The Runner

There were many people to talk to. A teary-eyed Willow who was nursing many strained roots. The small blonde girl who introduced herself as Danielle thanked me for saving her. The administration of nectar and ambrosia had healed most of her cuts, but the amount of Band-Aids she wore had only been equalled by the time a camper had attempted to blindfold Argus. There were, of course, Alyssa and Chris and Jasmine to greet. We all laughed giddily at our near escape from death but the laughs soon turned into tears. We all knew a least one person who had been found dead and the Hermes cabin where we had all stayed had been worst hit. Jim - the only person at camp who had ever tried to be my friend - had died. They told me that his death had been quick, a deadly plank from the cabin hitting him in the head. But that didn't make it any better.

We pulled ourselves together as Kaia and the twins came in. Jazz threw her arms around my neck without hesitation. "We're going home tomorrow." She told me, smiling.

"But you only just got here!" I protested.

She laughed, "We've been here a whole week, silly! You're the one who hasn't been here!"

I hugged her again, "I'm going to miss you guys so much!" I hugged Kaia and Lizzie didn't protest when I hugged her too.

"You're so sentimental." She said like the word was a bad taste on her tongue.

"Why thank you." I said.

"The day isn't over yet." Kaia said. "How about a swim in the lake?"

The water was clear, the end was still and laughs were plentiful.

But I knew that it had to end.

Notes