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As I turned away from the pavilion, clutching the confetti bag like I’d just scored a secret victory, I couldn’t help but chuckle quietly to myself. You see, my big brother Travis had just left for college, which left me in charge of the camp’s pranks. With him gone, I was the top prankster now, the guy everyone looked to for the next big joke. Today, I had something special planned—something that would leave the Demeter kids totally stunned. I was convinced this prank would be legendary, the kind camp stories are made of. I could already imagine their faces—confetti raining down on them as they stepped out of their cabin. This was going to be so good; I was practically bouncing with excitement. They wouldn’t see it coming, and I knew I’d be the hero of the day.
My original plan was simple: lift a bag of confetti above the door of the Demeter kids’ cabin—just a quick toss, a little surprise—and then watch as they got blasted with color as they stepped outside. It was classic, harmless fun, or so I thought. But right as I was about to execute the plan, I caught a glimpse of the Hermes cabin across from us. And that’s when everything shifted. My stomach sank. My eyes widened in horror. Because I realized today wasn’t just any day at camp. Today was the day my father, Hermes, was making his monthly visit. I could see him now—cool and smooth as always—walking past the cabins, his sharp eyes penetrating right through me.
“Oh, fuck,” I muttered under my breath, feeling the weight of the situation fall all over me. Timing really was everything, and my timing couldn’t have been worse. Right then, I was standing in front of our own cabin, the Demeter one just across the way. I stood frozen for a second, debating what to do. Should I still go through with it? It was just a prank, right? Dads always said a good prank should be fun and not get anyone in trouble. Maybe my dad, being the prankster god himself, would understand. Maybe he’d even smile at my humor, brush it off as harmless fun. I took a deep breath and told myself to keep calm. I decided to go ahead—what he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him. I took a step forward, feeling a strange mixture of excitement and a flicker of guilt. For some reason, I felt a new burst of happiness. This was going to be perfect—I could already see the chaos I’d unleash.
Yet, just as I was about to get close enough to pull off the prank, I felt it—a tap on my shoulder. I froze. Turned around slowly, desperately hoping this wasn’t who I thought it was. But I already knew. My heart dropped. Standing right there was my dad, Hermes. And he was not looking pleased. His expression was tight, his eyes narrowing as he regarded me with that sharp, knowing gaze.
“Well, hello, my son,” he said dryly, voice laced with a tone I knew all too well. “What is it you’re up to? Nothing chaotic I hope?” There was no warmth in his words, only that familiar, cool authority that came from a god who’s seen it all. I tried to hide the confetti bag behind my back, clutching it so tightly my knuckles turned white. But before I could even hide it properly, he snatched the bag out of my hands faster than I could blink.
“Dad, I can explain—” I started to say, panic creeping into my voice. But he cut me off with a heavy, impatient sigh.
“Save it. You’re coming with me.” There was no room for argument in his tone. His face was tight, serious. I knew I’d been caught—no more excuses, no more hiding. I slowly followed him, my mind racing, feeling like a kid caught doing something he shouldn’t. We walked back to our cabin, which was now eerily quiet. I looked around, realizing that everyone was probably already at dinner, giving us privacy but also making me feel more exposed.
When we reached the cabin, the inside was empty—of course. It made sense because dinner time was usually the quietest part of the evening. “So, my son,” Hermes said, tossing the bag in front of me with a shrug. “Care to explain what this was about?” His voice was calm but stern, and I could tell from his tone he wasn’t happy.
I shrugged nervously. “I was going to prank the Demeter kids. Gotta get back at them after the daffodil incident, you know?” I explained quickly, hoping that would soften him. My mind raced with images of the incident —how the Demeter kids had tried to sneak semi poisonous flowers into our cabin. It was petty but kinda satisfying to think I’d finally get some payback.
But his expression didn’t change. He looked deeper—worse, he looked disappointed. His eyes lost some of their sharpness, and I could see just how tired he was of these petty schemes. He didn’t say anything right away, just stared at me for a long moment. I started to scan the room for a way out, knowing what was coming next.
“I already have enough to deal with regarding Luke,” he said finally, voice heavy with frustration. “I thought we agreed that we’d stay out of trouble, stay away from drama. That was the plan.” His tone made it clear he wasn’t just talking about camp pranks. It was about the bigger problems—the messes, the chaos, the things I kept trying to ignore. The look on his face wasn’t just annoyed; it was exhausted. Like he’d been dealing with enough already, and I was making things worse.
