Some Time to Think Solo

Katrina got out of bed early, before the rest of her tent to be exact. It was the third day of summer camp and she was already feeling more homesick that she thought she would. A run would cheer her up. Actually, no, it really wouldn't-- but she had promised herself that she was going to go on runs more often and get back into shape.

The second year pulled on a grey t-shirt and black leggings and snuck out the tent flap, embracing the chilling cold of a summer Scottish morning, not yet thawed. Boomerang popped his head up just to see his owner leave the tent before curling himself back up and sinking back into sleep. It was just early enough to be allowed out of the tent after all, the barely rising sun was an indication to most of the camp to go back to sleep, but Katrina couldn't sleep.

Out she went, starting at a slower jogging pace and working her way up to a faster pace she could keep up for a long time. At first it was hard enough that her thoughts stalled because her legs were sore and her mind was still tired. Soon, though, it plateaued so that her mind could run freely and she could no longer feel the strain as much in her legs.

Katrina ran through her summer plans in her head for the billionth time since yesterday. Summer camp until the 20th. Professor Karr's house for the rest of the month. Adonis Thorn for three weeks. Leaky Cauldron the 17th and 18th for shopping. Bridget Collins for the last two weeks. It would have been easier if Katrina had a home to go to, but alas, no one was there to take her in.

The third year worked through her stresses slowly, actually getting to the point that she wasn't feeling the physical ache in her stomach. She had nothing to worry about. It was safe here, safer than Hogwarts had been anyway. She didn't have to think about school for two months. Her mosp stings had finally healed over completely, only leaving dark scar tissue in their wake. And she had a home for the summer. She really wasn't worried about her family since they didn't know where she was and she was able to be with her friends without the stress. Simply addressing everything on her mind was helping Katrina cope.

Katrina began on the path she had taken yesterday, it wasn't too far from the campsite, but it was still far enough that she wouldn't disrupt any sleepers. She took each stride with care, breathing in sync with her steps. It was rejuvenating, as odd as that sounds. Pushing herself to her limits, then pushing a little bit more helped the perfectionist inside her. There was a sort of power that came with trial that caused the girl to love it. There was always a faster speed or a longer run, but each time she did one, she still felt accomplished.

Katrina thought back to her friends. Something she hadn't been able to think about for a while. The first name that came to her mind was Bridget Collins. Bridget was always there for Katrina when she needed it and always knew just the perfect thing to say. It had been a long time since Katrina felt safe calling someone her best friend, but if anyone had earned it, it was Bridget.

To match a nearly perfect friendship with one that still needed a bit of work, there was Thora Larkston. It had taken them a long time to get on steady terms, but Katrina was at the point where she was more than ready to attempt at a second chance to be Thora's friend. The best friendships are formed in fire after all. Katrina really hoped that being in the same tent as Thora would be able to advance their relationship.

Then there was Adonis. Katrina definitely considered him a friend. But there was something that Katrina had been ignoring for a long time. Did she have-- did she like him? Katrina pushed her pace faster, getting to the point where her legs began to ache again. She felt that connection to Adonis that she hadn't felt with anyone before. She longed to see his smile. But she couldn't have a crush on him. He surely had a crush on someone else. She had never liked anyone before. It was all new and she really didn't want to address it.

Katrina really didn't have a strong connected with anyone else in the school. Sure she had a handful of people she could consider a friend, but no one that she really sought out in a crowd or avoided. Except for Mrs. Snob, simply thinking about her had Katrina on edge. That was the one that had hexed her until she had passed out. But beside her, Katrina really didn't have that many enemies either. Well, unless you could count Hackasplat an enemy. He wasn't horrible, but he simply got on Katrina's nerves.

The third year slowed her pace, having taken the trail in a full loop and ended where she had started. Her mind was still buzzing and she really didn't want to stop yet. Instead of turning back to her tent and getting ready for the day, Katrina started out again, taking the trail another time. This time, the sun was up enough that she could see somewhat clearly in front of her. The sun cast dappled light on the trail and warmed up Katrina's mood.

Her second loop was a faster pace. She pushed herself more so that she didn't have to think. There was a certain pace that prevented her from overthinking anything. She simply took in the sights and sounds of the forest. She finally felt at ease again. There gets a point in your life where you are simply able to be at ease with everything. Not feeling. That was her new idea. If she was able to suppress everything, she could be okay. For now, at least.