was already starting to steadily increase. Fortunately, between a soft chilling breeze and the abundance of shade, Matthew didn't have to worry about a sunburn just yet.
His goal for the morning was to map out and familiarise himself with the campgrounds. He supposed he could introduce himself to any chaperones he crossed. If he knew all their names then he'd feel more comfortable being here.
Probably.
Making his way along the tree line bordering the camp, he found his way to the lakeside. Various items were lying beside the boathouse in preparation for the upcoming days. Two chaperones, one tall and serious and the other small and cheery were sorting through the stuff while chatting together.
After a moment of contemplation, Matthew decided they were busy and walked the other way. He was sure he'd have another opportunity later.
Passing the temporarily blocked off jetty, the sound of the water rippling reached his ears as he looked back out at the camp. It was still mostly vacant, with few staff and fewer campers roaming around the site.
His attention was snapped back to the boatshed when someone shouted 'Hey!'. To his surprise, the chaperones were looking directly at him and waving. His arm shot up gracelessly as he awkwardly waved back. He felt a little embarrassed by their openly friendly and sociable behaviour but reasoned if all the chaperones were like this, everyone would be used to it.
Despite the blinding invitation to go over and start a conversation, Matthew couldn't bring himself to go over to them. What would he even say? Feeling put on the spot, he had no way of constructing a pre-planned script in his mind to navigate the exchange without exposing how awkward he can be.
Holding onto the idea he'd have a better opportunity later, he turned away and set on exploring the rest of the camp.
It was sometime later and half of the campground covered before he had another strange interaction with an excitable chaperone.
He skimmed over the map as he walked through the shady grove, mentally working out his route. Between the noises of nature and his focus on the camp guide, he was ignorant of his surroundings.
A heavy arm rested itself over his shoulders. Matthew jolted away from the sudden and unexpected contact.
"Whoah calm down mate!" exclaimed the chaperone in a thick, accent. "I wasint messin with ya!"
Matthew nodded as he thought about what he could say as the shock wore off. The chaperone, a tall, tan man with a band-aid on his nose seemed a little uneasy as he gave Matthew a once over. He seemed a little embarrassed as he shifted a large cardboard box from arm to arm.
Maybe Matthew had been mistaken for one of the returning campers? He found that to be the most realistic scenario.
"That's fine, I wasn't paying attention, eh?" Matthew shrugged and moved the conversation along, "I'm Matthew."
The chaperone appeared to snap back to the present, "Steve," he chuckled and slapped Matthew on the shoulder playfully. "'m sorry I thought you were someone else, bit awkward yeah?."
Matthew laughed encouragingly to play off the situation. Steve pointed to the map in his hands.
"You new?"
"Yeah," Matthew admitted, though he was sure it was obvious. "I'm just looking around..."
"Nothin wrong with havin a lookie," Steve proclaimed and took a step back, "nice to meetcha, I've gotta duck off so I'll leave you to it. See ya 'round mate!" He started walking away and shot Matthew a wave as he adjusted the box in his arms.
Feeling slightly more confident after the interaction, Matthew gave him a small wave back before turning back to the map. So far every chaperone he's passed has been extremely friendly, instead of intimidating.
With a route in mind, Matthew stepped out of the cool shade of the grove and continued his self-guided tour.
A while later after walking through the camp twice, Matthew noticed the campgrounds were beginning to become more populated. He watched from afar as elated campers raced in, greeting the chaperones and old friends alike. He realised that most of the campers he had passed had already been in groups and reuniting with their friends. It seemed that most of the campers he came across had been here before.
Matthew frowned. He'd feel like an intruder if he tried to talk with those groups. So instead if he saw someone alone who looked about his age and as lost as him, he'd go talk to them.
Though from his position near the centre of the camp, it seemed like he was the only one unaccompanied. Matthew sighed and folded the map to fit his pocket. He hoped once the days passed the cliques wouldn't stick or be concrete. Or at least one person would be in the same situation he is.
He hoped he'd be able to befriend whoever he was sharing a cabin with. It would probably be awkward if he couldn't, though probably only from his perspective. At this rate, it seemed that everyone in his cabin would be friends with each other and ignore him.
Pushing those negative thoughts aside, he decided to trek back there anyway, curious to see if anyone else had shown up.