I clenched my fists a little, thinking about how unfair life felt sometimes. “I was just trying to have some fun, relax a little,” I blurted, voice rising. “Luke messed up, yeah, but that doesn’t mean I want to spend all my time worrying about trouble. I wanted to be myself, have a little fun here. Isn’t that what camp’s about?”
His eyes softened for a second—like he understood, but then hardened again. “Connor—”
I cut him off. “No, fuck you. You leave us alone for months, go save your precious Luke, your golden boy. But the moment I wanna do something for myself, here you are, trying to act like some kind of authority figure.” My voice cracked with frustration. “Just go die or something. I don’t care.” Turning to leave, I felt a surge of anger and disappointment boiling inside me. I pushed past him, steps heavy.
And that’s when it happened. As I reached for the door, I felt his hand grab my arm tight. A warning. I barely had time to brace myself before I felt it—that sharp, firm smack. Right on my backside. The hit was strong—more than I’d ever felt before. My face turned hot with embarrassment, the sting of the slap familiar—like beforeLuke left for Kronos and given me and Travis a similar punishment.
“What—what the hell?” I managed to stammer, turning sharply to look into his eyes, full of rage and disappointment.
“You do not talk to me like that,” Hermes snapped, voice cold but commanding. “I am your father. You understand that, don’t you?” Then he laid on three more slaps, each hitting harder, each leaving a bigger sting. My cheeks burned. My stomach clenched. Tears threatened to spill down my face.
“Stop it,” I choked out, voice trembling, my vision blurring. “Please… stop…” I was overwhelmed, feeling a mix of shame, anger, and hurt that was crashing over me all at once.
He didn’t listen. “No, Connor. I won’t stop. As your father, it’s my duty to correct your mistakes. That’s how I show I care. Now, come here,” he said sternly, motioning to the small table in the corner of the cabin. The same table Luke used for his punishments. It stung even more, a cruel reminder of everything I was being forced to endure.
“Fine,” I muttered, voice barely a whisper. I knew this was coming, and I just wanted it over with. I moved slowly, dragging my feet, feeling like I’d lost all control.
“Remember, son,” Hermes continued, voice calmer but firm. “This is for your own good. I don’t want you to get hurt or go down the wrong path. Sometimes, you need to learn tough lessons.” He paused, then added, “If that means I have to punish you ten times, then so be it. That’s what fathers do.”
My eyes welled with tears. “Yes… please… let me up. I’m sorry,” I choked, voice cracking. I desperately wanted it to be over. I was so weak—so tired of fighting.
He finished the punishment, and then he finally let me go. And that’s when I felt it—a warm, unexpected hug. A gentle, almost reassuring embrace.
“Dad?” I whispered, voice small and trembling.
“I love you, my son,” he whispered back. “Please never forget that. I need you to be safe. Always.”
His words cut deep. They hurt more than the spanking, more than anything.
My body was trembling, and I could feel my eyes watering. All those feelings I’d kept inside, the sadness, the hurt, the confusion, they were finally spilling out. Tears streamed down my face, heavy and hot, as if they carried all the pain I’d been trying so hard to hide. I’d held it in for so long, trying to stay strong for everyone around me, but now I had reached a breaking point. The feeling of relief was almost overwhelming, like finally opening a door I’d kept shut tight. I couldn’t stop the quiet sobs that escaped as I whispered,
“Sorry, papa. I really am.” My voice cracked, trembling with emotion. It was a simple apology, yet it carried all the regret and sorrow I had bottled up inside for so long. I wished I could take back the times I’d been angry or distant, wished I could undo the pain I’d caused.
His comforting arms held me gently as he leaned in, softly replying, “It’s okay, love. I’m here. I’ve always been here, and I will be always.” His words were calm, steady, offering a little bit of peace when everything else felt chaotic. In that moment, I felt safe, even amidst all the pain. I could feel the warmth from his presence, the comfort in knowing I was not alone anymore. His voice, full of reassurance, was like a balm for my broken heart. After a little while, exhaustion hit me hard. My eyelids drooped, and I could feel myself slipping into a deep sleep. As the darkness took over, I felt quiet and safe, finally able to let go of all the stress I’d been carrying. Sleep was a temporary escape, but in that moment, it was exactly what I needed.