The kids dominate the course. The counselors trail behind, breathless and sweaty.
“I used to be fast,” West mutters, halfway through the pool noodle tunnel.
“That was three knees ago,” Nash grunts.
The final challenge is a foot race from the sandbox to the finish line.
“I need one more runner,” McCormick calls out. “Mandy?”
“Nope,” Mandy says, instantly.
A tiny girl tugs on his sleeve. “Please? You’re the coolest one here.”
Mandy glances at West, his throat closing up.
West just shrugs. “Up to you.”
Mandy exhales like it’s physically painful, then hands off the clipboard. “If I lose, I’m not speaking to anyone until next week.”
He steps up and stretches, knees popping like bubble wrap.
“Ready?” Brandt calls out.
Mandy nods.
“GO!”
He bolts. And to everyone’s surprise—including his own—hewins.Not just barely. Heblazespast the finish line. A kid drops a juice box in awe.
The field goes quiet for a beat.
“MANDY! MANDY! MANDY!” the kids chant.
Mandy collapses to his knees, panting. “I need an ice pack and a priest.”
One of the smaller boys, the same one who gave Mandy the Wolverine compliment and the Starburst, runs over and throws his arms around him.
“You were so fast! That was like superhero stuff!”
Mandy blinks at him. “I was… adequate.”
“Can I ride on your back like it’s a war horse?”
Mandy stares. “A what?”
“A war horse.For the victory lap!”
Mandy sighs. “You’re lucky I’m a sucker for dramatic children.”
He hoists the kid up piggyback style. The kid raises both arms in triumph. Mandy trudges past the finish line again while the other kids cheer and McCormick hums theGladiatorsoundtrack.
Nash watches from the shade, arms crossed. “Why are we all pretending this isn’t the best part of camp?”
West grins. “Because if we admit it, Riggs will make us do this again next summer.”
The kid on Mandy’s back yells, “TO THE CANTEEN! MY STEED CRAVES ICE CREAM!”
And Mandy—sensitive pride, aching knees, and all—starts walking again.
