ᯓ★ rici 一星

ABOUT ME

- 19

- you can call me rici, reni, aren, icia, or ricia.

- love yellow, stars, TWICE, older women 🤭

- just an observer, not really talkative.

- a cat person 🐈

- I like to draw, write songs, journal, clay sculpting, sleep, play video games.

- I'm from the Philippines 🇵🇭

MY FAV ACTORS

- Cara Buono

- Winona Ryder

- Lana Parilla

- Billie Piper

- Gwendoline Christie

- Shin Min-a

- Natalia Dyer

- Maya Hawke

- Catherine Zeta-Jones

- Eva Green

- Emily Blunt

- Carla Gugino

FAV SHOWS

- Stranger Things

- Lucifer

- Once Upon a Time

- Penny Dreadful

- Friends

SHIPS

- joyren (obv)

- ronance

- henderhop

- lumax

NOTES

I'm not really sure how one makes an intro 😭 anw I hope to interact with people here, I only got introduced to this app lately and find it much better than twitter (which I was on 24/7 a while back). I love seeing art and fanfics on this app, people are so fun and creative over here <3

ight peace out bye 😵

─ Chapter Two

“Good Morning Camp Verdant! This is Rockin’ Robin back again to greet you a warm and eventful day, but also an adventurous one, because today we are braving up the mountain and hiking to the top! So ready your gears and pump up your legs because we have a long day ahead. Over and out.” 

The speakers echoed along the camp, replaced by the faint sound of chirping and the bustling of well rested teens. Each group was formed according to their bunk assignment, the counselors were assigned a number of groups each to supervise as they hiked up the mountain. Everyone prepared themselves for the journey ahead and collected at the mess hall for breakfast and a head count.

“Okay everyone, shout here when Nancy calls your name, we can’t risk leaving anyone here alone. Don’t forget to bring your water and snacks” Karen reminded through her megaphone.

After successfully confirming that everyone was there, all packed up and ready, they walked through the woods to find the path up the mountain. Joyce and Hopper lead the way, while Karen was somewhere in the middle. Chrissy and Barb insisted on staying behind, arguing that they would only set them back, and offering to look after Holly. Karen agreed so they would have someone to supervise the camp, and so she would be able to go hiking with everyone.

They carefully reached a part of the mountain, where they took a pause to rest and do another head count. Each group held each other's hands to avoid losing anyone. During the headcount however, there was one group and a certain counselor who hadn’t answered when their names were called. It was the last group, the group at the end of the line, Mike and the party. They were being supervised by Robin, who for some reason, insisted on being at the very back.

When Karen had realized which ones were missing, she felt a pit in her stomach. Her concern grew, she handed her megaphone to Eddie and rushed down the trail, ignoring the comments of her counselors. Not long after, she spotted them. They were sitting in a wider part of the trail, Robin tending to Jane, who had twisted her ankle. The party hovered over them, Will holding Jane’s hand as Robin fixed up her foot. As Karen carefully made her way down, she rushed over to Mike to check if he was okay, then assessed the situation of the whole party.

“Jesus Robin we were so worried, you should’ve called out for someone.” Karen scolded in a way, but with a tone of relief.

“Sorry I- Jane she twisted her ankle..” Robin apologized, rather too quickly as she stood from the ground all flustered.

They all stayed quiet for a while, not quite sure what to say, just looking at each other while they helped Jane to her feet.

“It’s okay mom, we’re okay” Mike assured, trying to calm his mom who was visibly panting.

Karen collected herself, and when the party was ready to start going again they walked up the trail. Karen and Robin stood beside each other, Karen stealing glances at the other and noticing her heavy breathing and disarray. She realized she had overreacted earlier, guided by her fear that something might have happened.

“Hey, I didn’t mean to scold you earlier. You did well staying behind.” Karen apologised, looking away from Robin.

