The Yellow Pages
Episode 02: Those Left Behind (The Runaways)
Part 1, Summer Camp

The Yellow Pages
"Our summer camp is perfect for children who are falling behind in school, who might require extra discipline in self-mastery, or who just need a safe and adventure-filled environment to meet new friends and develop social skills."

...Two Weeks Before... *Click for Flashback*

F l a s h b a c k . . .

Martin Nightingale
"Hey, honey? Check out this ad I found in the Yellow Pages."

Maria Nightingale
"That sounds perfect for Mitch. He loves the outdoors."

Martin Nightingale
"Maybe he'll finally learn a little disipline."

Maria Nightingale
"Not to mention making a few friends outside those troublemakers back in Colorado."

Martin Nightingale
"Some time away from everything, camping up in the woods with new friends will help him forget all about the move."

Maria Nightingale
"And with trained counselors, too. Should really help him adjust to a new school. Only..." *Tsk!* "...it's pretty expensive."

Martin Nightingale
"With my new job, we should be able to afford it. I'll call and make the arrangements."

E n d F l a s h . . .

Fableweaver (the Narrator)
It was late in the afternoon at the summer camp. Mitch Nightingale had snuck away from the rest of the group, who were down at the lake. Some sort of trust-building exersize. It wasn't that Mitch didn't enjoy the camp, nor was he particularly annoyed about having camp counselors ordering him around. He had been plagued by nightmares the last few weeks. He just needed some time to breathe, some time to collect his thoughts.

Corbin Blackwell
"Didn't expect to find another Wallflower out here. My name's Corbin. Corbin Blackwell. Not digging the summer camp?"

Mitch Nightingale
Mitch was a bit surprised to see someone else up at the cabins.
"I didn't know anyone else was up here. Naw, it's not like that. Camp's cool, I like the wilderness. Mitch Nightingale," he said with a fist-bump. 🤜🤛

Corbin Blackwell
"The counselors will freak out if they see you with those."
Corbin looked down at the daggers Mitch was holding.

Mitch Nightingale
"Yeah, probably. I was just looking for a place to stash them. No way I was going all summer without my babies."
Mitched skillfully twirled the blades in his hands.

Mitch wields a kris dagger in his main hand!
Not a wall-hanger. This dagger is intimidating, and quite deadly, in the hands of Mitch.

Mitch wields a kris dagger in his off-hand!
While dual-wielding, Mitch is capable of attacking and blocking at the same time.

Corbin Blackwell
"Come on, I know a place. I've been here before, last summer."
Corbin began walking toward the woods.

Mitch Nightingale
"Nice spot," Mitch whistled, looking around. "Secret hideout."

Corbin Blackwell
Corbin chuckled.
"Nothing but a few rocks and logs to sit on, but it's mostly hidden from the cabins. I come here when I want to be alone, but you're welcome anytime."

Mitch Nightingale
"Thanks, man. You said you came here last summer?"

Corbin Blackwell
"Yeah. It was great, right up until..."

Mitch Nightingale
"Until what? Did something happen?"

Corbin Blackwell
Corbin hesitated.
"Naw, it's nothin'. Just up until it was over and everyone went home. I made a few real good friends, but I doubt they'll ever be back."

Mitch Nightingale
"That sucks. I had a bunch of good friends out in Colorado. My dad had to move for work. I've only spent a few months at my new school in Texas, but the crowd isn't the same."

Corbin Blackwell
"Doubt you'll run into that problem out here. This camp is made for misfits like us. Just be careful who you trust."
"Here's the place I mentioned. My old friend Clayton used to hide his cigarettes here."

Mitch stashed away his kris daggers!
This stash is well hidden beneath a rock.

Mitch Nightingale
Inside the stash, Mitch spotted a wide leather bracelet covered with metal studs.
"What's this? Someone leave it behind?"

Corbin Blackwell
"I made that for Clayton during an arts and crafts class at the camp. You remind me of him. You can have it. I'll make him another one, if he ever comes back."

Mitch acquired a leather bracer from the Stash!
Mitch was given this bracelet as a sign of friendship.

Mitch Nightingale
"Thanks, man! Here, take this."
Mitch went through his pockets and pulled out a zippo lighter.

Corbin acquired a black zippo lighter from Mitch!
Corbin was given this zippo lighter as a sign of friendship.

Mitch Nightingale
"This girl I knew, one of my old friends back in Colorado, gave it to me as a birthday present."
"Now we both have something that belonged to our old friends."

Corbin Blackwell
"Badass. What's with the ouija board on the side?"

