Huh? I’m studying the volcano. Are you a camper from one of the nearby camps?
((totally fine – i know stuff happens. Glad to see you back! 🙂
What’s it to you?
Well, my daughter’s a camper at the Camp Campbell. I’m just curious, really.
Yes. I am.
Oh, I see. *smiles* What are you doing out in the forest, buddy? Nice hoodie, by the way.
Trying to find the best way to set it on fire.
Oh, that’s – hey, wait… don’t do that. That’s very dangerous, and also very illegal.
Well, I want to die, but I also want this stupid fucking camp to burn with me.
….
Jesus…Um, I don’t think you mean that, kiddo. That’s a very permanent, uh… ‘solution’ for whatever problem you’re facing. Hey, do you have a name?
It’s max. And I can tell you with certainty that I do mean that. I even managed to snag a bottle of lighter fluid and some matches.
What? Oh my god – okay, look, son, I now you think you mean it, but you’re, what… you’re only nine? You’re young! You don’t wanna make that mistake, believe me!
I’m not fucking nine! This isn’t a mistake! This is what has to happen!
Kid – Max – is there something going on at the camp that’s angering you? What is it that is making you unhappy? Please – you can tell me.
I don’t even know you. Why do you care anyway?
For one, I’m also in this forest. But I have a daughter about your, um… size. I know that when you’re angry it can seem like the end of the world.
*maxs head snaps up quickly* *he glares at carlos* are you saying that just because I’m young a short term anger will make me do this? That’s stupid. This isn’t because of some small inconvienece. This is way bigger than you think. Now if you’ll excuse me… *max tries to walk away*
Wait – stop! *He walks up and grabs the kid by the hoodie, pulling him up off the ground*
Put me the fuck down. Why does this even matter to you? It’s my life and I do what I want! If I want to burn, then so be it!
As a responsible adult who knows the danger coming, I can’t let you hurt yourself. Or commit arson. Where are the matches and fluid that you said you had?
Nowhere. I’m not telling you. And you can’t make me!
Kid, which camp did you come from? I need you to tell me now.
The Perfect Scientist 