On his way, a man who looked completely out of it with scraggly hair gave him a fleeting wave as some campers talked with him. Matthew gave him a small smile as he politely waved back and walked on. He supposed it was reassuring all the chaperones were nice and friendly, opposed to treating him any stranger.
The sound of cicadas increased gradually as he neared his cabin, a small building compared to the trees towering behind it climbing the hill. Suddenly, he saw a boy with a brown bob step out and look around the camp. The boy was facing away from him as Matthew got closer. Struck by a frantic impulse, he was just about to call out and introduce himself when the boy darted off and ran up to two others who were standing at a nearby cabin. Matthew sighed as the group walked away chatting, mentally reassuring himself he'd have a chance to meet him later.
He slowly continued onward to his cabin as he watched the group disappear between the other buildings and growing crowds. He ran his hand up the step railing as he strolled along the deck and opened the door.
A quick check confirmed the cabin was empty. As he walked through to his bed, he noticed there were still two that were unclaimed. He presumed it wouldn't be long until they would be taken.
Matthew opened the window beside his bed and appreciated the fresh air that wafted in immediately after. He then picked up his cases off the sheets and moved them to the foot of the bed before flopping on the soft surface. He let his weight sag into the mattress and gazed lazily at the beams above him.
The location was incredible, he loved the aesthetic and the colours and the scene. He could see why the camp was so popular just from first glance alone. He'd probably fill up his camera roll with pictures of the scenery alone before the weekend.
While he liked the urban landscape, he was accustomed to it. He didn't think he could be accustomed to nature. It was always distinct in different places. A city was a city no matter where you go, save for a few distinguishable features that make that city unique.
Using his hands to prop up the back of his head, Matthew thought about the summer ahead. Though he'd be content to do his own thing and relax for eight weeks, he'd brung plenty of stuff to do, he still looked forward to the activities. The activities were intriguing, quite a few had caught his interest and he was eager to check them out. But if he had to be alone and outcast from the cliques for eight weeks... well he'd manage. Though he still hoped it would be easy to befriend someone in his cabin. It'd be nice to have a friend to chat about the camp with.
He didn't have many friends back home, though he had plenty of acquaintances. Even if he tried, he wasn't able to be friends with anyone. Of course, he's tried, but nobody seems to be as interested or put in as much effort as he does. Not that it always bothers him, he was used to being by himself and he was content with that.
He could probably survive the camp and entertain himself without making friends, but just because he was used to being alone didn't mean he wanted to be lonely. He was determined to be assertive and make a friend here. Then he'd be able to go home and tell Papa about his accomplishment. Then Papa would be proud of him instead of worried.
Besides, in the American movies, don't the best lifelong friendships come out of these camps?
He fiddled with the hem of his shirt. He figured he could always become friends with the chaperones, though that would probably be inevitable. It seemed they were just automatically your friend when you signed up for the camp and there was no escape. They were so enthusiastic about it too that you'd eventually give in.
He supposed it wouldn't be so bad.
Matthew readjusted his position to lay on his side and his eyes fell on Kuma. He reached out and pulled the bear into his arms. He knew he was nervous due to the wait. He wanted to know now if he could be friends with his cabins mates or not. If he knew the answer now, he could make plans accordingly.
Matthew sighed and squeezed Kuma. He knew he couldn't plan friendship. At this point, he'd be grateful just to make acquaintances with someone so he'd have a group to sit with and listen to while they all interact with each other.
That sounded sad. And a bit bitter. Surely there'd be at least one person here who he can connect with, someone who hasn't already got friends and plans.
He tightened his hold on Kuma. He'll figure something out. As Elizabeta said, by day three he'd know more about the situation and be comfortable, right? For now, he'll just focus on the things he can do.
The cool breeze from the window ruffled his hair gently, brushing it over his face. Closing his eyes, he enjoyed the calm atmosphere of the cozy cabin and focused on the birds chirping in nearby trees, the sound no longer muffled by the walls of the cabin.
He took the map out from his pocket and unfolded it. He held it above his eyes and turned it over. On the back was information about the activities, including what days and times they were available. His eyes raked over the options, forming a mental list of the few activities he looked forward to actually doing.