Mitch Nightingale
"Oh, that. She was a bit of a Black Magic Woman. She was way into all that occult stuff."

Corbin Blackwell
"You don't believe in the supernatural?"

Mitch Nightingale
"She taught me a few things. How to use an ouija board. How to read tarot cards. I saw some pretty crazy things, hanging out with her. It's not all nonsense."

Corbin Blackwell
"Yeah. I've seen some things, too..."
Corbin became lost in his thoughts for a moment.

Mitch Nightingale
"Yeah? People sometimes think I'm getting brainwashed into a cult, or something."

Corbin Blackwell
"It's nice to know someone else who has seen that kind of thing. It's hard talking about it, when nobody will believe you."

Mitch Nightingale
"Ha! I'd believe you. Just remember your own advise, and be careful who you trust. Sometimes, it's even worse when the adults believe you. Then they get real interested in where you are at all times, what friends you're hanging out with, what sort of books your reading..."

Corbin Blackwell
"Could be worse. Could have nobody who cared."

Mitch Nightingale
I wonder what he meant by that, Mitch thought. Does he not have any family? Nobody who cares? What about the person who sent him here?

Fableweaver (the Narrator)
The two boys talked for some time. About old friendships, about music, about movies, about school. About almost anything that came up, except for the obvious question. Mitch didn't want to pry too much, not yet. They were enjoying each other's company and getting along so well, the two boys hadn't even realized that the sun was going down. It was twilight before they rejoined the rest of the teens at the camp. They snuck in during dinner, avoiding the need to explain themselves to the camp counselors.

Corbin Blackwell
"Hey, guys. Mind if we sit here?"

Travis Bird
"Naw, bro. Help yourself. I'm Travis, this is Freddy."
Travis motioned to his friend sitting across the table.

Fredrick "Freddy" Fergus
"Hey, guys. What did you think of the first day of camp?"

Mitch Nightingale
"Greetings. I'm Mitch, this is Corbin. So far, camp is good. Cool people to meet. Corbin was here last year, too."

Travis Bird
"Sa-weet... camp must be pretty good then, to want to come back. I heard there was fishing. That true, Corbin? Hope it's not some lame one-time deal."

Corbin Blackwell
"The first week, they usually do all the introductions and team exercises. Then they have everyone do each activity a few times. After a few weeks, you'll just be able to choose whatever activity you wanna do that day. So you'll be able to fish a lot, if you're into it."

Travis Bird
"H-h-heck yeah. You ever go fishing, Mitch?"

Mitch Nightingale
"Yeah, I love fishing! I used to go every week of the summer, either with my friends or my brothers. I have three brothers. My dad also takes us on family camping trips usually once or twice a year."

Corbin Blackwell
"What about since you moved to Texas?"

Mitch Nightingale
"Naw, not yet. That was back in Colorado. But my parents did send me here, 'cause I love camping. I don't know what my brothers plan on doing this summer."

Travis Bird
"I don't got no brothers, just an older sis. Hey, Freddy. What you looking forward to?"
Travis' question was interrupted before Freddy got a chance to answer.

Aaron, Camp Counselor
"How's the hamburgers? Later, we're having a bonfire and cooking s'mores."

Travis Bird
"Oh, hi Counselor Aaron. I got some 🌭 hot dogs, instead of a 🍔 hamburger. For me, hot dogs feel more like camping."

Fredrick "Freddy" Fergus
"Yeah, Travis loves himself a few big fat wieners."

Mitch Nightingale
*Laughs*

Travis Bird
"Bruh!"
Travis gave Freddy a light punch in the shoulder.

Aaron, Camp Counselor
"Wait until we get to go fishing. Then you'll be able to catch and cook your own dinner."

Travis Bird
"Dope! Did you hear that, Freddy?"

Fredrick "Freddy" Fergus
"Counselor Aaron, I heard you teach the archery class. Is it true a student got shot with an arrow last year?"

Aaron, Camp Counselor
"We can talk more about it tomorrow. They'll be starting the bonfire soon. See you then."
The councelor turned and walked away.

Corbin Blackwell
"Wow, I can't believe Counselor Aaron is still here..." Corbin's voice was barely a whisper under his breath, but Mitch heard him.
Corbin sank into his own thoughts.

Fableweaver (the Narrator)
Travis and Freddy were quickly added to Mitch's building circle of new friends. The four friends asked more questions about each other as they finished up dinner. They even went back for seconds, before heading outside. A crowd was building around a campfire, a crowd containing all the teens and counselors at the camp.

