The Summer I Turned Pretty, #2
It's Not Summer Without You
by Jenny Han
Contents
Chapter Ten
Overview
Belly recalls her last visit as Susannah’s illness worsened. Forced to come by Laurel, Belly finds Susannah making an effort to appear well, then declining into exhaustion. Susannah asks Belly to look after Conrad, framing Belly’s unresolved loyalty. Jeremiah returns home, lightening the mood yet showing strain.
Summary
Belly reveals she wasn’t told immediately when Susannah worsened. She tries to avoid visiting, citing a trig exam, but Laurel insists and has already bought a train ticket. On the ride, Belly rehearses small talk to avoid mentioning Conrad.
Laurel warns Belly that Susannah looks tired. At the house, caretaker Nona greets them, and Laurel lingers to smoke and talk while Belly goes in alone. Susannah has dressed and put on makeup to seem strong for Belly, who pretends not to be afraid and lies that Susannah looks better.
When they are alone, Susannah says Conrad will not be there and gently acknowledges the failed prom and breakup. She asks Belly not to hate Conrad and to look after him, insisting he loves Belly. Belly denies it but agrees to the request. After lunch, Susannah naps and wakes irritable and disoriented, even snapping at Laurel—a frightening sign of her decline—before Nona settles her back to bed.
Jeremiah arrives at dinnertime, joking with Laurel and Nona and giving Belly a brief hug. His humor lifts the atmosphere, but Belly notices how the situation has aged him; smiles and jokes require effort now, signaling the family’s growing strain.
Who Appears
- Belly (Isabel Conklin)Narrator; reluctantly visits Susannah, hears a plea to look after Conrad, witnesses Susannah’s decline.
- Susannah FisherGravely ill; dresses up for Belly, asks her to care for Conrad, later irritable and exhausted.
- Laurel ConklinBelly’s mother; insists on the visit, prepares lunch, absorbs Susannah’s snap, seeks calm with Nona.
- NonaCaretaker; greets them, coordinates the home, helps settle Susannah back to bed.
- Jeremiah FisherReturns home at dinner; jokes to ease tension but shows signs of strain and maturity.