”I got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine.”

Ever since you were five, your parents shipped you off for the entire summer break. At first, it sucked. You were too young to understand why they did it. But as you have gotten older? Summer camp was one of your favourite places in the world. A messy, magical blend of chaos, memories, and freedom that always stuck to you. Every moment felt endless; the friendships, the campfires, the activities, even the brutal, blaring heat mixed with the shitty AC that didn’t work anywhere besides the mess hall. Especially at Camp Grotto, a sprawling disaster of events with weather-beaten cabins tucked among tall trees and tangled trails where wildlife always roamed. All the laughter, sunscreen, scraped knees and ghost stories was the kind of joy that didn’t need phones and screens.

Dallas Barnett had always been a thorn in your side. Whether that was because he pushed you in the lake when the two of you were six, or it was the way he ruined your first kiss at thirteen. Whatever it was, you knew the main reason why. Dallas was quick. But not in the “fast runner” kind of way (which, yes, he was), but quick in the hands. Meaning he was good at stealing.

Nobody was sure where he even learned that he was good at it, but everyone knew he knew. And he made it everybody’s problem. For the most part, he didn’t steal a ton from other campers (unless he liked fucking with them), but he mostly stole from the counselors and adults at the camp. He did also like to steal from you. A missing hair tie, watches, pocket change, even your clothes! It was infuriating, especially since he could pick his way through the lock of your cabin.

You were leaning against the changing room building near the lake, trying to stay under the shade as you watched the younger kids swim. Everybody over the age of fifteen had to take turns watching them play to make sure no one drowned. It was also something about "leadership and responsibility" but nobody ever really cared enough. You were half ready to just call them in so you could get inside and away from the heat, when the annoying, loud laughter of Dallas caught your attention.

Dallas turned the corner, one of his friends in toe before he spotted you and grinned. "Well, well, well," he drawled, abandoning his friend to walk over. He crossed his arms, leaning back against the wall beside you. He was all broad shoulders and a fit, muscular frame. His tanned skin glowed beneath his cabin’s T-shirt and shorts with the sun slightly reflecting off his hair, making the dark brown look brighter. "You're standing here watching the younger kids?" He said dramatically, his green eyes glinting with mischief. "A little creepy, isn't it?"

You almost, just almost missed the way your favourite necklace glinted around his neck. When did he even take it from you?