“It’s okay Karen, you were right I should’ve informed someone.” Robin Replied, assuring Karen that her reaction was valid.

“Are you sure you’ve rested long enough? You’re tired.” Karen asked, glancing at her once more.

“I’m fine, the others might worry if we stay behind for too long.” Robin insisted, though she felt her muscles tighten with each step.

Robin felt when Karen would glance at her, the constant worry on her face when she’d turn her face. At this point Robin was too tired to even think about it, but she felt warm when she’d realized how Karen cared for her. She blamed it on the fatigue and chaos of the situation, trying not to notice how Karen’s shoulder brushed against hers when her step faltered.

They regrouped with everyone, explaining what happened to the other counselors and taking a bit more time to rest before hiking up again.

-

After a short walk, the trees faded and the sky came into view. They had reached the summit and were met with a vast open view of the lake, it was beautiful.

“Woah” Robin exclaimed, walking near an edge while admiring the horizon.

“Beautiful right? Makes all that walking worth it” Steve turned to her.

“This is awesome! you can see the town from here!” Robin continued, pointing towards the houses from a distance.

Robin completely forgot the ache she felt in her legs. She laughed along with the campers, being careful not to let anyone trip or fall. The lake glimmered under the bright sun, the trees swayed from the strong winds, birds flapped and flew. Robin could feel the sweat forming on her temples, wiping it off and taking a sip of water.

Karen took notice, she was somewhere in the back making sure no one got lost. Karen saw how Robin marveled at the sight before her, catering to the campers while taking the fun in herself. Karen admired the younger woman, she thought Robin fit naturally in this environment, listening to her quirky jokes and small banters with the campers. She was someone Karen thought she could rely on, the perfect addition to their small camp.

A gush of wind blew Robin’s hair just right, framing her face in a way that revealed the structure of her cheekbones. The blonde glowing a bright and sunny yellow, and her eyes twinkling with joy. ‘She looks different when she smiles.’ passed Karen’s mind, but her thoughts were interrupted by a kid asking for a photo.

“Could you take a photo for us please?” A kid asked, handing her a polaroid camera.

“Sure sweetie, you guys stand over there” Karen accepted, moving in front of the children.

Just as Karen was about to take the photo, another camper ran behind her and bumped her forward, causing her to lose balance. The camera clicked and whirred, releasing an accidental photograph.

“Sorry guys, one more” Karen apologised, holding the photo in one hand and positioning herself once more.

When the kids were satisfied with their pictures, Karen returned their camera and took a peek at the photo in hand. She was surprised to see she had taken a blurry, out of focus photograph of Robin. She stared at the photo, it had caught the moment she was looking at just seconds before.

“You can keep that one, thanks Karen!” The children walked away laughing together. She slipped the photo in her pocket and moved towards the others.

Robin walked away, hoping Karen wouldn’t notice. She walked where Steve and Eddie were sitting together, shouting at the kids every few seconds in their conversation.

“Hey no running Timmy!” Eddie exclaimed, his voice echoing through the trees.

“I swear kids these days have no fear in their bones” Robin said, crouching down to meet the two.

“You’re handling this pretty well for someone who was so skeptical about this job” Steve teased.

“Fine, okay?  I like it here.” Robin glared.

“Oh- could you hand this to Karen, I thought I heard her asking for it earlier” Eddie realized, reaching for the megaphone on his side.

“Can’t one of you do it? I just got here.. Why do you have it anyway?” Robin whined.

“What, are you scared of her or something? Besides we’re comfy here right now” Steve insisted, not aware of Robin’s avoidance.

Robin stood up reluctantly, glaring at the two men chuckling at her. She went to the bench where Karen stood, along with Joyce and Hopper.

“Hey Karen, heard you were looking for this?” Robin said, handing over the megaphone.

“Thanks, I’ve been looking for that.” Karen reached while smiling.

