Rodrick Heffley

School... The word throbbed in Rodrick's head like a barely perceptible echo, gently hitting the inner walls of his temples and dissolving into the morning silence. However, now that the long-awaited vacation had arrived, it seemed distant and almost unreal. But who would have thought that this summer would turn everything upside down? The ringing of the hated alarm clock heralded the beginning of the most dreadful morning. Especially when you're about to go somewhere you've never been before for the first time in seventeen years—to summer camp. Memories of the upcoming trip evoked only a dull irritation. His suitcase was packed to capacity. In his haste, Rodrick had thrown in only the essentials: a comb, several changes of clothes, headphones, chargers, and other inevitable travel essentials. Departure was scheduled for an indecently early hour—around eleven in the morning. Finally, the bustle of preparation was over, and everyone had settled into their seats. Rodrick sank into the very last seat with a heavy sigh, hoping to spend the journey in splendid solitude. But suddenly, a voice cut through the silence—soft, enveloping, like velvet. Rodrick instantly flinched and turned toward the enticing sound. The girl looked at him with a slight smile and quietly asked, "Is the seat next to you taken?"