He'd definitely take to the rink when the ice hockey was open on weekends. He'd been surprised to see it on the map while wandering around, he didn't expect an ice rink at a summer camp. He was glad they had it though, ice skating was one of his favourite hobbies back home. Whether he was just skating around leisurely or playing ice hockey, he always got into the zone like he always belonged on the ice.
He'd also check out the regular hockey. What could he say? He was a thorough Canadian, he loved hockey and was thrilled they had it at all here. Hopefully, the campers from the states liked it too - it wouldn't be a proper game without a full team.
Matthew mentally cursed. Too bad he left his hockey stick at home. And his ice skates. Not that he could've known they had hockey or even an ice rink here, but still.
He was really good at hockey in both environments. Maybe if he proved how good he was, other campers would want him on their team and he could bond through that. He was extremely athletic and sharp when he needed to be. When it came to sports, especially hockey, he was ruthless. Many often found it surprising to learn that he had a competitive nature, hidden underneath his unassuming personality. It irritated him a bit that everyone assumes and overlooks him.
Matthew also planned on swimming a lot, if only to cool down from the harsh heat that would be present for the next eight weeks. Honestly, he was better at tolerating the cold than the hot. But for the sake of surviving the summer, he would have to figure out how to adjust.
He'd also visit the arts and crafts cabin to see what's in there, as well as the garden, and on a cooler day, he'd walk the nature trail.
Maybe he'd check out the stables and archery, but he expected they would be flooded with eager campers first.
Maybe he'd check out the other sports as well. Looking over the map again, he noted there were three separate tennis areas, for whatever reason. There was a field for pretty much every sport imaginable.
Surely he'd be able to visit them once during the summer, and then he could say he did it.
Matthew folded the map again. Between those few activities and the stuff he brought with him to camp, he'd probably have enough to do for eight weeks.
He laid there for a moment, listening to the rustling of the tree leaves outside. The sounds of the campground also wafted through, somehow seeming more livelier. Distant shouts and human-like noises occasionally reached the faraway cabin and mixed with the natural sounds.
Matthew pushed himself up and sat so he was leaning against the window frame. It was so easy to keep sitting here inside the secluded cabin, but he knew he should go outside and try to introduce himself and learn names. Even if it was just to the chaperones. Maybe if he acted a little more chipper and mirrored their enthusiasm... Matthew didn't know what he would achieve doing that and pushed that idea aside.
Matthew cleared his thoughts and placed Kuma back against the wall. He should go back out there. He didn't want to be left behind, and hiding in this cabin was self-sabotage, especially during the most critical hours of the camp - when everyone was arriving and settling in. If he wanted to make at least one friend, or at least get to know those who he'd be around for the next eight weeks, he'd have to put himself out there.
With his sense of determination returned, he made his way back out of the dorm and towards the camp. All he had to do was put on an act and hope he'd be comfortable to follow through with it. He'd go up to the chaperones and introduce himself and tell them this is his first time at the camp. He'll tell them how excited he is and ask them questions about the camp. If there are any campers already with the chaperone, then he'll play the extrovert and introduce himself to them cheerfully. If there was anyone his age who was he'd go up to them and initiate the conversation. Ask them if they like him, this is their first time here. Take things from there.
Yes, that sounded like a good plan. Once he knew some people here and they knew of him, he'd probably be less apprehensive.
Sometime later and with little success, Matthew was still wandering aimlessly around the camp as it had slowly become more congested. All he could feel was the sun was searing into his pale skin and sweat on his face as he navigated the grounds. He stopped by the dining room and sat on its shaded steps.
A couple of times he had seen a chaperone, but they had always been talking with a large group of campers. Matthew didn't want to seem rude and instead tried waiting off by the side. Even with his act of playing extrovert, he didn't have the guts to walk through the group and steal the attention away. Just thinking about it was embarrassing, especially since he didn't know anyone here.
After waiting awkwardly by the edge of the group for a couple of minutes, it became clear to him that he wasn't going to be noticed. He shuffled away, slightly disheartened.
As he walked around the camp, he couldn't find a chaperone that wasn't catching up with a large group of returning campers.
From his comfortable position on the steps, he observed the surplus of kids who were now crowding the campgrounds. Some were running around, some were carrying their bags to the cabins, others were standing around and chatting in groups.