Fableweaver (the Narrator)
The first of the event was much like any sort of teen meeting arranged by adults: administrative. There was a roll call, then some old person told everyone what to expect at camp and exactly what they expected out of the teens, particularly their behavior. After the adults were done blowing hard, everyone was allowed to roast some marshmallows and make s'mores before the real fun of the bonfire event started. There were songs, cheers, dancing, and stories.

Aaron, Camp Counselor
🎵 *singing* "I said a Boom Chick-a Boom." 🎵

NPC Swarm #00303
🎶 "I said a Boom Chick-a Boom," repeated a mass of camp-goers. 🎶

Aaron, Camp Counselor
🎵 "I said a Boom Chicka-Rocka, Chicka-Rocka, Chicka-Boom." 🎵

Travis Bird
"Come on, Freddy," Travis poked him with an elbow. "Louder, my dude!"
🎵 "I said-a bOOm! Chicka-roCK-A! CHiCKa-rOckA! chicka-BooM!" 🎵
Travis bounced on his feet, dancing in a circle.

Fredrick "Freddy" Fergus
"Yeah, yeah. I'm singing. Chick-a boom."

Mitch Nightingale
🎵 "Chicha-chicha, Slim Shady!" 🎵
Mitch improvised for fun.
🎵 "Chicha-chicha, Click-click boom! Comin' down on the stereo!" 🎵

Camp Karen #CK001
"That's not how the song goes, Mitch," said the Camp Karen.

Mitch Nightingale
"I'll just keep having fun, singing it my way," Mitch gave her a raspberry.

Camp Karen #CK001
*The Camp Karen leaves in an angry huff.*

Travis Bird
🎵 "Uh huh--" 🎵
🎵 "One more time!" 🎵
Bruh! Come on, Elvis style, Bro!!"
Travis had been trying to get the Counselors to do Elvis style since the second round... two dozen rounds ago.

Corbin Blackwell
"Don't worry, Travis. I'll do an Elvis round with you."

Travis Bird
"Thanks, Corbin. A true friend!"
Travis patted Corbin on the shoulder.

Mitch Nightingale
"I'll join in on that," Mitch said, stepping up beside Corbin.

Fredrick "Freddy" Fergus
"I heard we're doing scary stories after this."

Travis Bird
"Bruh, no way! I got a great story to tell."

Corbin Blackwell
"This camp already has enough scary stories to last two lifetimess." It was said softly, almost under his breath.

Fredrick "Freddy" Fergus
"What was that, Corbin? I didn't hear you. What about scary stories?"

Corbin Blackwell
"Nothing, don't worry about it. I just meant people are always telling scary stories up here at camp."

Fredrick "Freddy" Fergus
"Makes sense. People always want to tell scary stories around campfires."

Mitch Nightingale
Corbin is holding something back, Mitch thought. Something happened to him at camp last year, but he's afraid to say what. I guess I'll have to earn his trust more.

New Event: The summer camp settles around the campfire to tell scary stories.

Fableweaver (the Narrator)
The camp-goers gathered around and began roasting some more marshmallows and making s'mores. Aaron and a few other of the camp counselors started with a few classic stories, then it was opened up to the teens. Travis jumped in quickly to tell his story.

Travis Bird
"Once there was a dark, dark town that had been abandoned for many years."
Travis begain his story.
"In that dark, dark town there was a dark, dark neighborhood."

Travis Bird
"In that dark, dark neighborhood, there was a long dark road."
He continued, trying to draw in each person's attention.
"At the end of that long, dark road, there was a long, dark path."

Travis Bird
"At the end of that long, dark path, there was a lone, dark house."
He turned, taking in more of his fellow camp-goers.
"That lone, dark house has a single, dark door."

Random NPC #CG056
"I bet it's a ghost story. There's a ghost inside, I know it!"

Fredrick "Freddy" Fergus
"Shhh, it's getting good."

Travis Bird
Travis continued on with his story.
"Behind the single, dark door, there was a long, dark hall."
Again, he turned, taking in each listener in turn.
"At the end of that long, dark hall, there were some tall, dark stairs."

Travis Bird
"At the top of those tall, dark stairs, there was a dark, dark room."
The firelight danced across his face.
"In that dark, dark room, there was a narrow, dark closet."

Travis Bird
"In that narrow, dark closet there was a small, dark box."
At this point, Travis had everyone's attention, leaning in close to hear.
"And in that dark, dark box there was..."

Random NPC #CG056
"It should've been a ghost."

Travis Bird
"Whatever, man! Try your own story, next time."

Mitch Nightingale
"You should tell a story, Corbin. I bet you've got a real scary one."
Maybe I can get him to say what happened last year, he thought.

