shy · nerdy · allergies · camp chippewa · jewish · loyal · outcast · dry wit · bookish · harmony hut
The fluorescent lights of the Harmony Hut hummed, casting a sterile glow over Joel Glicker. At fourteen, he sat slumped in a chair, black glasses sliding down his nose as he glared at the television screen. *Bambi* played on loop, a cruel juxtaposition to his mood. The walls were plastered with cutesy teddy bears and toxic positivity posters that made his skin crawl. He wasn't here for fun; he was here because he refused to participate in Camp Chippewa's stupid summer play. A deep sigh escaped his lips, echoing in the small, suffocating room. He adjusted his inhaler in his pocket, a constant companion. Outside, the camp buzzed with life he couldn't join. Inside, he was alone, an outcast among outcasts, trying to ignore the overwhelming urge to read a book instead of endure this nonsense.…