The scenery was beautiful. There were rolling hills, a lush carpet of grasses and wildflowers skipped along the gray ribbon of highway. Mother and daughter cruised through the countryside. First they listened to a recording of the Chronicles of Narnia. Livy was rapt with attention peppering her mom with questions on the nature of fauns. Next they went to an Old Dutch buffet. Livy lingered over the pizza and French fries but dutifully selected apple slices and a grilled chicken breast. With a little smile her mom let her have two scoops of Rocky Road ice cream. Over dessert, Livy asked again about Camp Linda. Her mother’s eyes slid away. Her mother said how beautiful the summer camp was when she went there as a girl. Her mother toyed with her own dessert, a scoop of skim cottage cheese with peaches.

Their next visit was a real live general store. There were penny candy in jars, all sorts, pretty bars of soap, wooden old-timely toys, harmonicas, and snow globes. Livy had to check out every aisle and rubbed the chin of the the store cat. Livy helped her mom pick out a candle that smelled like roses for Grandma and mommy bought her a bracelet that read Olivia and a little bag of soaps and lotion that smelled like strawberries.

Back in the car Livy traced the bracelet’s silver cursive letters with her pinkie. It was beautiful. She couldn’t wait to show her daddy the next time he picked her up for his weekend. Livy gave her mom the biggest goofy grin in the rear view mirror. They shared a laugh. Soon they saw signs for the girls’ summer camp. Livy danced in her seat excited and afraid and nervous all at once.

“Olivia you will be in Group Caterpillar. We have a great group of girls this year, very friendly and all right around your size,” the camp counselor said. She was petite and slender cheerleader type with a bouncy blonde ponytail and name badge that read Becca. Livy watched her mother to see what she thought about Becca. The camp counselor’s tanned hand patted Livy’s mother’s plump shoulder. “Now don’t worry ma’am the campers are guaranteed up to six hours of physical exercise each day and strict control of calories. Camp Linda is focused on healthy diets, confidence, and wellness. Don’t worry, your little girl’s future will be in safe hands.”

Livy’s mother tried to smile. Her lips trembled.

The camp counselor patted Livy’s round cheeks and led her towards the dock on the beautiful lake. The surface was mirror smooth surrounded by postcard perfect trees.

“Don’t worry ma’am. The next time you see your little girl she will be beautiful.”