When I opened my mouth to protest, I realized I had no choice. Partnering with the campers was one of the most important duties of a junior counselor. Protecting their feelings was another.
Sure enough, hiking with Shaxton was painfully slow. As he picked his way over the roots and rocks on the trail, I started talking about the trees, the weather, the fun we were going to have at camp--anything to keep myself company. I was mid-sentence when I realized Shaxton was no longer beside me. I turned around to find him standing like