A: Camp With Mom And My Annoying Friend Who Want...

Mom just laughed, adjusted the mirror, and pulled out of the driveway. "We’re going to have a wonderful time, Leo. No signal where we're going, though!"

Leo froze, his ring light—which he had somehow plugged into the car’s USB port—flickering like a dying star. "Wait. Define 'no signal.'" A Camp with Mom and my annoying friend who want...

The station wagon was packed to the roof with sleeping bags, coolers, and enough bug spray to coat a small elephant. My mom was in the driver's seat, humming along to an 80s soft-rock station and looking far too excited about "connecting with nature." Next to her, my best friend Leo—who has been "annoying" since the third grade but somehow still gets invited to everything—was currently holding his phone at a 45-degree angle, trying to find the perfect lighting for a "get ready with me: camping edition" video. Mom just laughed, adjusted the mirror, and pulled

"Guys, you have to look more rugged," Leo commanded, gesturing to my clean hoodie. "The aesthetic is 'wilderness survival,' not 'I just rolled out of bed.' Mom, can you tilt the rearview mirror? It’s ruining my silhouette." "Guys, you have to look more rugged," Leo

"I mean trees, dirt, and zero bars," I said, finally leaning back. "Welcome to the real world, Leo."