Their hands brushed for a brief moment as Karen took the item from Robin’s hand, the contact lingering a second longer than Robin expected. The warmth of Karen’s hand caught her off guard, causing her to look away quicker than intended, her body tensing slightly as she hurried back to Steve and Eddie.

-

After a bit more time enjoying the summit, everyone began making their way back. Walking through the same trail and taking a few stops on the way. The day progressed like it had before, campers filling the grounds with laughter while counselors prepared for the evening activities. The usual rhythm of camp slowly returned, but something felt slightly different and quieter in a way Robin couldn’t quite explain.

When their evening activities for the day were all finished, the counselors started preparing for a campfire. Robin ran over from the hall after she and Joyce had finished putting away their drama props.

As she helped set up the benches near the fire pit, she caught herself glancing across the yard more than once, only to quickly look away whenever she realized where her eyes had landed. She told herself it was nothing, just the exhaustion from the long hike and the overwhelming noise of the day.

Across the grounds, Karen spoke with Joyce and Hopper about the next day’s schedule, nodding absentmindedly while her fingers brushed against the pocket of her jeans. She didn’t take the photograph out, not with everyone around, but she was aware of it, aware in the same way one becomes aware of a thought they keep trying to ignore.

When she finally looked up, she found Robin laughing with the others near the fire pit. Karen quickly turned back to the conversation, pretending she hadn’t been looking at all.

The campfire was set, and soon only quiet murmurs and the crackling of fire can be heard. It was a chilly night, and though the fire provided warmth, some huddled together sharing the blankets that were passed around by the counselors.

The campfire was set, and soon only quiet murmurs and the crackling of fire could be heard. It was a chilly night, and though the fire provided warmth, some huddled together, sharing the blankets passed around by the counselors.

Steve tossed another piece of wood into the flames, sparks rising briefly into the dark sky as the campers settled into a loose circle. A few of them began exchanging stories, some exaggerated, others barely making sense, but each one earning laughter that echoed softly through the trees. Eddie occasionally shouted playful protests whenever the kids got too loud, though the smile on his face gave him away.

Robin lingered near the back at first, watching the circle fill up before finally spotting an empty space along one of the benches. She slipped into the seat quietly, pulling the edge of a spare blanket over her shoulders as the warmth of the fire reached her face.

Across the circle, Karen listened to one of the younger campers retell a dramatically embellished ghost story, nodding along as if it were the most convincing tale she had ever heard. When the laughter settled her eyes drifted briefly around the fire, and for just a moment, landed on Robin, who was already looking away. Neither of them acknowledged it, the firelight dancing across their faces. Barb sat next to Robin holding a ukulele, shoving it onto Robin’s hand and catching her by surprise.

“Here you go newbie, bless us with your music skills” Barb asserted.

“Oh- uh.. Okay, anyone up for singing?” Robin asked around.

“Can you play gypsy?” Isha asked, one of the older campers sitting close to her.

“Can you keep up with me? is a better question, Let’s do it! Whenever you’re ready, kid.” Robin exclaimed, positioning her hands on the strings.

The chatter quickly faded as Robin started strumming, everyone’s focus shifting to her and Isha. The song started slow, it created a nice ambiance along with the distant chirping of bugs and the crackle of wood beneath them.

“So I'm back, to the velvet underground.

Back to the floor, that I love

To a room with some lace and paper flowers

Back to the gypsy that I was

To the gypsy that I was”

The moment was felt by everyone, some swaying gently to the music while others hummed along. Robin nodded to the rhythm, keeping the strumming steady but subtly adjusting the tempo whenever she felt Isha begin to waver. Every now and then, she offered an encouraging smile, quietly filling in the parts the girl momentarily forgot.

She made one small mistake, though. When she lifted her head, her eyes landed on Karen, who was already looking at her, a soft smile resting on her face. The chord faltered for only a second, barely noticeable, before Robin steadied her hands and continued playing.

