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lives hasn’t changed.
    The rustic campground looks exactly like we left it. Towering coastal redwood trees (that as a kid reminded me of Star Wars’s moon of Endor) still dot the landscape as far as the eye can see. Wood cabins and yurts are lined up along the river next to fire pits. In the distance, I see the familiar RV site area, the playground, and the camp store and laundry facilities. But it’s the large wood cabin home on the hill that I’m most curious about. Last time we were here a few years back, it belonged to the camp’s longtime owners, the Carraghers.
    I hear the leather seats crinkle and turn around. Whitney is leaning over the third row, watching Jason. He’s staring at a photograph and I don’t have to see it to know which one it is. There was a batch of photos of us camping here, but one sticks out in my mind as much as it does his—us with the Carragher sisters.
    â€œShe’ll probably be here,” Whitney sings, her voice lighterthan I’ve heard it in a while. “But I bet her dad won’t be too happy to see you.”
    Jason grimaces, but doesn’t say anything. He’s been quiet for the last forty-five minutes it took to get up here. Zak leans over, looks at the photograph, and whistles. “They’re hot,” he says and Lexi’s head almost spins off its axis. “Who are they?”
    â€œRachel and Anna Carragher,” Whitney explains, her voice giddy. “Jason dated Rachel every summer. Her dad caught them skinny dipping two summers ago.”
    â€œEww, skinny dipping?” Sam asks. “Why would anyone want to do that?”
    I stroke the scruff growing in on my chin. Skinny dipping is nothing compared to what I was doing with Anna.
    â€œIt was Keith’s idea,” Jason says, sounding defensive. “He said he’d warn me if anyone was coming.”
    Lexi and Whitney both smack me in the head. “Hey!” I duck to get out of their line of fire. “In my defense, I was much younger and not a responsible caretaker like I am now.” Whitney gives me a look. “I was distracted back then.”
    â€œIs that the trip you lost your virginity?” Jason pipes up.
    â€œWhat? No!” I stammer while they all continue to stare at me. Zak gives me a thumbs-up and sly smile. “I . . . this is not a topic of discussion!” They all burst out laughing, even Sam. “Ihate you all.” I think this is one of those moments when I’m supposed to be parental. “Everyone out of the car!” I bark, sounding more like Dad.
    I’m out first, mostly so I can avoid them seeing how flush my face is. I hope the cool mountain air brings my cheeks back to a normal temperature. I put my hands on my hips and look around at the familiar patch of dirt, fire pit, rickety grill, and utility hookups. “Here we are. Site forty-four. Our usual.”
    Whitney walks around for a moment before grabbing a long twig and poking it in the darkened fire pit. “Doesn’t look like anyone’s been here in a while.”
    â€œDid you think Dad would just magically be here when we showed up?” Jason huffs.
    â€œNo.” Whitney pushes her hair out of her face and kicks some dirt around, looking like a bull about to charge. “I just meant it isn’t really camping season right now.”
    â€œAll right, all right.” I put my hands up in a sign of peace before another Connolly civil war breaks out. “Let’s set up camp and then we can spread out and ask if anyone’s seen him. Sound good?”
    Everyone nods and we head to the car to unload our camping equipment. Sam grabs the sleeping bags, Lexi takes the pillows, Whitney hauls out the cooler, and I feel a pit of dread in my stomach when I see Jason and Zak lift out thetent. I don’t remember ever putting this thing together without Dad’s help. The guys drop it on the ground with a thud and I roll the