Corbin Blackwell
"Not here, some other time."
Corbin looked rather nervous.

Kristina "Kristi" Kane
"I liked your story, Travis. It was cute, both scary and fun."

Travis Bird
"Thanks, Kristi! Finally, someone who appriciates a bit of fun."

Fredrick "Freddy" Fergus
"Dude, she called your story cute. It was supposed to be scary."

Rachel Tew
"And what's wrong with cute? Does everything have to be scary?"
Rachel walked up to stand beside Kristi.

Mitch Nightingale
"Haha, so much for being good with girls, Freddy."

Kristina "Kristi" Kane
"Sorry, Travis. I didn't mean it like that."

Travis Bird
"Naw, don't worry about it. It's cool."

Corbin Blackwell
"Guys like giving each other a hard time. It's how they show affection."

Mitch Nightingale
"It's true. I'm Mitch, by the way. You know Travis. That's Freddy over there, and this is Corbin. He knows what's up, this is his second year at camp."

Rachel Tew
"Finally, someone who'll know how to sneak some alcohol into here."

Kristina "Kristi" Kane
"Not everything has to be about partying, Rachel."

Mitch Nightingale
"Let me guess, got sent here for drinking?"

Rachel Tew
"And smoking, what of it?"

Corbin Blackwell
"Don't worry, I can hook you up. Just keep it quiet, don't go telling anyone else."

Kristina "Kristi" Kane
"You really shouldn't encourage her, Corbin."

Rachel Tew
"Thanks, you're the best, Corbin! Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."

Corbin received a kiss from Rachel!
A sign of a budding relationship, or was Rachel only looking after her own self-interests?

Corbin Blackwell
Don't let it go to your head, Corbin thought to himself.

Fredrick "Freddy" Fergus
"Corbin and Rachel, sitting in a tree," Freddy teased.

Travis Bird
"That's so childish, bro."

Kristina "Kristi" Kane
"I thought it was sweet."

Travis Bird
"Whoah... Oh, sorry. My bad, Kristi."

Fredrick "Freddy" Fergus
"In that case, got more to go around?"

Rachel Tew
"In your dreams."

Travis Bird
"Freddy, bruh!"

Fredrick "Freddy" Fergus
"What? No harm in asking."
Freddy shrugged.

Kristina "Kristi" Kane
Kristi seemed lost in a thought.

Rachel Tew
"Kristi, wake up! What are you thinking about? Kissing someone you like?"

Kristina "Kristi" Kane
"What? Oh, nothing. Just about tomorrow, I guess."
Kristi was most definitely thinking about who she might like to kiss.

Mitch Nightingale
Mitch was thinking about a certain Black Magic Woman he used to know.

Fredrick "Freddy" Fergus
"Counselor Aaron said we're trying out archery."

Travis Bird
"Bummer! I was hoping for fishing, bro."

Fredrick "Freddy" Fergus
"We're gonna fish, Travis. Shesh, let it go for awhile."

Aaron, Camp Counselor
"Lights out, ladies and gentlemen. I'm sure you remember where your assigned cabins are."

Mitch Nightingale
"Early to bed, early to rise. Right, Counselor Aaron? That's what my Dad says."

Aaron, Camp Counselor
"A wise man, no doubt."

Rachel Tew
"Drat! I wasn't done talking to Corbin."

Aaron, Camp Counselor
"You'll have plenty of time to talk in the morning."

Kristina "Kristi" Kane
"Good night, Couselor Aaron!"

Aaron, Camp Counselor
"Goodnight, everyone. Sweet dreams."

Fableweaver (the Narrator)
Night had already settled over the camp. The camp couselors got the teens settled into their shared cabins for "lights out" hour. They were given an hour to settle into their cabins, relax, and get ready for bed. After "lights out" hour, all lights had to be off, but a bed-time wasn't strictly enforced. However, there was a roll call early in the morning, just after the sun came up, followed by breakfast.

Fableweaver (the Narrator)
Corbin had managed to rearrange the cabin assignments so that he, Mitch, Travis, and Freddy got to share a pair of bunk beds in a small cabin. The four unpacked their gear and got ready for bed. After brushing their teeth, they sat around and relaxed, chilled out until the "lights out" hour was over. Freddy had managed to sneak in a portable music player, and they listened to a few tunes before the eletricity was cut off. Travis insisted on at least one song by either Elvis or the Beach Boys.

Travis Bird
💤 😴 💤 💤 *snoring logs* 💤 😴 💤 💤
Travis had taken the top bunk above Freddy.

