Styles of Belonging

And I was okay with it, that is, until the subject of sleepaway camp came up. Because while I have Baila to help me munch on homemade babka and chocolate chip cookies, I was determined to expand my circle of friends, to actually make it.

And clothing, I believe, will be the dominant factor in reaching the ranks of popularity, particularly for my first year of camp.

I hesitantly broach the subject on Thursday while peeling potatoes for the kugel. “Mommy, I’d like to stock up my wardrobe. You know, like, for camp. I’ll need some new stuff.”

Mommy clicks the Braun into place and turns to face me. “Clothes? Leah, don’t you have enough?” She shakes her head. “Didn’t we just buy you a new Shabbos dress?”