“And it all comes down to you, Well you know that it does

And lightning strikes, maybe once, maybe twice

Oh, and it lights up the night

And you see your gypsy

You see your gypsy”

Across the fire, Karen found herself completely drawn in, her attention fixed on Robin. She wasn’t sure when it had happened, whether it was at the start of the song, or when she noticed the way Robin gently guided Isha through the melody. Instead of watching the performance itself, Karen realized she had been watching the exchange between them, noticing how easily Robin seemed to make space for others to shine. ‘Gypsy huh? Free spirited, just like she is.’ Karen thought.

When the final chord faded, a ripple of applause broke the quiet. The campers cheered and clapped, some stood to their feet, while Robin laughed softly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face and nudging Isha with a grin.

Karen stayed seated for a moment longer, her hands resting lightly on her knees, eyes still on Robin. Only when the campers’ excitement carried her attention elsewhere did she let herself shift, offering a small nod toward Robin as if to say, well done, without anyone else noticing.

Later, as the group settled and blankets were folded, Karen caught Robin passing by.

“Thanks for helping keep the rhythm out there. You made her shine.” Karen said.

Robin blinked, a little surprised, then smiled and kept moving. The comment was small, casual, but it lingered longer than either of them realized.

-

Robin didn’t stay by the fire much longer after the blankets were folded.

She told herself it was because she was tired. The hike, the music, the noise. It had been a long day. That was all.

Inside the cabin, she sat on the edge of her bunk, unlacing her shoes slower than necessary. The echoes of the evening still clung to her, the warmth of the fire, Isha’s shaky voice growing steadier, the applause.

And then there was the look.

Robin paused mid-motion.

She could still picture it too clearly. Karen smiling at her from across the fire, not distracted, not polite. Focused. The kind of look that lasted a second too long to be accidental.

“Stop,” she muttered under her breath, shaking her head as if she could physically dislodge the memory.

It didn’t mean anything. It couldn’t. Karen smiled at everyone. Karen was warm, encouraging. That was just who she was.

Still, Robin had felt something shift when their eyes met. Enough to make her miss a chord. Enough to make her look away first.

She lay back against the thin pillow, staring at the ceiling in the dim cabin light. The air smelled faintly of smoke from the fire. She pressed the heels of her hands briefly against her eyes, exhaling sharply.

‘You’re reading into it.’ But the thought didn’t settle.

When she finally rolled onto her side and closed her eyes, sleep didn’t come right away, and she hated that she knew exactly why.

-

When the last of the cabin lights had gone out and the camp finally settled into quiet, Karen sat at the edge of her bed, the distant hum of insects filling the silence and the smell smoke from the fire lingering. She had changed into her sleeping clothes, her hair loosely tied back, the calm of the evening finally catching up to her.

As she reached into the pocket of her jeans to tidy up, her fingers brushed against the small photograph taken earlier at the mountain summit. She paused.

For a moment she considered leaving it there, pretending she hadn’t noticed it at all, but instead she slipped it out and sat back down. The picture captured the bright openness of the overlook; the wind lifting loose strands of hair, sunlight washing the edges of the frame, and Robin, slightly off-center and half-turned as if she had just been called by someone outside the shot.

Karen studied the image longer than she meant to, her thumb lightly tracing the edge of the paper. A quiet warmth settled in her chest. Admiration, she told herself. Nothing more.

Then the thought came, sharper than the first. ‘You shouldn’t be doing this.’

Karen exhaled slowly, her fingers tightening just slightly around the photograph. She was a counselor, a mother. Older. Responsible. Robin was someone she was meant to guide, her daughter’s friend, not someone whose picture she should be sitting here quietly admiring in the middle of the night.

With a small, almost embarrassed shake of her head, she slipped the photo into the drawer beside her bed, closing it a little too quickly, as if someone might walk in and catch her. Yet even after the room went dark and she lay back against the pillow, sleep didn’t come easily. The wide view from the summit, the wind, and the brief moment their eyes had met earlier that day returned to her thoughts far more often than she wanted.

