Summer Camp and Softball

E

li (not his real name) was in the youngest bunk at sleepaway camp, together with two other boys who were first cousins with each other. One of the cousins, let’s call him Dovid, was an aggressive, domineering type who used the built-in power base of having a cousin with him to wield control over his bunkmates. And since Eli was a bit on the shy side, lacking confidence, he was a picture-perfect target for Dovid’s bullying.

One afternoon during rest hour, while the counselors were schmoozing outside, Dovid took advantage of the unsupervised situation. “Let’s vote for who likes who,” he announced in a no-nonsense tone.

“And let’s start with me,” Dovid continued. Then, glaring around the bunk, he asked, “Who likes me?”

Five little hands dutifully shot into the air, including Eli’s. Smiling smugly, Dovid surveyed the response and observed boastfully, “Looks like everyone likes me.”