A few random thoughts: I think it would be a stint IN the CCC, not at?

I also feel like we're given a question (will Timothy stick it out?) and then the answer and a timeline, which is less compelling than leaving it a question, and 'starts to worry' is fairly passive. Perhaps something simpler for those last 2 paragraphs, like: When a summer adventure turns into winter hardships, James doesn't want to endanger Timothy, but can he bear to part with him, either?

(This is half a rushed thought, use what's useful.)