Camp Ablewood Part 1: Saddled with Responsibility
By Fenrir Black

“Welcome campers to the first day of your fantastic and some might say magical summer here at Camp Ablewood.”

Jason watched as the camp counselor walked around the small outdoor amphitheater where he and the rest of the campers were seated. The counselor speaking was the annoying peppy type with way too much enthusiasm for someone who'd been doing this job for so long. Carol was her name, and in case anyone forgot that it was printed on the back of her bright orange camp shirt. Each of the campers got one. Jason's shirt was back with the rest of his things in the lodge, where they were told to leave their luggage until they got assigned their cabins. Some of the other campers, especially the younger ones, had already switched to wearing it. It wasn’t a requirement to wear it but encouraged.

Carol continued to pace around as she listed off facts about the camp. The other seven counselors stood behind her, almost trying to blend into the wall. Unlike Carol, they looked less thrilled about spending another summer chaperoning a bunch of kids and angsty teens whose parents shipped them off to camp. Jason could relate. The last thing he wanted or needed was to waste the summer before his senior year at camp. The thought of what was waiting for him back home made him sick. His stomach ached at the reminder that his parents thought getting away from studying would help him. They were wrong. He placed his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands as he tried to steady his breathing. He couldn't have another panic attack on the first day of camp. The last thing he wanted to do was stand out or be the center of attention.

When he lifted his head, he noticed Carol was staring right at him as she listed off the various activities that camp offered. She smiled at him and turned her head sharply, her ponytail whipped in the wind. Jason was interested in canoeing or hiking. The only thing he cared about was studying for the SAT's, which he had already failed twice. The rest of his grades were in the toilet as well, along with his GPA. His stomach hurt again.

Carol introduced the rest of the counselors and divided the forty campers into groups based on their ages and genders. Twenty boys and girls for both age groups. Five per cabin. Jason was in the blackbird cabin, which was all he needed to know. They were dismissed to gather their things and take them to the cabin. Jason wasted no time hurrying up the stairs and out of the amphitheater.

He was the first to arrive back at the lodge and found his suitcase nestled among the others in the corner of the lobby. Jason quickly laid the suitcase down and unzipped it. On the top of his clothes and other belongings was the SAT prep book he managed to smuggle from home. His parents would disapprove. The camp was their idea, saying, "You need a break. I know the entire summer is a long time but come Fall, you'd be better rested and motivated."

Yeah, right, Jason thought. He rezipped the suitcase and rolled it out of the building.

The cabins were easy to find from the lodge, thanks to a sign that pointed the way. Through the trees, the cabins came into view. They were standard buildings you might see in a television show or movie. Simple brown wooden buildings with their own small porches, windows, and flags hanging over the door with the insignia of what animal the cabin belonged to. The cabins were in good shape, which surprised Jason considering how old the camp was. He walked up the three steps to the door and turned the knob. The interior was filled with four bunk beds pressed against the left and right walls and one separate bed by itself against the front wall next to the door. Jason immediately tossed his suitcase on the single bed's mattress, thereby claiming it as his own. The back of the cabin had two doors. One was clearly the bathroom, and the other had the word "Counselor" spelled out in golden letters.

Jason tried to remember who the counselor for the blackbird cabin was but had already forgotten. He would meet him later anyway.

Voices emerged from the path outside, which meant the other campers were arriving. Jason thought about sticking around to wait for the others to ensure no one decided to make his bed but thought against it. He trusted the others would respect his claim. The last thing Jason wanted at that moment was to stand around making small talk with the others. Although he would spend the next two months with the other guys, Jason couldn't bring himself to be around anyone at that moment.

As Jason left the cabin, he met a familiar face standing outside. Carol stood patiently as if knowing exactly where Jason would be. He gritted his teeth as he walked down the stairs to her. Her smile was annoyingly big and obviously fake. He figured she wanted to ask if he was alright after the display of discomfort earlier.

“You want to go for a walk with me?” she asked. “I can give you a private tour of the camp.”

Jason’s mouth opened and closed as the words he wanted to say failed to come to him. Was she making a move on him? She was attractive. Her short brown hair tied in the ponytail and the way her hands rested on her hips. There was a cute “girl next door” look to her that Jason didn’t hate. He stared at her shirt, taking in the Camp Ablewood logo of a tree with four different animals beneath it. He was not sure of what to say, and he couldn't look her in the eye. If this wasn't a move, and if she felt sorry for him, he would not be able to live with the embarrassment. He had to know what was going on first.