Fredrick "Freddy" Fergus
"Anyone want to change bunks?" Freddy whispered.

Mitch Nightingale
"It's not like its any more quiet over here, Freddy."

Corbin Blackwell
"Try to go to sleep. They wake us up early. After a day of archery and hiking, you won't have any trouble falling asleep tomorrow."

Fredrick "Freddy" Fergus
"Hey Corbin, is it true a kid got shot on the archery field last year?"

Corbin Blackwell
"Yeah, about halfway through the summer. It wasn't that bad, it was in the leg and he was awake the whole time. There was a lot of blood, though. Kids were taking turns trying out the first aid skills they'd been learning, so he had about three tourniquets and a whole mess of bandages by the time the EMTs wheeled him out on a stretcher. He never did make it back to camp, but the counselors said he was fine. Didn't even have to spend a night in the hospital."

Fredrick "Freddy" Fergus
"Haha, wish I could've seen that."

Corbin Blackwell
"You'd probably change your mind quick, once you saw it."
Again, Corbin had that hidden worry in his voice.

Fredrick "Freddy" Fergus
After a few minutes, Freddy was fast asleep, too.
💤 😴 💤 💤 *snoring logs* 💤 😴 💤 💤

Mitch Nightingale
"Corbin, is it unusual for kids not to come back to this camp a second time? Or did the parents last year just freak out because a kid got hurt?"

Corbin Blackwell
"My first year, there were 'seniors' that helped show all the new kids around camp. Clayton was a senior, it was his fourth year coming to the summer camp. It's not unusual for kids to come back. Most really like it. Last year was just really weird."

Mitch Nightingale
"I'm used to weird. So did you not expect him to come back because he like graduated from camp or something? You said before that you've 'seen some things.' More happened last year that just a kid getting shot in the leg, didn't it?"

Corbin Blackwell
Corbin hesitated, then whispered under his breath,
"You wouldn't believe me. Nobody does."

Mitch Nightingale
"I told you I've seen things that most adults refuse to believe. I'll believe you."

Corbin Blackwell
"No, it's not like that. It's...it's like people can't believe it. Like their minds tune it out. They invent stories to excuse and explain away every proof, every bit of evidence. It's like their subconsious just refuses to believe the unbelievable. Like they have a spell on them."

Mitch Nightingale
"If it's a spell, then there's probably a way to break it. I bet we could use a binding ritual to at least prevent the same from happening to us. If we could just sneak out of camp, I could call that girl I told you about. The one who gave me the lighter. She would know what might work."

Corbin Blackwell
"I know a way to sneak out of camp. There's a trading lodge the couselors go to, not too far away. It's kind of like a convenience store, they sell a bit of everything there. They have a payphone, too."

Mitch Nightingale
"So we got a plan, then. Far out. We'll use our 'phone a friend' to get some protection."

Corbin Blackwell
"I hope it works out. We could probably grab some snacks and stuff, sell them around camp for a bit of cash. That's what Clayton would usually do."

Mitch Nightingale
"To be honest, I'm a bit nervous about going to sleep."

Corbin Blackwell
"You too? Why are you nervous?"

Mitch Nightingale
"I've been having these nightmares for a few weeks. They're horrible, and I always wake up feeling strange. Kinda out of it."

Corbin Blackwell
"Last year, I had nightmares the first few weeks. It's just nerves, first day jitters. It will go away."

Mitch Nightingale
"But this is my first night here. I was having them before, like at home. What did you do to make them stop? Anything special?"

Corbin Blackwell
"Now that you mention it, I told this kid Henry about it. He was way into spirit animals and dreams and all that stuff. He made me a dreamcatcher during arts and crafts. He said his grandfather had taught him to make them, and they caught the little nightmares. I didn't think much of it, just some cool thing to hang up. It just looks like a dreamcatcher, like the type they sell in souvenir shops. But now that I think about it, the first night I got it was also when the nightmares stopped."

Mitch Nightingale
"Corbin?"

Corbin Blackwell
"Yeah?"

Mitch Nightingale
"You still never said what happened last year."

Corbin Blackwell
"Tomorrow."

Mitch Nightingale
"Okay. Goodnight, Corbin."

Fableweaver (the Narrator)
The two friends finally got to sleep, but it was far from the end of their adventure. The true mystery of what was happening had only just begun.

// --- End of Part 1, Fade to Black ---

Continue >>> Those Left Behind, Part 2: Trader's Post

Next Episode, 03 >>> Smells Like Zombie Apocalypse
Last Episode, 01 >>> A Scary Story Told in the Dark