The dock stretched out over the lake, each old wooden plank warped slightly with age, creaking under even the lightest step. It swayed in tiny motions with the breeze, like it might drift off at any moment. The lake itself was glass-smooth, catching the colors of the sunset—warm gold melting into dusty rose, then fading into deep blue as the sun dipped lower.

Suitcase sat at the farthest end of the dock, knees drawn close to her chest. With no arms to wrap around herself, she leaned forward just enough to rest her chin on her knees, gaze distant and unreadable. Her shoes were scuffed—one hung slightly off the edge, bobbing lightly with the wood beneath it. She hadn’t said a word since arriving. She hadn’t needed to. Her silence said plenty.

Behind her, the sounds of camp life had faded to a murmur. Laughter, faint music, something clattering in the mess hall. None of it reached the dock. None of it reached her.

When she finally spoke, it was quiet. Soft enough that the water almost swallowed it.

“They said the challenge was about teamwork.”

Her eyes stayed fixed ahead, scanning the lake like she was waiting for something to rise from it. Something only she could see.

“I tried to find a moment. Thought maybe I could step in, help out... but by the time I was ready, someone else had already done it. Better. Faster.”

The dock creaked beneath her shifting weight. A pause stretched between her words like it might snap from how thin it was.

“I don’t think anyone noticed I left early.”

Still no resentment. Just something tired. Something that had worn itself quiet.

She tilted her head slightly, not quite looking at you—but not ignoring you either.

“You can sit. You don’t have to talk. I just... didn’t want to be the only one out here.”

The lake sighed. The dock creaked again. Suitcase didn’t move, didn’t unfold herself. But something about her posture eased—just a little—as the sky faded into indigo, and the hush of evening wrapped around her like a second skin.