The Summer I Turned Pretty, #2
It's Not Summer Without You
by Jenny Han
Contents
Chapter Five
Overview
At Susannah’s funeral, Belly tries to honor her memory and support Conrad but is overwhelmed by grief. Finding Conrad with Aubrey triggers a public confrontation where both lash out. The blowup severs Belly and Conrad and crystallizes Belly’s loss of innocence and Susannah’s irreplaceable place in her life.
Summary
Belly prepares for Susannah’s funeral by wearing the glasses and hairstyle Susannah loved, clinging to rituals as grief sets in. After the early-morning call, Laurel leaves for Boston to manage arrangements, while Belly and Steven drive up later, unsure how to face the Fishers.
At the service, Belly greets Jeremiah and Conrad; Jeremiah is brittle with grief and Conrad withdrawn. Belly resolves to stay by Conrad’s side. The eulogy feels impersonal, Mr. Fisher thanks attendees, and the closed-casket burial ends with flowers and hymns. Jeremiah breaks down at the graveside; Laurel gently leads him away.
Back at the house, Jeremiah and Steven hide upstairs from the adults. Belly goes for food and is asked to check on Conrad. In the dark basement, she finds Conrad lying with his head in Aubrey’s lap, both touching intimately. Shocked and hurt, Belly retreats, and Conrad follows her upstairs.
In the foyer, Belly and Conrad argue. Belly snaps “Go to hell,” and Conrad calls their relationship a mistake, saying she’s a kid. Humiliated and furious, Belly says she hates him and never wants to see him again, then flees to the guest room to cry, ashamed of herself.
Belly’s father checks on her, but she refuses to return downstairs or discuss the breakup. Alone, Belly realizes the depth of her loss: without Susannah, she will never be someone’s favorite again, and a piece of her childhood has ended. She hopes never to see Conrad again, fearing it would break her.
Who Appears
- Belly (Isabel Conklin)Narrator; mourns Susannah, resolves to support Conrad, discovers him with Aubrey, triggers a public fight, and confronts her lost innocence.
- Conrad FisherGrieving and withdrawn; found with Aubrey at the reception; argues with Belly and calls their relationship a mistake.
- Jeremiah FisherOpenly devastated at the funeral and graveside; seeks refuge upstairs, shows resilience greeting guests.
- Laurel (Belly’s mother)Executor and steady organizer; comforts Jeremiah and manages the reception while staying composed.
- Mr. FisherThanks mourners at the service; appears diminished but present after past failings.
- Steven ConklinSupports Belly; accompanies her to Boston and keeps a low profile at the funeral and reception.
- AubreyConrad’s ex; found comforting Conrad in the basement, catalyzing Belly and Conrad’s confrontation.
- Belly’s fatherAttends the funeral; later checks on Belly, urging her to come downstairs, but she refuses.
- Mr. BrowneFuneral director coordinating arrangements with Laurel at the service.