Meeting Dylan

Dylan took it hesitantly. After letting go, she nervously fiddled with her earbuds, which were sticking out of her pocket.

"Hi," she said, looking him in the eye.

Shy little thing, he noted as he smiled back at her. But she looked him in the eye directly when speaking, so he supposed she had confidence there. John gestured to the two chairs, one behind a desk, behind him and took his own seat.

"Alright Dylan. I just wanted to ask a question or a few to help me get to know you. Alright?" He smiled at her again. "Here's a simple one. Who is your favorite superhero?"

Dylan sat down in the offered chair, not taking her eyes off of the counselor. He was nice enough, she supposed. He didn't seem to mind her appearance at least.

"My favorite superhero is MARVEL's Black Widow," she answered, with a slightly challenging look in her eyes.

Hmm, she seemed to be looking for something from him? He couldn't really tell. John smiled at her answer and made a small note next to his page for her. "Really now? She's an interesting choice. I'm a batman fan personally. Alright kiddo, what do you like about our camp?" He made sure he was on track with his questions.

Dylan thought for a second.

"Well, as mentioned in my letter, I don't really know much about this camp. My mom saw a flier at the post office and decided to sign me up. I guess I just like art." She shrugged.

"Ah. Glad our advertisement did it's job then," he said with an amused look slightly on his face. He realized he'd have to skip a few questions in order to finish Dylan's interview on time, unfortunately. He cursed the fact he'd run so late with this.

"Alright Dylan, can you tell me about a person in your family. Anyone at all?" He asked, leaning forward.

Dylan tugged at her earbuds, thinking.

"I have a little brother named Michael. He's the most annoying person in the world. He likes Nerf guns way too much, tries to think of new, creative ways to attack me every day, and he steals my stuff."

John had to laugh a little at her words. All little brothers were annoying in sibling minds. "I'm sure that must be frustrating to you," he responded then. "Surely he's not always annoying though?"

Dylan shrugged.

"When he's asleep he's okay," she smirked. Then she turned thoughtful. "I guess he's pretty good at playing guitar, especially for a nine-year-old." She dared to let a hint of pride enter her voice.

"I'm positive everyone is better when they're asleep," he joked. "So he plays guitar then. Do you play any instruments?" He asked curiously, making a small note as he asked her the question.

"I played piano for six years, but I quit because I didn't like my teacher. She didn't like me either, so it was fine with her. I still play, I print sheet music and play it sometimes, I just don't take lessons anymore," she explained.

John nodded in understanding. It was quite unfortunate that she stopped playing because of mutual disliking for an instructor, but perhaps she might progress in her studies as she got older, he wondered. She was 14. Plenty of time to learn and advance.

"Alright then Dylan. Is there anything you want to ask me before we end your interview with me?" he asked her with a smile.

Dylan thought for a second before giving him a sheepish little smile.

"Um…what, exactly, is this camp about?" she asked.

"This camp is about..." he paused with a smile. "Well it's about inspiration, I suppose. You learn everything you can about anything. How to imagine, how to create. I'm not entirely sure how to give the best explanation about this, but it's all about the arts I suppose." He stood up and held the door open.

"Thank you for coming today Dylan. Let's hope you have a great time here," he told her.

"Thanks," she replied with a small smile. "So, am I going to my cabin now, or what?"

Johnathon nodded. "It's just past the main entrance and down the hallway."