Willa’s Wilderness Campout

What’s Missing?

Kendall stands up. She knows what they’re going to do. Camille and Emerson join her. They’re going to ask Ashlyn for help and tell her they’re sorry. Willa sits down on her book in her lean-to. She tucks her legs close to her chest to help keep her warm. She’s not going anywhere, just like Wilderness Wendy wouldn’t go anywhere.

“All right,” Camille says. The rest of the girls quietly go over to Ashlyn’s tent. Ashlyn sticks her head out of the flaps. When she asks if the girls are having any fun, the girls wail “NO!” They apologize for not paying closer attention to Ashlyn’s advice and packing lists.

Ashlyn flings open her tent flaps, saying not to worry… she brought extras of everything. It’ll be a little tight with all of them in one tent, but they’ll make it work. The other three girls climb inside.

Ashlyn begins to pour hot cocoa for the girls. And then she realizes… Willa isn’t there. Emerson explains Willa still wants to be under the stars because Wilderness Wendy says the wilderness has everything they need. Camille responds that she thinks everything they need is right inside the tent.

Ashlyn looks around. There’s one thing missing, she says. And all four girls stand up and pull their sleeping bags outside.