chapter three
"glowstick flags"

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The Clearing ━━ Hacketts Quarry 2021

TONIGHT WAS the night of the much-anticipated Midnight Madness game, a camp tradition that the older campers had been looking forward to all summer. Despite failing to find any evidence surrounding her brother's disappearance, she tried to have a good time.

"Alright, listen up, campers!" Jacob's booming voice cut through the chatter. "Tonight's game is capture the flag, with a twist. Each team has a glowstick 'flag' hidden in the woods. First team to find the other's flag and bring it back here wins!"

Emma stepped forward, her blonde hair catching the last rays of sunlight. "Remember, stay within the marked boundaries, and if you hear three short whistle blasts, that means come back to base immediately. Got it?"

A chorus of excited agreements rang out from the campers. Lilith caught Nick's eye across the clearing, and he gave her a thumbs up. They'd been assigned to different teams for the night.

As the teams began to disperse, Nick jogged over to Lilith. "Ready to lose, Winslow?" he teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Lilith only chuckled at his words. "In your dreams, Nick. My team's taking this one for sure."

Nick leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "Want to make it interesting? Loser has to jump in the lake. Tomorrow morning. At sunrise."

Lilith grinned, her competitive spirit ignited. "You're on."

As they moved to join their respective teams, Nick called over his shoulder, "Good luck! You're gonna need it!"

The game began with a shrill whistle blast. Lilith's team huddled together, strategizing. She found herself taking charge, her usual reserve giving way to excitement.

"Okay, team," she said, her voice firm but encouraging. "We'll split into two groups. Defenders, stay close to our flag. Seekers, we're going after theirs. Stay low, stay quiet, and remember – teamwork is key!"

As they moved into the woods, the night came alive with the sounds of snapping twigs, hushed giggles, and the occasional shout. Lilith led her group of seekers, her eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of the enemy flag.

Suddenly, a rustle in the bushes ahead made them freeze. Lilith held up a hand, signaling her team to stay quiet. She crept forward, heart pounding...

Only to find herself face to face with Nick.

For a moment, they just stared at each other, both too surprised to move. Then, simultaneously, they burst into laughter.

"Fancy meeting you here," Nick grinned, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lilith felt her cheeks heat up, grateful for the darkness. "Just passing through. Don't suppose you'd like to tell me where your flag is?"

Nick pretended to consider it. "Hmm, tempting. But I think I'd rather see you take that early morning swim."

Before Lilith could retort, a shout rang out from deeper in the woods. "I've got it! I've got the flag!"

Nick's eyes widened. "That's my team. Sorry, Lilith, gotta run!"

As he dashed off, Lilith called after him, "This isn't over, Nick!"

The rest of the game was a blur and Lilith found herself genuinely enjoying the carefree fun.

In the end, it was Lilith's team that emerged victorious. As they gathered back at the main clearing, breathless and laughing, she couldn't help but seek out Nick in the crowd.

She found him chatting with some of his teammates, a good-natured smile on his face despite the loss. When he saw Lilith approaching, he gave an exaggerated groan.

"Alright, alright, you win," he conceded, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "I suppose I'll be taking that chilly morning dip after all."

Lilith surprised herself by reaching out and squeezing his arm. "Tell you what – I'll join you. Seems only fair since it was such a close game."

Nick's eyebrows shot up, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Yeah? It's a date then."

Lilith felt her heart skip a beat, even as a part of her mind warned against getting too close, too invested.

As the campers and counselors began to disperse, heading back to their cabins for the night, Nick fell into step beside Lilith.

"You know," he said softly, "I'm really glad you came to Hackett's Quarry this summer. It wouldn't have been the same without you."

Lilith felt a lump form in her throat. "I'm glad I came too," she replied, and was surprised to find she meant it, despite everything.

"Well, I should probably get some sleep if I'm going to be up at the crack of dawn for our little swim."

Lilith nodded, a smile playing at her lips. "Wouldn't want you to be too tired to enjoy the freezing water."

Nick laughed as he started to walk away. Lilith stood rooted to the spot, watching his retreating form until it disappeared into the darkness.

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