Summer, #1
The Summer I Turned Pretty
by Jenny Han
Contents
chapter eight
Overview
After dinner, Belly confronts Conrad about his rumored girlfriend and learns he was dumped by Aubrey, who said he changed. Conrad deflects, retreating into his guitar. Belly recalls an intimate musical memory and her private efforts to connect through piano, underscoring their distance and her enduring attachment.
Summary
After dinner, Belly and Conrad remain downstairs. Belly asks about his serious girlfriend, trying to sound casual. Conrad reveals they broke up—Aubrey dumped him—and flinches at Belly’s joking “heartbreaker.” When Belly presses, he says Aubrey felt he changed, then coolly adds that everybody changes, including Belly.
Conrad drifts into playing his guitar, which signals his emotional withdrawal to Belly. She notes how the instrument makes Conrad half-present, siphoning time away from their shared moments and turning him inward when she wants him engaged.
A flashback recalls Conrad sharing headphones and introducing Pearl Jam, a rare, close moment that Belly treasures. After that summer, Belly learned “Black” on piano, imagining accompanying Conrad someday. The plan never took shape; Susannah tried to get a piano for the beach house, but Laurel refused, leaving Belly’s quiet bid for connection unrealized.
Who Appears
- Belly (Isabel Conklin)Narrator; probes Conrad about his girlfriend, learns of his breakup, recalls music-bond memory and private piano efforts.
- Conrad FisherWithdrawn; reveals Aubrey dumped him for changing, retreats into guitar, hints Belly has changed too.
- AubreyConrad’s ex-girlfriend, offstage; ended the relationship, saying Conrad had changed.
- Steven ConklinMentioned; told Belly about Conrad’s girlfriend after Jeremiah’s call.
- Jeremiah FisherMentioned; called Steven earlier, source of the girlfriend rumor.
- Susannah FisherMentioned; tried to get a piano for Belly at the beach house.
- Laurel DunneMentioned; refused Susannah’s piano plan, thwarting Belly’s hope to accompany Conrad.