Danny had always been a different kind of child, so I wasn’t real happy when Xavier started hanging out with him. I didn’t really know how to handle the situation, but I didn’t want to be one of those parents who told him he had to stop. When Xavier told me about playing with Danny that first day at recess, I remember thinking, “Oh no…”

It has been about a month since that day, and every afternoon I still ask if anyone lost recess today. It is my way of finding out if Danny or Xavier got into any trouble. This way it doesn’t seem like I am pointing the finger at Danny. Those first few times that I asked, it seemed that Xavier would usually tell me something silly that Danny did to get in trouble: throws pit balls, spit wads, pour milk onto another student’s mashed potatoes, run in the hallway, etc. Not bad things, just things that showed disrespect. As the days passed, either Xavier realized that I was fed up with Danny’s silliness or wasn’t Danny getting into as much trouble.

I have agreed to let Danny spend the night tonight. The boys are excited about sleeping outside in the tent, and I have arranged for them to make S’mores, have a small campfire, and enjoy the comforts of almost being alone in the wilderness. “Mom, where are you? This is Danny.” I stare at Danny. He looks sweet enough. His short haircut makes him look much younger than eight, well, assuming that he is the same age as Xavier.

“Hi, Mrs.” said Danny.

“Just call me Ann. Danny, do you want to see Xavier’s room?” I asked.

Danny smiled at me and I was hooked. His crystal blue eyes lit up, and his left cheek had a small, but noticeable dimple. I patted Danny on the back. “We are glad you came to visit,” I stated. I walked the boys down the hallway to Xavier’s room.

“What’s this?” Xavier asked.

“Since this is your first official camp out, I thought you needed the right pajamas. I just guessed your size, Danny; let’s hope they fit.” Danny scooped the pajamas up, while Xavier shrugged.

“Is this the bathroom?” I nodded. Moments later, Danny returned, wearing his new pajamas. They were a little large, but they would do. The boy that I had pegged to be the troublemaker seemed so sweet. He threw his tiny arms around me. “These are great…” said Danny. I could see the tears in his eyes, and I pulled him even closer.

“I am glad that you like them, Danny,” I stated.

Where is the main setting of this story?