Matthew felt a little small, sitting on the steps of a big cabin all by himself. Pushing his palms to his face, he felt it somehow represented his situation quite well. Here he was, out of his element in unfamiliar circumstances, in another country, all alone.
Promptly standing up, he decided to go around the camp again.
It was now nearing noon and Matthew wondered just how many campers came back each year and how many were left to show up. Every time he thought there couldn't possibly be more, somehow even more kids flooded the campgrounds.
His thoughts briefly turned back to who he was sharing a cabin with. Surely the beds must be full by now. There were two left last he checked, and judging by the liveliness of the campgrounds now, he was sure those beds were now filled.
He debated going back to see if anyone was there. Though there was a high chance that if they were a returning camper, they had just dumped their bags there and ran. Well, he'd just have to introduce himself to them that night when they had to be at their dorms.
But then he had an idea. If there was someone at the cabins and Matthew managed to catch them at the right time, then he'd be able to introduce himself. He'd explain that this is his first camp, and ask to tag along. Hopefully, they'd say yes and Matthew would take it from there and try to establish a friendship. He wouldn't feel so out of place and he'd have the security of being on good terms with those in his cabin instead of just neutral.
He told himself that he was getting ahead of himself and that scenario was a bit of a stretch, but Matthew changed his route back to the cabins anyway.
It took even longer to get there than last time. The route to the dorms was filled with campers obstructing the path as they passed by, either carrying their stuff or a conversation.
In the distance, he could see a large group of campers about his age hanging around a cabin in the same area as his, immersed in chatting with each other and some chaperones. In the group, he could see the brown-haired boy from his cabin and his friends from earlier.
Matthew thought about changing his goal and walking over so he could act friendly, introduce himself and get their names. But it seemed they were too engrossed to notice him anyway.
He sighed. Hopefully, he'd have another chance later.
The loud ambience of the campgrounds was more distant as he neared the cabin. He was walking around some shrubbery when he was nearly bowled over by someone as they ran past. He jerked back just in time to avoid a collision, more shocked than upset. Well, not really shocked, considering the general ecstatic mood of the energetic kids running around the camp. It was bound to happen. Whoever it was at least had the decency to yell back 'sorry' as they sprinted away.
Matthew huffed and looked over to his cabin. "Wait..." he spun back to see who had run past him, but they had already vanished between the people and buildings. Whoever had run past had come from his cabin, and Matthew had just missed meeting them.
Bringing a hand to his face, Matthew sighed. This was getting irritating.
Still determined to reach the cabin, he shrugged it off and kept walking. A quick glance around the area confirmed there was no one else around that he could miss.
Unsurprisingly, the cabin was also vacant. The bed closest to the door was still clear, now the only remaining unfilled bed. Bags had been dumped on the back bed against the furthest wall, which were sure to belong to whoever had ran straight into the camp. He moved closer, curious to see if he could find any hints about them from their luggage.
Well, he already knew they were excitable and energetic. They probably had been to this camp before and had run off to find their friends like the other boy.
He spontaneously thought about how that could work to his advantage if he befriended the boy. If he managed to tag along with him, the boy would introduce him to all his friends, and soon he'd know everyone in his age group at the camp.
Observing the case, he could see it was old. The duffel bag and backpack were just as faded. All of the zips were padlocked with a combination lock. Matthew briefly wondered if he should've done the same before realising the locks probably weren't intended for the camp. As the summer camp was highly rated and well known, many flew from around the country to be here. Considering the bag tag with the American flag on one side and scribbled personal details facing away on the other, chances are this guy flew in. Which would explain the lack of personal items attached to the bags. They were simple and plain, with no stickers or keyrings.
Matthew sighed and leaned against the wall. He'd find out about those in his dorm soon enough. He glanced out the window at the lake. He was reluctant to go back out there after his failure, and if he sat down he probably wouldn't get back up.
He could sit and wait for the last person to show up, but who knows how long they'd take. Then they'll just run off as the others did.
Despite his earlier optimism, Matthew felt like he was back to square one. Maybe he will just wait. Suddenly aware he was feeling hotter, he moved to his bed and sat in the frame of the open window.
