Trent groaned, wiping his nose with the back of his hand. “Oh, therewillbe payback for your sass.”
Jeff grinned and lifted a forkful of cake to Trent’s lips. As his husband devoured the tidbit, Jeff leaned close and whispered: “Do I get to pick whatkind?”
Nate, still snapping photos, giggled. “That one’s going on the highlight reel!”
After the two grooms had savored a bit of their wedding cake, pieces were passed out to everyone. Colin, still seated comfortably at the head table, nudged Joshua’s knee under the table as he munched. “What’s next?”
Joshua smiled and nodded toward Nate who had gathered his writing class around him. “You’re going to be wonderful,” Nate told the group, then laid a hand on Rowan’s shoulder. “Are the campfire and shooting star all ready?”
Rowan nodded and pointed to a fake campfire that was set on the stage. “The campfire’s all set and Jordan is going to run the shooting star across the stage for us.” He blew out a nervous breath.
“OK. I’ll see you after the performance.” Nate smiled at his students. “Be amazing!” Then he moved to stand in front of thestage and clapped his hands. “Camp Pride campers,” he said. “Trent and Jeff, wedding guests, and my fellow counselors.”
The murmuring of conversation faded as all eyes turned to the makeshift stage at the front of the room, where Nate’s students were gathered, shuffling a bit with nervousness.
“Welcome,” Nate continued. “As part of this incredible week, the Camp Pride writing class has created a very special moment to honor Trent and Jeff’s wedding, and the celebration of Pride Month. This is a story crafted from their hearts, inspired by their experiences both in life and here at Camp Pride.” He turned toward his students, his hand introducing them with a proud flourish. “I am deeplyhonoredand extraordinarily proud to present the very first performance ofThe Campfire Wish.”
A round of applause rippled through the dining hall as the lights dimmed slightly, the young campers taking their places.
The Campfire Wish
Written by: The Camp Pride Writing Class
Taught by: Nathanial Gardener-Reese
Performed by:
Wesley Harrington as The Narrator
Caleb Monroe as Lonely Amos
Jasper Whitman as Teenage Amos
Elliot Greyson as Adult Amos
Rowan Calloway as Elder Amos
At the center of the stage, a small campfire flickered.
From the sidelines, Wesley spoke: “Before the campfire sits a young man named Lonely Amos. He is alone, and his heart aches with sadness.”
“I wish I had someone to sit with me,” Lonely Amos said, his voice low. “Maybe I never will. Maybe I’ll be lonely for the rest of my life.” He sighed out a muted breath, then glanced up. A shooting star flared, its brilliant light leaving a glittering trail asit traveled across the sky. “I wish,” Lonely Amos murmured. “I wish I could meet my future self. I wish they could tell me that I won’t always feel this sad and alone.”
A breeze seemed to stir the air, rustling the trees at the edge of the stage. From the shadows, a figure stepped forward—young, hesitant, barely more than a boy himself.
Amos startled. “Who—who are you?”
The visitor hesitated, his posture unsure. His hands clenched and unclenched at his sides, as if trying to summon courage he wasn’t sure he had. “I’m you, Amos. I’m theyouthat you wished to meet. I’m the teenager you’ll become in just a few years.”
“But—but you’re still alone.”
Teenage Amos nodded. “I am. But the real reason I’m still alone is fear—fear of reaching out. I know what fear feels like, Amos. It knocks you down, over and over, until you start believing it’s safer tostaydown. But staying down isn’t living. You have to stand up, take a breath, and step forward, even when it’s hard. Because you’ll never find where you belong by hiding in the shadows. You can’t find a friend if you’re too afraid to be seen. And more importantly, you can’tbea friend if no one gets close enough to know you.”
“But I’m too shy to reach out! Even if I shout, no one will listen anyway!”
Teenage Amos took a step toward him. “You don’t have to be the loudest voice in the room to be heard. Just speak your truth and eventually the right people will hear you.” Then Teenage Amos turned and faded away into the night.
Lonely Amos watched him go. “Be brave,” he whispered.