And that, more than anything, was what unsettled her.

─ Chapter One

A group of RVs roared from a distance, the loud cheers of children heard all the way across the stretch of road. Robin felt a sudden nervousness as the wind carried their voices far beyond the camp grounds.

“Here they come.” Karen looked at her counselors, taking a step forward to meet the incoming campers.

“You ready?” Steve asked, patting Robin on the shoulder before following behind Karen. 

Robin chuckled and rolled her eyes as she walked beside Steve, passing by Nancy who was gripping her clipboard and looking over her list of assigned bunks.

Joyce walked over carrying a huge megaphone which carried a loud screech when she switched it on. She handed it over to Karen, giving her a nod and turning her face towards the rising crowd.

“Campers, Welcome- or welcome back to Camp Verdant!” Karen exclaimed, earning her a sea of cheers and whistles. “I hope everyone is ready for an adventure, because we sure are!” She added.

Soon everyone started moving and looking for their cabins, Jonathan and Steve helping them with their duffels while Nancy pointed them towards the right places. Steve sees Dustin hop off the second RV, followed by Lucas and Max whose eyes were focused on one another.

“Henderson!” Steve shouted, but his voice was swallowed by the loudness of the atmosphere. Dustin heard it though, somehow, and ran towards Steve carrying his huge bags and almost tackling Steve down.

Robin looked over at them. ‘Look at those two idiots’ she thought, while fighting her way through the crowd of campers. She reached the mountain of bags where Lucas was trying to dig for their duffels.

“Oh hey Robin.” Max grunted as she used all her strength to pull the straps of her bag.

“Finally joining in on the fun huh?” Lucas asked, wiping the sweat off his hands as Robin aided them in their struggle.

“Steve dragged me into this, plus I’d be bored out of my mind spending summer in Hawkins.” Robin replied, almost stumbling down as the duffel slid out of the mound.

They were joined by Steve and Dustin, the group making their way to their usual bunk leaving Robin and Steve behind. The crowd of children were slowly fading, settling themselves in their rooms and unpacking their belongings. Jonathan made a loud whistle to catch their attention, bobbing his head towards the direction of the main hall.

“Alright everyone don’t get too overwhelmed yet, we’ve got two weeks with these youngsters to deal with.” Joyce announced as the three entered.

Robin walked over to the closest bench, the wooden floors creaking under her feet as she scurried to sit. She listened as Joyce and Karen explained what was going to happen next, even though they’ve already gone through and prepared for everything, it wouldn’t hurt to be too prepared. Next on their agenda was to prepare the hall for lunch before starting with the first day activities. 

They moved towards the chairs, Jonathan and Nancy going into the kitchen to check the food, Steve opening the doors. Everything was all good to go, all that was left was to call in the campers.

“How you holding up Robin?” Karen smiled as she fixed the orientation of chairs. 

“Oh uh, It’s ok. I think I’m enjoying it Mrs. Whe- um.. I mean Karen, sorry, Karen” Robin stuttered, she forgot Karen was using her maiden name now.

“That’s fine sweetheart” Karen giggled, finishing up and stepping away, pausing mid walk having thought of something that could interest Robin. “You do radio broadcasting, right?”

“Yeah I used to, why?” Robin asked, turning to her direction.

“How would you like to use the intercom? I think we could use someone with the experience to get those kids up and on their way” Karen suggested, smiling widely and ushering Robin to follow her.

Robin felt a surge of excitement from the idea, she’ll use what she’s good at to boost the energy around here and have a bit of fun herself. They walked outside along the grass and rock until they reached the entrance of Karen’s office. Upon opening the door, the sweet smell of perfume and the cozy aroma of wood hit Robin like a drug. They blended so perfectly it was almost addicting. Looking around the office, there were accents of pink in some places; the seat cover, the raincoat hanging by the door, and the picture frame with Karen and Nancy on her desk.