He will sit here and wait until nighttime when everyone would have to be at the cabin for sure. Then he would act super friendly and cheery despite feeling anything but. Matthew turned his attention to the ground outside the window, watching the ants roam over the dirt and rocks outside. He wasn't going to do that. He didn't know what to do.
So he just sat there by the window, with his eyes on the ground watching the bugs crawl about. Hoping that by tomorrow he would be more certain about things.
He didn't know how long he had been zoning out and staring at the little moving specks in the dirt. His mind tuned out the loud voices approaching the cabin. When someone entered the cabin Matthew's attention was pulled away from the window and to the two boys who had made their way to the last bed.
Both boys were Asian, one with long hair dumped his bags dramatically while complaining to the other with short messy hair who was carrying no bags about his refusal to help him.
The other boy just crossed his arms and rolled his eyes.
Matthew moved to the edge of the bed where he sat tensely, debating what to say when the right moment arrived. He didn't want to interrupt them, but if he didn't say anything they would leave.
The boy with long hair sighed in annoyance and turned to Matthew. "What's wrong with you?"
What.
"Eh?" Caught off guard, his confidence died on his tongue.
The boy stuck his hand on his hip. "You've been so quiet! Are you tired? Or is something wrong?"
Matthew blinked, confused and annoyed, as he tried to formulate a response. The boy with short hair leaned over to the other boy and jabbed him in the ribs to get his attention.
"What?" he growled and slapped the hand away.
The other boy gritted his teeth as he pulled an awkward face and gestured a vague hand at Matthew. Matthew involuntarily tensed at the accusative motion and withdrew closer to the window.
The first boy looked between the accusing hand and Matthew with increasing confusion.
Whatever point the second boy was trying to make, Matthew could see it dawn on the first boy's face as he began to wince.
"Aiya... oops," he sheepishly rubbed a hand to his face, "this is so embarrassing..."
"You're an idiot," the second boy chortled as poked the other, who poked him back harder.
"Seriously?! He looks exactly like-"
"No! It's super obvious he doesn't!"
"Of course, you'll say that to make me look stupid. I need a second opinion."
Matthew could feel himself getting hotter as he stood and watched the two boys argue about something he was clearly not clued in on. Concluding it had nothing to do with him, instead something between their shared knowledge, he willed himself to be assertive and took a deep breath in.
"Hi I'm Matthew," he gave a short wave with his hand. "It's nice to meet you. This is my first time at a summer camp. Have you been here before?" was there anything else he needed to say? He'd need to refine his script if he was going to say it to others. Having them just stare at him dumbly pressured him to keep talking. He tried not to give in.
When he stopped speaking he looked at the others expectantly, not wanting to break the silence first. The long hair boy promptly snapped out of it.
"Oh yeah, I'm Yao. Me and my cousin have been coming here forever-
"About ten years actually," the other boy scowled at his apparent cousin before turning to Matthew, "I'm Im Yong Soo, have fun being stuck with Yao."
"Who's the real winner? I'm not stuck with you," Yao poked him and glanced back at Matthew. "And I'm so sorry about just now I thought you were someone else so yeah... Uh, I hope this doesn't make the summer awkward?" Yao rubbed his hands nervously and seemed genuinely apologetic.
"It's fine," Matthew assured, now slightly amused with the new context. Maybe he just had one of those faces, considering the incident with Steve earlier. He briefly wondered if both Steve and Yao were picturing the same person.
"Great," Yao sighed.
Matthew quickly looked between the both of them. "Could I stick with you guys?" he blurted out before they could change the subject or leave. "I don't know anybody here yet or how things work."
"Yeah that's fine with us," Im Yong Soo responded while looking between him and Yao. "We were just going to find some friends anyways."
Yao smirked, "maybe your look-alike will be there."
"There's only a small similarity!"
"Whatever! I'm going!" Yao exclaimed as he walked out the door.
Im Yong Soo rolled his eyes. "I promise we're not always like this. At least when I'm not around him. We just annoy each other I guess."
"That's alright, I understand," Matthew offered as he followed him out of the cabin and back into the bright outdoors. Once his eyes adjusted he could see Yao was already ahead of them walking directly into camp with Im Yong Soo jogging to catch up.
Regaining his optimism, Matthew had a little more confidence in his step as he followed the other campers back into the packed campgrounds.