“Ummm, I mean if it’s not too much trouble. I guess it could be fun.”

“Great.” She clapped her hands together. “There is a special spot I want to show you.”

Special spot? Was this a move? Jason wasn’t anticipating a summer romance but wouldn’t say no to one.

Carol guided Jason around the cabins and through the trees, not following any designated path. All the horror movies he watched that took place at camp came back to him at that moment. If anything happened to him, would anyone realize it?

“So, is there anything particular you are looking forward to doing while you’re here?” she asked. “We have lots of activities to choose from. We try to let the older campers have more free range after a week or so. Let them choose their own activities. We are big on trust and respect here.”

Jason decided to be honest with her. He couldn't explain it, but underneath the fake peppy attitude, she seemed like a genuine person. "I honestly don't feel like doing anything or looking forward to anything."

“Awww, really?” she replied without looking at him. “Nothing.”

“To be honest, I didn’t want to come. My parents made me.”

“That’s actually pretty common for this camp especially for the older campers. It’s rare you see teenagers your age excited about going to camp. If they do, it’s because they really love camping or are counselors. Some really don’t appreciate having people they’re own age bossing them around. That is what I meant about trust and respect. We respect you and in return you respect us.”

“I guess,” Jason said. They were pretty far from the cabins. Where was this secret spot?

Carol stopped and turned to him. “Okay, what’s on your mind? I get that you don’t want to be here but clearly there is something else.”

Jason wasn't sure he wanted to tell a girl he just met his life story or unload all his problems, but her words about trust and respect got to him. He told her about the SAT's and the previous school year. He was lucky he didn't have to go to summer school, but college was a long shot at the moment. He didn't tell her about the SAT prep book.

She scowled and nodded. “I figured you were under a lot of stress. That’s not good for anyone. I’m starting college in the fall so this is my last year of being a camp counselor. I remember cramming for tests and the panic that comes with the uncertainty of the future.”

Jason breathed a sigh of relief. For the first time, it felt like someone understood him.

Carol moved along with Jason following her. They exited the trees and found themselves on a grassy road with two indications in the dirt from where it had been driven on. Next to the road was a short white fence that formed a large enclosure. On the far side of the enclosure was a pasture.

"The camp was built by a farm, and as the camp grew, the camp owners bought the farmland for cheap. Apparently, the farmers had a rough time with it," Carol said as they walked along the fence.

Jason looked around and could see a modest barn a little way down the road. It was freshly painted with red and white giving it a picturesque look.

“The counselors arrive a week early to get everything cleaned up for the campers. That includes odd chores and making sure everything is almost like new. Our jobs aren’t just supervising the campers but other things. We aim to impress here.”
Jason knew that his camp was expensive, which was another reason he questioned his parents' judgment for sending him here. He wanted to ask how much the counselors are paid but held his tongue.

“Are there any animals here?” Jason sniffed the air but couldn’t smell the usual scents that occupied barns or pastures.
Carol leaned back against the fence and grinned at him. There was something off-putting about it, like she had a secret that she wasn't sharing. With one hand, she gestured to the enclosure behind her.

“This is the horseback riding area. It doesn’t look like much but it’s enough to make the younger campers happy at least,” she explained.

Jason scanned the area but didn’t see any horses. “Where are they?

She shook her head. "They aren't quite here yet." She pushed herself off the fence and pointed to the logo on her shirt. "We pride ourselves on having a variety of animals the campers can interact with as well as being as humane as possible. As such the animals are specially chosen and arrive throughout the summer. When summer ends, they leave. The next summer, new ones arrive."

Jason wasn't sure what she was talking about. It seemed like a convoluted system but made sense if the camp was only open for the summer. No one would be around to take care of the animal for the rest of the year. It still didn't make sense for them to spread out the animal's acquisitions, though. He looked more closely at her shirt and did see a horse printed there.

“How many horses are you going to get?” Jason asked.

Carol shrugged. “Depends. Sometimes it’s only one and others two. One summer there were three, but I wasn’t here then. The animals that arrive vary. We have little say in the matter.”

“So, it’s up the owners then?”

Carol shook her head. “It’s more like it’s up the camp and the campers themselves that decide.”

