They reached the camp grounds mid afternoon, it was warm and sunny parked when she parked the car near the main lodge.

She got out of her silver Volkswagen and took a deep breath of the fresh mountain air. She could smell the pine trees and the earth. Glancing at her phone, she saw there was no service and smiled.

Just her and Chase for a full week, nobody else.

He climbed from the car as well, walking around to her side, and she threw an arm around his shoulders.

"Can we go swim? And on a hike? And roast marshmallows for dinner?!" He asked.

"I have to register for work first, then we need to move into our cabin, and we will see how much time is left for today."

"Okay," He agreed easily.

Glancing around, she saw families of all kinds milling around on the property. Single parents, couples, multiple kids, one kid.

When she saw the brochure for this family camp, she knew it was just what they needed. Chase immediately agreed, but the problem was that she couldn't afford it.
So she signed up to work during the week they were here ensuring free meals for both of them and free lodging.

To her left was a tall main lodge, a smaller gift shop in the front.

"Come on, let's check in,"she said.

They entered the building together, Chase getting lost in the racks of toys, shirts, and camping gear.

She found a large desk and rang a small silver bell. A few seconds later, an older gentleman came from the back room.

"Can I help you?"

"Yes, I'm looking for Ed."

"That's me, what can I do for you?"

"I'm Samantha Bryce. I'm staying here with my son this week, I was told to check in for the job assignment."

"Right, the true crime lady. My daughter loves listening to you."

"Oh, thank you. Maybe if she's here I can meet her."

He set a clipboard in front of her, a small application attached, and a pen. She began filling out basic information.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure," she replies, Flipping to the next page.

"What got you interested in true crime? It's just so morbid."

She paused for a second, and then she licked her lips and slid the finished paperwork back to him.

"I was one," she said softly.

He gave her the same look everyone did, half sympathy, half curiosity.

"I'm sorry," He said honestly.

"Yeah, well...me too."

"Here's a key, cabin C17. It's down near the back of the property, that's where all the workers stay. It's a nice little place for you and your boy."

"Thank you," she took the key, seeing the little canoe Keychain with the cabin number wrote on it.

"Come on, Chase," She called, heading for the door.

He rushed to follow her out the door back to their climbing inside. She could feel his excitement, and she smiled this was their first big trip since he was born, and a part of her hoped to keep doing more.

They drove slowly down the road, following the wooden signs to their cabin. It was at least 2 miles from the entrance, and they passed a lot of the main attractions on their way.

The cabin was small, a tiny front porch and too windows, a green metal roof. She parked in the space out front and handed Chase the key.

He leaped from the car running to the door. He used the key and ran inside.
She watched him go and then climbed from the car herself.

Walking around to the trunk, she opened it and pulled out his suitcase and her own, slinging his Spiderman backpack over her shoulder. There were three bags of groceries and other daily needs, and she decided she would return for those later.

She closed the trunk just as Chase reached the porch.

"Mom! You gotta see the size of the tub!" He cried rushing back inside.

She laughed as she carried the bags to the porch.

She reached the steps and paused, the hair on the back of her neck standing up, and goosebumps rushed down her arms despite the warm sun.

She slowly turned and looked around but didn't see anyone. Taking a deep breath, she walked inside.

She kicked the door closed and set down their bags. Turning, she clicked the lock on the doorknob into place.

"Mom, are you okay?" Chase asked from the couch.

"Yeah, I'm fine," She smiled warmly at him.

She picked up the suitcases and headed towards the back of the small cabin to the bedroom.
A queen sized bed sat inside and the bathroom. Conencted it to a small bedroom with a twin.
She dropped his suitcase on his bed, then her own next to the queen size bed.

"Hey, after I get us both unpacked, how about we go to the mess hall for dinner?" She called out to him.

"Sounds good!" He called back.

The cabin had a small but functional kitchen and a living room in the front. The small round table sat between the two, and she hoped to make a few meals why they were there.

She unzipped her suitcase and pulled out a water bottle, then a small orange pill bottle.

She stared at the prescription label for a long minute. She had refilled it before they left town, and new there was enough for a month inside.

She unscrewed the cap and emptied a small pill into her palm. Taking a deep breath, she popped it in her mouth and then washed it down with some water.

She walked to a small end table and opened the drawer, sticking the bottle inside and closing it. She set the water bottle on top next to the slightly out of date lamp.

Her therapist agreed that this vacation was not only a good idea, but now was the perfect time to go. She assured her anxiety and doubts would be normal.

This, however, didn't feel like anxiety. This felt like running, and this felt like paranoia.

She sat down on the bed and tried to focus on her breathing rubbing her legs through her jeans until her palms were red.

"Calm down, you're okay. Chase is okay, you're safe, you're in control of your life."

She whispered the mantra to herself, the one her mom had made up for her after she had given birth to Chase, and her anxiety had spiraled nearly out of control.

It took a few minutes for the medicine to do its job and beat away the demons that plagued her. When she came out of the fog, she went to the front room.

"Ready to go eat?" She asked, forcing a smile.

"Yes!" 

Chase stood from his spot on the floor, abandoning the Legos he had brought along.

She unlocked the front door and cautiously stepped outside. Everything was fine.

Her car sat untouched. Families walked around, and birds chirped in the distance.

Chase hurried down the steps, and after locking the door, she followed him. When she reached the waking path to the mess hall, he reached out, gripping her hand in his.

She smiled a genuine smile as he skipped along beside her, gripping her hand and rambling about everything he wanted to do this week.
He was her best medicine, and having him in her life kept her stable.

As they walked together, her tension eased, and she found herself slipping into a sense of peace that she hadn't felt in a long time.