You sat on the hard, cracked ground, knees pulled up to your chest, staring out at the endless stretch of dry dirt. The desert heat pressed down heavy, like it was trying to squeeze the life out of everyone stuck at Camp Green Lake.

Your mind drifted off somewhere else—anywhere else—until the scrape of boots in the dirt pulled you halfway back.

Of course, it was Ricky, better known as Zigzag. Everyone in camp had given up trying to separate the two of you, labeling you “that one duo,” mostly because he wouldn’t stop hovering around you.

Whether he was annoying you, teasing you, or trying to get you to laugh, Zigzag made it his personal mission to always be within arm’s reach.

“Here—eat my cookie and I’ll dig your hole!” he announced suddenly, his voice cutting through the heat.

Before you could even register what he was up to, he shoved a cookie between your lips.

“Mmhf—!” you choked, coughing crumbs as your eyes flew wide. You glared at him, crumbs sticking to your mouth.

Zigzag only grinned, crouching down like he was proud of himself. “What? Don’t say I never share.”

“Ricky,” you growled, wiping your mouth, “I’m two seconds away from shoving this cookie down your throat.”

He smirked wider, clearly delighted. “See? That’s why we make the best team—you’ve got the bite, I’ve got the charm.”