Jason sighed. That didn’t make any sense, but he wasn’t going to argue with her.

“Well, I need to get back to the camp to check on the others. This is what I wanted to show you anyway.” She nodded at the road. “Just take your time and explore this area. I’ll come check on you in a little bit.”

“Oh, you’re leaving?” Jason couldn’t suppress the disappointment in his voice. So much for summer romance. She was only trying to help him feel better.

“Don’t worry you’ll be fine. This is for the best anyway since you really didn’t want to do the camping activities anyway.” With those final words, she turned and hurried down the road. Jason watched her turn the bend and disappeared.

With no other option, Jason walked along the fence. He was better off alone anyway. He thrived in solitude, or at least that is what he liked to tell himself. Being alone again only brought back the stress of needing to study more and be more prepared for his senior year.

As he walked, Jason came across a horse's saddle lying on the fence. It was odd that someone would leave it where it could be stolen or damaged by the elements. For a moment, Jason thought about carrying it to the barn like a good deed but decided to leave it alone. He patted the saddle with his hand and moved on.

Something hit his back with such force Jason fell forward to his hands and knees. A long strap wrapped itself around his torso as he struggled to stand under the weight on his back. He was in such shock that he couldn't move. His bones stretched and strained under his skin, causing him to yelp in pain. His arms grew longer and straighter until they formed sturdy equine legs. His elbows changed into knees, and his shoulders bulked, becoming more prominent and muscular as they tore through his shirt.

His legs grew longer as well. He planted both feet firmly on the ground as they became longer to match his front legs. Joints cracked and shifted as the bones refigured themselves. He rose even taller, towering over the fence despite being on all fours. His feet morphed into hooves, allowing him to slip out of his human shoes which laid abandoned in the grass.

Jason’s hips and thighs grew exponentially, bursting out of his pants, which laid shredded on the ground along with the remains of his boxers. Fine white fur spread along his expanding midsection, which grew into a large rounded barrel to match the rest of his changing form. His new coat stirred in the summer breeze.

Jason watched his fingers meld together into thick hooves. The white fur spread up his legs until it blended seamlessly with the rest of his smooth coat. The fur continued to spread to Jason's neck and shoulders. His neck thickened and stretched like it was trying to escape the changes. He gagged as his head lengthened, pushing outward and forming a fine equine muzzle. His vision blurred slightly for a moment as his eyes shifted to the sides of his head, and he felt his ears become pointed as they twitched to pick up the sounds of the woods nearby.

The fur spread over his muzzle until it reached his nose that had melted into his muzzle forming two larger nostrils above his newly enlarged lips. Jason let loose a light nicker as he squeezed his eyes shut, and when he opened them, they became like black marbles. He shook his entire head and neck until a long mane of jet-black hair spread down his neck and fell over his forehead, contrasting nicely against his snow-white coat. Jason trotted in place and felt a tight strain from his rump. He leaned forward slightly, raised his hindquarters upward, and flexed his thigh muscles until a long tail of black hairs burst from his rear. Jason let loose a loud neigh at the sensation. The tail flicked to the side as it tasted freedom for the first time.

He stood there for the longest time, unable to comprehend what happened to him. It was too surreal. The saddle rested on his back, now neither bulky nor uncomfortable as it settled perfectly on his new body. The strap had stretched along with him and still was clasped around his abdomen. Jason could feel a haze cloud his mind as the horse's instinct became woven into his human brain. He swung his head, feeling the mane flow against his velvety fur. His new muscles itched to be used as the smell of the fields nearby were intoxicating to him. Jason held his ground. He swung his head again to get a better look at his body. He was indeed a horse, although he had no idea how this could have happened besides the saddle must have done it.

"Well aren't you a handsome stud," someone spoke. Jason turned himself around to come face to face with Carol, who stood by the fence.

She walked over to him, and Jason let escape a nervous knicker. He started to back away, unwilling to trust this girl who clearly knew what had happened to him.

Carol raised her hands and whispered softly to him. "It's okay Jason. It's alright. I know this is a bit unsettling but let me explain." Her words comforted the animal part of him, and he remained still. With one hand, she rubbed his muzzle and neck as if she had done it a thousand times before. The memory of what she said before came back to him about other horses before him—other humans who met the same fate.

