The sun glared down on the lake as the camp master explained the challenge, his voice booming over the chatter of campers.
“Each pair must row to the far side of the lake, retrieve a hidden object, and return to the starting point,” he said, holding up a small wooden token. “First pair back earns bonus points!”
Stacey groaned beside me, adjusting her oar with obvious reluctance. “I don’t know what’s worse—this or the scavenger hunt.”
“This,” I said without hesitation. “Because now you have to rely on me.”
Her glare could’ve melted steel. “Let’s just get this over with.”
We climbed into the boat, the wooden seats creaking under our weight. I grabbed an oar, trying not to laugh as Stacey struggled to adjust her grip.
“Need help?” I asked, my tone innocent.
“Touch this oar, and you’re swimming back,” she snapped, her cheeks flushing pink.
I bit back a grin, focusing on pushing off from the shore. The first few minutes were pure chaos. Stacey’s oar clashed with mine every other stroke, and we spun in slow, frustrating circles.
“You’re supposed to row with me, not against me!” I said, gritting my teeth.
“I am rowing with you!” she shot back, her voice sharp.
“No, you’re—” I cut myself off, taking a deep breath. “Okay. Follow my lead. One stroke at a time.”
Slowly, painfully, we found a rhythm. The boat glided forward, the water parting beneath us in gentle ripples.
“See?” I said, flashing her a triumphant grin. “Teamwork.”
“Don’t push your luck,” she muttered, but there was a small smile tugging at her lips.
We reached the far shore just as dark clouds began rolling in, the first drops of rain splattering the ground. I hopped out of the boat, grabbing the token tied to a low-hanging branch.
“Got it!” I called, holding it up.
“Great,” Stacey said, shielding her face from the rain. “Now let’s get back before we drown.”