“Well here we are, you can come in here anytime you need to use the intercom” Karen encouraged, standing behind her desk and pushing the mic towards Robin.

“Thank you Karen, I think I’ll enjoy playing with this guy” Robin exclaimed, beaming with joy.

“Then I’ll leave you to it, just join us at the hall after and lock the door on your way out” Karen rushed, leaving Robin by herself.

Robin turned to the mic, pressing the button which created a high pitched noise around the camp speakers. She took a deep breath, and suddenly, she’s in her element.

“Hello, hello there campers! This is your super awesome counselor, Rockin’ Robin speaking. I hope you’re all settled and ready because your first day is about to start. Please make your way to the mess hall and stuff yourselves because the fun is only just beginning. This is Rockin’ Robin, over and out.”

She switched the mic off and smiled. ‘That’s what I’m talking about.’ She thought. Not rushing to get out of the office, she took a look around the posters and pictures on the wall. There were photos of old campers and counselors, way before Karen had taken over. At a little area somewhere she recognized a small kid wearing a short dress and had pigtails with bows. Robin assumed that it was young Karen, she was the only girl in that photo, with four other little boys and ‘Childress Children.’ written at the corner. 

“I could swear that dress is probably pink” She whispered before turning around and walking towards the door, making sure to lock it before leaving.

-

Karen and the team braced themselves, soon the hall will be filled with young teens racing towards the door. Ricky, the man of the kitchen, thoughtfully set aside food for the counselors to avoid the food madness last summer. The first day is a bit more overwhelming this year, with their shortage of staff and double the amount of kids. The sound of footsteps and laughter entered as the campers arrived at the hall, rushing to be first in line at the buffet. Steve was in charge of guiding them and being the crowd control, along with Jonathan with a camcorder on one hand.

“Alright guys lets not shove each other” Steve shouted, the kids barely listening.

The party entered the hall with calmness, talking amongst each other and paying no attention to the other kids running around. They took a seat somewhere close to the door and waited until the buffet was clear. 

Karen and Joyce set the counselors table together, with the help of Nancy. They took turns going in and out of the kitchen, avoiding getting pushed by the kids that walked oblivious. Robin appeared from the back, expecting the rambunctious ton as she moved to the buffet.

“Hey our food’s over here” Nancy called out to her, pointing towards their table.

“Didn’t know we got ours set separately” Robin exclaimed as she sat on an empty chair.

“That’s because those kids are hungry little rascals who’ve been starved their whole lives” Steve blurted, referencing the events of last summer.

“That’s mean! they’ll hear you.” Karen scolded with a smirk, trying not to laugh at Steve’s statement.

“Anything I should know?” Robin asked, unaware of the inside joke.

“They went through the buffet like hungry dogs, Eddie was the only one with anything to eat because he guarded the burgers with his whole body.” Nancy giggled.

“He had sauce all over his uniform, his hair was a whole wreck, here look-” Jonathan exclaimed with food in his mouth, showing Robin a video from his camcorder.

Robin burst out laughing, trying to keep her composure as she watched Eddie get pushed and pulled by wild children. Everyone else ate quietly, preparing themselves for the activities they had waiting for later.

Karen looked around at the crowd while she ate, then at her team. A sight like this would probably be too overwhelming for someone else, but she loved this atmosphere. She loved being surrounded by children, hearing their laughter and seeing their wide smiles, it reminded her of being young and free. She loved the idea of camp, being in an isolated place surrounded by nature, somewhere she could do absolutely anything and do fun activities with others. She smiled to herself as she took the last bite of her meal. Robin saw that, but she didn’t notice her looking. She glanced up to see Mike walking towards them along with the party.

“Hey guys, we’re gonna look around for a bit” Mike said, Will’s hand interlaced with his.

“You sure you’re not just gonna make out” Lucas teased, smiling from ear to ear.