Without moving her hand from his neck, she walked around his body. Her fingers trailed through his fur, making him feel weaker at her touch. He had never felt a woman's touch like this before.

“Okay, I’m going to remove the saddle so remain still.”

He did as she instructed and waited as she expertly undid the straps and hefted the saddle from his back. She gently placed it back on the fence where he found it. She returned her hand to his neck and gently rubbed it from top to bottom.

“I know this is going to take some getting used to and normally we don’t invoke a change like this on the first day but when I saw you in the amphitheater looking so distressed, I had to go ahead.” She walked to his front and guided his head down until they were practically eye level. With one hand caressing his chin, she stroked his muzzle. “I should explain. You see if it wasn’t already obvious, this is a magical camp. Things like what happened to you happen to a lot of the campers, specifically the ones who need it.”

Jason's tail flicked angrily behind him. He didn't need to be a horse, but at the same time, he didn't hate it either.

“Our jobs aren’t just camp counselors but also guidance counselors so to speak. We guide the campers to where they need to be to enact the appropriate transformation. Sometimes that means that they become part of the camp activities.”

Jason puzzled about what she was saying until it clicked. What she mentioned about horses arriving later for the horseback riding lessons. He was going to be the horse the other campers rode. He jerked his head from her hands and let out an angry neigh.

"No, no, no. It's alright. I know this is going to take some getting used to, but it'll be worth it." She pressed her hand against his neck and guided him to the barn. He wanted to resist, but the horse part of his brain responded to her command. His hooves fell into a steady rhythm as he walked as if he been all fours his entire life.

Carol opened the door, and Jason's ears turned to the squeak of the hinges. Without waiting for her, Jason walked inside. The barn was recently cleaned to prepare for the new arrival. The dusty floor was without a single strand of hay. Several empty stalls were waiting to be filled with unsuspecting campers. Jason knew he should be concerned about that, but he didn't feel anything for some reason. Carol brushed past him to a nearby stall. She opened it up, and Jason knew what she wanted him to do. He walked in and looked around. There was a feeding trough at the far end, and the floor was littered with hay.

“I’m glad you’re not making this difficult. Some campers take a little more encouragement to get them to listen to us after being changed. They become a little bitter about being animals.” She closed the stall door, so he was locked inside.

Jason rolled his eyes in a very human gesture. He wasn't surprised. Part of the reason he was going along with this was that it was easier to let the horse part of him do what it needed, and he knew that he had nowhere else to go. He was utterly dependent on Carol to take care of him, whether he liked it or not. He stood at the stall door and watched her walk to the far end of the barn. He could see what she was doing exactly but heard the sound of rustling.

When Carol returned, she had a feed bag in her hands. She once again gently pressed Jason's head down and strapped on the feed bag. A small part of him resented the treatment, but it was quickly washed away by the intoxicating scent of oats. He mindlessly began munching on the sweet nuts as Carol slipped inside the stall to fill his trough with feed. When she was done, she grabbed a brush from atop a barrel and began brushing Jason's side.

“I should explain some ground rules while you’re contently eating. Nod if you understand.”

Jason nodded, only half-listening to what she was saying.

“Here's how this works. Like I said, starting tomorrow you’ll be the horse that we’ll use for the horseback riding activities. This camp is built on trust and respect and even though you’re a horse now, you’re still a camper. You respect us and your fellow campers, and we’ll reward you like what’s happening now.” She moved to his neck, carefully grooming his mane. “You really turned out to be a fine horse. Anyway, there will be one session in the morning and another in the afternoon for about an hour or two a piece. Behave yourself and you have the rest of time to yourself got it?”

Jason nodded as his tongue scooped up the remaining oats into his mouth.

“It’ll be easier once you get into a routine. It’s not every day you’ll be needed so you should be alright.” She finished brushing and stepped back to admire her handy work. She removed the empty feed bag from his head and placed it on a nail sticking from one of the beams.

Carol exited the stall and closed the door behind her. Jason peered down at the latch, noticing it was one that no creature with hooves could ever unlock even if they knew how. They were prepared.

“Normally we wouldn’t put you up this early, but it helps if you have some time to adjust without distraction. Remember what I said about respect. We won’t hurt you or anything, but we will punish you like any other camper.”

That was fine with Jason, but one thing still bothered him. He spoke a series of neighs and snickers as he tried to talk. Carol pierced her lips together and tried to figure out what he was asking.

