Teddy looked at his watch. “There’s still time before dinner. I’ll walk you to your cabin, so you can rest.”
We heard sirens and watched the EMTs lift the gurney Nate was strapped to into the ambulance. Bethany climbed in after him. Teddy put his arm around my waist. It seemed natural and uncomfortable at the same time. Even though we took the back way, it wasn’t smart walking with his arm around me, but I needed the comfort he offered.
When we stopped in front of my cabin, I said, “I hope Bethany and her son will be okay.”
“I do too. But right now, I want to make sure you’re okay. I mean, a lot has happened today, and, well . . .”
“Let’s see, we got married.” I held up my wrist and flashed my bracelet. “And I saved a boy’s life. You know, another typical day at camp.”
He chuckled. “Nothing this summer has been typical. I’ll check in later to see how you’re doing. Radio me if you need anything.”
28Camp Lessons
Iwas a few minutes late for dinner, but when I walked through the dining hall door, a hush came over the room. And then the entirety of Girls Camp stood on their chairs, applauding and singing, “Loriis CampQueen—thebestwe’ve everseen. Herspiritlights upeverywherethat she has everbeen!” It was the song only sung for the camper of the week, the highest honor at Woodlands. It took a moment to register that they were giving me a standing ovation. I was covered in goosebumps. Zelda and Hazel were clapping and foot stomping more enthusiastically than everyone else. The pride I saw in their eyes made my heart swell, and tears streamed down my face.
Marilyn flicked the lights, getting everyone’s attention. “Okay, that’s enough. Let’s start dinner.”
She couldn’t take the moment away from me because girls were patting me on the back and giving me high fives. I was ambushed from behind—it was Zelda. “Mom, what you did today was awesome. I already started a letter to Dad telling him how you’re the camp hero.”
She hugged me in the middle of the dining hall for everyone to see. I breathed her in, savoring the moment. Hazel was right behind her. “Mom, wow, everyone is talking about how you’re a hero.”
“What do you say to them?”
She smiled from ear to ear. “Yup, that’s my mom.”
After dinner, I knocked on Bethany’s door before opening it a few inches. Nate was lying on his back sleeping, his neck in a brace.
“I wanted to check on the patient, and you.”
Bethany looked at Nate before she stepped outside. She grabbed my shoulders and said, “I don’t know how I even go about thanking you.”
Tears ran down both our faces as we hugged. My emotions were erratic—I’d been crying on and off all afternoon. A few hours ago, I’d cried out of fear, then joy, and now relief. Since I’d begun this job, there had been lots of tears.
“Tell me what happened at the hospital . . . what’s his prognosis?”
“They said he has a neck strain, and there will be bruising and swelling. We have to wait to see if there will be any damage to his vocal cords, but even if there were, they didn’t think it would be long lasting. Keeping our fingers crossed.”
I hadn’t even thought about his voice, and I wasn’t about to bring up the psychological aspect of the injury. No reason to add to the list of worries that were probably plaguing her right now. “Are you and Nate leaving camp?”
“My husband’s on his way right now. We’ll discuss our options when he gets here. I’m sure if Nate can, he’ll want to stay.”
I had mixed feelings about Bethany leaving; a week ago I would’ve said good riddance, but now that we’d made a real connection, I hoped she’d stay.
Bethany asked, “Lori, can you please run the evening Flagpole?” She handed me her clipboard with the announcements and activity information.
“Me? Are you sure?”
“Yes. I’m sure.”
I felt like a child whose mother was letting her cross the street for the first time.
The campers were already in formation surrounding the flagpole. Mindy and Marilyn were waiting, I guessed, for me.
Before I started the evening ritual, I quietly said, “Bethany asked me to conduct the Flagpole but before I do, Marilyn, would you like to address the campers?”
I was putting her on the spot, but if she were any kind of leader, she’d be ready with comforting words.
Looking uncomfortable, she spoke softly, “Jack doesn’t think it’s a good idea, too many letters home . . .”