“Shut up Lucas!” Mike objected.

Karen and Joyce gave each other a look, trying to hide the smile forming from their lips.

“Don’t go too far okay? We’re starting soon.” Joyce giggled.

Karen was happy for Mike, she was happy to see him embracing himself and finding love with his best friend. She would support her children no matter what, and she admired Mike for being true to himself and being brave enough to show it. She wondered if she could do the same, accept what she is and find love, true love. 

-

Their activities soon started. Nancy was in charge of Archery, Steve and Jonathan with fishing, Robin and Joyce forming their drama performers, and Karen with the arts and crafts. There wasn’t much to do on their first day, just the orientation and a bit of hands-on action.

With the sun dipping lower into the horizon, the softness of the night was slowly felt. After another trip to the mess hall for dinner, everyone went to settle in their cabins. Karen found herself back in the crafts room to clean up the mess from earlier, wiping spilled water and picking up scattered paint brushes. Unbeknownst to her, a wandering Robin would stumble upon her while looking for something to do.

“Ello?” Robin enters, curious about the only light switched on in that area of the camp.

“Robin oh-” Karen blurted, hitting her head from under the table as she turned her head towards Robin.

“Shit- sorry Karen I didn’t mean to scare you” Robin says apologetically, rushing to help her up.

Robin took Karen’s hand and guided her onto a chair, being careful to avoid the mess on the floor. She placed a hand over Karen’s head attempting to soothe the area that was hit.

“Are you okay? Does it still hurt? Any dizziness?” Robin rambled, worried about Karen.

“Calm down Robin I’m okay, it wasn’t that hard” Karen answered, chuckling at the panic of the younger woman, and somehow hearing Ted’s quote ‘language’ when Robin had cursed.

Robin stared at her for a moment longer, scanning her for any signs of pain. Karen couldn’t help but look into her eyes, she saw the genuine concern and panic from the way her eyes shifted. They stayed quiet for some time, just staring at each other, Karen feeling Robin’s hand still pressing on the top of her head. Eventually they both felt embarrassed, Robin breaking the silence and pulling her hand away from Karen.

“Ok um- so I’ll uh, I’ll help you with these..” Robin stepped away, crouching down to pick up what Karen had dropped earlier.

Karen’s eyes followed Robin, confused and unsettled by what happened. She stood from her seat and went to organize the chairs, occasionally glancing at Robin to see what she was doing. After they were done, Robin went to switch the lights and they left the craft room together.

- 

When they arrived at the mess hall, the place was already clean and tidy. They were met with the team conversing and talking about the events of the day. They were surprised to see Barb, Eddie, and Chrissy, along with Hopper and Holly.

“Didn’t think you were gonna make it Munson” Robin exclaimed as they walked over to the team.

“You made it! I didn’t know Jim was gonna pick you guys up?” Karen followed.

“Well we were about to head back after checking in town, then Holly heard them calling out from the side of the road with a busted tire.” Hopper answered, his arms over Joyce’s shoulders

“So that’s why you were late, you tired baby?” Karen continued, turning over to Holly.

“Not really mom, I fell asleep in the car” Holly answered, clearly lying by the way her eyes drooped.

Karen picked up Holly and carried her out to their room, she was getting too big for it, but she’ll never get tired of carrying her baby. She’d do it for Nancy and Mike if they’d let her. 

The team talked about the following day and reminded each other to get up early, scattering to their bunks and resting after patrolling around the camp one more time.

-

As Karen settled Holly onto the bed, she looked at her daughter. ‘She’s growing too fast.’ she thought, then her mind slipped. She thought about what had happened earlier. She thought about Robin; how she immediately checked her situation, how her hands instinctively tried to soothe her head, and how warm they felt. How seeing the concern in her eyes made her feel something she’d only felt once before. Karen felt like a teenage girl, thinking of things like these, maybe hitting her head did affect her somehow.