"You want to know how long this will last." Jason nodded, clearly impressed by how she managed to understand him.

"It's a common concern," she said with a slight wave of her hand. "Don't worry, it's not permanent or anything. We aren't going to sell you to the highest bidder. All the magic and transformations last until the last day of camp, then poof. Everyone is normal again in time to go home.

While Jason was relieved at the news, the idea of spending two months living as a horse filled with him a cold discomfort he couldn’t shake. Carol bid him farewell and exited the barn, closing the door behind her. The only light now came from the open windows above the rafters.

With nothing left to do but think, Jason, focused on the events of the day. He was a horse, that was a fact, but still wasn't as bothered by it as he felt he should have been. He liked Carol a lot and how she treated him. While he didn't appreciate the full animal treatment, it had its perks. The taste of the oats still lingered on his tongue, and funnily enough, before he became a horse, he hated oats.

He turned around and walked to the feed trough. While the horse feed looked unappealing to him, it didn't stop him from bending down and begin eating away. Even after the oats, he was still hungry. He figured his new larger stomach must have been practically empty after his transformation. As he ate, his mind wandered back to his problems. He realized that the issues he had as a human didn't bother him anymore. He knew on a conscious level that he needed to study and prepare for the SATs, but he wasn't concerned about it. Why would a horse care about tests, he jokingly told himself? All his other problems with school seemed miles away as well. All he cared about was presented in front of him.

Carol showed up the following day to let Jason out. He was happy to see her, which surprised her a bit.

"Normally, the camper detests the counselor they blame for their transformation, but I figured you'd want someone familiar with you today." Jason pressed his muzzle into her hand, and she lovely rubbed his long face.

"Okay so here is what I need you to do for me and I know it's going to be uncomfortable at first but bear with it." Carol grabbed a bridle from the wall by the door and brought it over to him.

Jason was frightened by it at first, not fully understanding what was about to happen. His limited knowledge of horses and farm life on full display. He trotted and paced nervously as his head darted back and forth for a means of escape.

“Shhhhh,” she said and stroked his muzzle again. She continued to whisper comforting words to the frightened animal until Jason relaxed. “I’m going to need to put this on you, alright. It’s only for a few hours.”

Jason eyed her and the harness nervously but gave in. He lowered his head and opened his mouth slightly as she slid the metal bit into his mouth. The bridle fitted snuggly and comfortably around his head as she finished tightening the straps.

“Good boy, Jason,” she said.

Jason shook his head in response.

"Don't like that, huh," Carol responded, sounding amused. "Noted."

She undid the latch, and with a gentle tug on the reins, Jason stepped out of the stall. She guided him to a small step stool next to a bench where a saddle was resting. For a moment, Jason felt his heart flutter in his chest but realized that this was not the same saddle from yesterday.

“I’m going to put this on,” she said and lifted the saddle up.

Using the step stool to gain some much-needed height, she firmly placed the saddle on Jason's back. The familiar sensation of being saddled again amused him strangely. Carol tightened the straps and stepped down to take care of the lower ones. When she was done, she stepped back to get a better look at the horse.

“You look like a real fine horse. This camp is truly amazing. Personally, if I didn’t know any better, I wouldn’t think you were human less than twenty-four hours ago.”

Jason responded with a low neigh.

Carol pulled Jason to the fence and together made their way to a gate. Jason waited as she undid the latch and guided him inside.

“I hope it goes without say that you are not supposed to leave the encloser without permission.” She had shifted back into counselor mode. “I know it would be easy for you to jump this fence but don’t. We have vets on call but for someone like you, well you know what happens when a horse breaks their leg right?”

Jason turned on her, his nostrils flaring with fear.

“No, no, no. We’re not going to put you down or anything,” she said and stroked his muzzle. “We’ve had campers break bones after transforming and if you think being a horse is hard, try being an incapacitated horse confined to your stall for the entire summer. We have no power to change anyone back after they transform. That is up the camp’s magic for when they change and change back. We can guide them to wear we think they should be like I did with you but there was never a guarantee you’d end up like this.”

Jason pondered that as well as Carol’s warning. The temptation of breaking into a gallop along the enclosure was overwhelming. His legs itched to move and run free. The feeling was interrupted by the sound of young kids heading their way.

