chapter two
"the first week"

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The Girls Cabin ━━ Hacketts Quarry 2021

MONDAY MORNING dawned bright and clear. Lilith was leading a nature hike with a group of eager 10-year-olds. As they tracked through the sun-dappled forest, Lilith found herself relaxing into the role of guide.

"And this," she said, pointing to a distinctive leaf, "is poison ivy. Remember: leaves of three, let it be!"

The kids repeated the rhyme, their faces scrunched in concentration. Tommy, a shy boy she met from the first day, raised his hand.

"Miss Lilith? What if it has more than three leaves?"

Lilith smiled, remembering how Aiden had taught her the same lesson years ago. "Good question, Tommy. If it has more than three leaves, it's probably safe, but it's always best to ask a counselor if you're not sure."

A twig snapped in the underbrush, unnaturally loud in the quiet forest. Lilith whirled around, her heart racing, but saw nothing. When she turned back, she found Nick standing at the rear of the group, his brow furrowed in concern.

"Everything okay?" he asked softly.

Lilith nodded, forcing a smile. "Just jumpy, I guess."

Nick's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he turned his attention back to the kids. As they continued the hike, Lilith couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.

Tuesday brought the first swimming lessons of the summer. The lake sparkled under the mid-morning sun as Lilith stood waist-deep in the cool waters, helping a nervous young girl named Sarah practice her flutter kick.

"You're doing great, Sarah!" Lilith encouraged. "Just a little more..."

From the dock, Kaitlyn's whistle pierced the air. "Alright, everyone out! Time to switch groups!"

As the kids clambered out of the water, Lilith noticed Emma lounging on the beach, more focused on adjusting her sunglasses than supervising her group. A couple of older girls hovered nearby, clearly in awe of Emma's effortless glamour.

"Hey, Instagram Queen," Jacob called out as he jogged past, flexing unnecessarily. "Planning on joining us in the water anytime soon?"

Emma rolled her eyes, but Lilith caught the hint of a smile on her lips. "And ruin this perfect tan? As if!"

Their flirtatious banter continued throughout the week, drawing eye rolls from the other counselors and giggles from the older campers.

Wednesday's archery lesson proved to be a test of patience for everyone involved. Dylan, tasked with teaching the basics, looked like he'd rather be anywhere else.

"No, Josh, the arrow goes on the other side of the bow," he sighed for what seemed like the hundredth time. "You know what? Maybe we should stick to rubber-tipped arrows for now. Less chance of someone losing an eye."

Lilith, who was assisting with the lesson, couldn't help but chuckle at Dylan's deadpan words. Despite his sarcastic exterior, she noticed how he gently adjusted a young camper's stance, his instructions were clear and patient.

"You're pretty good at this," Lilith commented during a lull.

Dylan shrugged, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, well, don't let it get around. I have a reputation to maintain."

Thursday evening, as they supervised the kids during free time, Nick turned to her with a thoughtful expression. "You know, for someone who's new to this, you're doing a great job with the kids."

Lilith felt a warmth in her chest at the compliment. "Thanks. I had a good teacher. My brother..." she trailed off, the familiar ache of Aiden's absence hitting her anew.

Nick's eyes softened with understanding. He didn't press for details, instead changing the subject to lighter topics. "So, what do you think about Jacob's not-so-secret plan to ask Emma out?"

Lilith laughed, grateful for the distraction. "Oh god, is it that obvious to everyone?"

"Let's just say subtlety isn't Jacob's strong suit," Nick grinned.

Their conversation was interrupted by a commotion near the arts and crafts table. They hurried over to find two young boys arguing over a paintbrush, their voices rising dangerously close to tears.

"Hey, hey," Nick intervened, his voice calm but firm. "What's going on here?"

As Nick deftly defused the situation, Lilith marveled at his natural ability with the kids. She felt a pang of something – admiration? – that she quickly pushed aside. She couldn't afford distractions from her mission.

Friday brought the week's biggest challenge: an overnight campout for the older kids. As they hiked to the campsite, Lilith found herself partnered with Abigail, who was struggling under the weight of her pack.

"Here, let me help," Lilith offered, adjusting the straps on Abigail's backpack. As she did, she noticed a sketchbook peeking out of a side pocket. "You're an artist?"

Abigail blushed. "Oh, um, just for fun. I like to draw the forest, the camp... Sometimes I think I see things, you know? Shapes in the shadows that don't quite make sense."

A chill ran down Lilith's spine at Abigail's words. "What kind of shapes?"

Abigail hesitated, then reached for her sketchbook. She flipped it open to a page filled with shadowy, indistinct forms. "It's probably nothing," she said quickly. "Just my imagination running wild."

But Lilith couldn't shake the uneasy feeling as she studied the drawings. There was something familiar about the shapes, something that tugged at the edges of her memory.

Their conversation was cut short as a commotion from the front of the group drew their attention.

"Mr. Hackett?" Ryan's voice carried back to them, tension evident in his tone. "There's someone here to see you."

The group came to a halt as a park ranger emerged from the trees ahead. His expression was grim as he approached Mr. Hackett.

"We need to talk," the ranger said in a low voice. "There's been another incident."

Mr. Hackett's face paled, but he quickly composed himself. "Counselors, please continue to the campsite with the children. I'll join you shortly."

As the group moved on, Lilith lingered behind, straining to hear the conversation. The wind carried snippets to her ears:

"...third time this month..." "...can't ignore the pattern..." "...the children's safety..."

Mr. Hackett's response was too quiet to make out, but his agitated gestures spoke volumes. Lilith's mind raced. What were these "incidents"? And why was Mr. Hackett so determined to keep them quiet?

The rest of the hike passed by in a blur. Now it was time to set up tents, gather firewood, and organise dinner prep. But Lilith's thoughts kept returning to the overheard conversation and Abigail's strange drawings.

As night fell and the campfire was lit, the mood lightened. Jacob led the group in ridiculous campfire songs, his enthusiasm infectious. Even Dylan joined in, his usual sarcasm giving way to genuine enjoyment.

It was peaceful, and honestly, Lilith liked it.

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