Out of My Heart

Melody barely finishes unpacking when her three cabinmates and their counselors arrive. Melody is a bit scared until she realizes these girls have faced the same things she has: endless rounds with doctors and specialists, therapy sessions, and classmates who treat them differently. They make a circle and introduce themselves to each other. Karyn, from Michigan, with spinal bifida, uses a wheelchair. Athena is bubbly and seriously into colors and has Down syndrome. Jocelyn, the final cabinmate, keeps to herself. The Fiery Falcons head to the lake with their counselors.

At first, Melody is nervous. She has never been swimming in a lake. As they approach the lake, however, Melody is amazed by the beautiful colors and automatically reaches for her new camera. A beautiful white crane soars above them. Suddenly, Melody isn’t as afraid of the lake. Trinity announces it is time for lunch, but Melody is uneasy over what camp food would be like.

Trinity happily spoons Melody’s lunch for her—blended applesauce and hot dogs with a chocolate sundae for dessert. After visiting the bathrooms, the campers head back to the lake.