“Oh, right on time.” Carol said and waved them over.

A group of five boys, all between eight and ten, rushed over to where they were with their counselor behind them, barking orders to slow down.

Carol whispered in Jason’s ear, “Remember best behavior. Also try to act as horse like as possible. The campers will eventually learn about what happened but it’s the only the second day, so we don’t want to overwhelm them.”

The kids hurried to the fence. Two immediately began to climb on the wooden planks to get a better look at Jason. He tried to say as still as possible, focusing his attention on the ground and not the kids ogling him with their eyes.

“Kids, this is Jason. Be good to him.” Carol said. To the counselor, she said, “I’ll leave it to you, Brad.”

Brad walked, ordered the kids to stay on the other side of the fence as he entered the enclosure. "So, you're the first one," Brad whispered as he pretended to check the bridle and saddle. “I guess Carol explained the rules to you.”

Jason nodded slightly.

“I’m going to explain what’s going to happen to the kids so listen because I’m explaining it to you as well.”

Brad explained that the kids were to enter one at a time, and he would help them onto the saddle. Jason would slowly trot around in a circle a few times, and then the next kid would have their turn. It was all so everyone could get used to each other and learn the basics.

The first kid struggled a bit so Jason, kneeled down slightly to allow the boy to get on. With a gentle tug of the reigns, Jason was off. He slowly but confidently trotted around the enclosure, hearing the boys cries of excitement in his ears. It made Jason happy knowing how much the kid was enjoying riding him. He wondered if all horses felt this way.

The other four went as smoothly as the first, and when they were done, it was time for lunch. Brad removed the bridle, and a sense of relief spread over Jason as he licked his lips to get out the metallic taste.

Brad placed the harness on the fence, and Jason waited for the saddle to be removed next.

"Sorry buddy, the saddle stays for now." Brad said, stroking Jason's flank. It wasn't the same as when Carol did it. "It's too hard to take on and off and we need it for the afternoon group."

Jason understood, but his tail flicked in annoyance.

“You’re free to wander the enclosure but when you hear your name come back here,” Brad ordered.

Jason waited until Brad, and the kids disappeared before breaking into a gallop. The enclosure was spacious enough to get a good speed going. He realized the best part of being a horse was the power he felt as his hooves trampled the ground as he moved along with the feeling of the wind blowing through his mane and fur. He truly felt freer and unshackled than he ever did as a human. Before long, he didn't notice the saddle anymore.

Jason slowed to a trot and stopped in the middle of the field. He bent down to graze on the grass. The sweet taste of each blade on his tongue. His human mind pointed out that he was literally eating grass, but he mentally shrugged it off. He was a horse after all and felt no shame in grazing. The only time he did feel shame for his horse behavior was when he defecated. He felt something fall out of his backside without warning, and the shame of what he was doing spread through him. But once he was done, the feeling of shame dissipated, and he moved on with his usual business without a second thought.

As Carol predicted, Jason found being a horse much more comfortable as he fell into a routine. Without realizing it, his human mind and equine mind melded into a single consciousness that was neither human nor horse. He was basically a very intelligent horse with human memories and personality.

The next few days passed the same as the first. Jason would do his thing with the kids both in the morning, and early afternoon then the counselor in charge would remove his bridle and let him explore the back pasture after the afternoon session was done. The pasture was much larger and more exhilarating to gallop through than the enclosure. Each day as the sun began to set, a whistle would alert him that it was time to return to the barn for the night. At no time did Jason complicate running away or missing out on his oats.

Each day Jason waited for Carol to visit him, except it wasn't always Carol who'd give him his oats or refill his trough. The counselors took turns in taking care of him, including his brushings. While he explored the pastures, he came to realize that they also took turns cleaning his stall. A thankless task, he tried to not think about too much. None of them, Jason realized, had the same effect Carol had. Each day, he would wake up to a new counselor strolling in the barn. His hybrid brain found it challenging to place faces with names, and he learned it was easier to remember each one by scent except Carol, who appeared that Friday to see him. He recognized her instantly by sight and smell.

Jason happily neighed at her as she walked into the barn. He trotted in anticipation of her brushing and kind words of encouragement.

“Sounds like someone is happy to see me,” she said and closed the door behind her.

It may not have been the summer Jason was expecting, but it was one he was enjoying more than he could have imagined.