Contents
Chapter 16
Overview
Ten years earlier, Fern brings Will to her small Toronto apartment during a storm. In the blackout, they share bread, trade personal histories, and discuss Fern’s boyfriend Jamie and Will’s family. Will sketches Fern, capturing how he sees her, solidifying their powerful connection and complicating their separate relationships.
Summary
On a stormy night a decade earlier, Fern brings Will to her cramped Toronto apartment, self-conscious about the space but unwilling to end their time together. They dry off, look at a photo of Fern with her mom and Peter, and talk about her upbringing at the resort. A power outage bathes the room in candlelight.
As they toast Peter’s sourdough on the gas stove, Will admires the bread and jokes about visiting the resort. They trade plans and fantasies: Fern offers canoe lessons; Will offers to show his sketchbook. Fern studies his Roommates concepts and portraits, impressed by his talent and care.
They talk more personally: Will extends his trip for his father’s engagement, admits guilt about leaving like his mother did, and considers staying over. Probing Fern’s life, he asks about Jamie; Fern describes Jamie and her pull toward home, while Will suggests she might love the resort more than she admits. Fern confides she’d tell Peter before Jamie about changing plans.
Feelings surface: Will says he’s not in love with his girlfriend Fred; Fern asserts she loves Jamie, but the candlelit closeness intensifies. Will sketches Fern from the foot of the bed, then moves closer at her suggestion.
The drawing reveals how Will sees Fern—curious, delighted, fully herself. Fern feels profoundly seen, crystallizing their emotional intimacy and setting the foundation for the depth of their connection despite existing commitments.
Who Appears
- Fern BrookbanksNarrator; brings Will to her tiny apartment, shares family history, discusses boyfriend Jamie, and poses while Will sketches her.
- Will BaxterVisits Fern’s apartment; opens up about his father’s remarriage and guilt; shows sketchbook and draws Fern, revealing deep interest.
- PeterFern’s close family friend and pastry chef; his sourdough anchors the scene and Fern’s memories of home.
- JamieFern’s boyfriend; described as easygoing and beloved, a complicating factor as Fern connects with Will.
- AnnabelWill’s sister; a tough critic who likes their dad’s fiancée, offering Will some reassurance.
- Will’s fatherRecently engaged; his relationship prompts Will’s extended visit and stirs Will’s conflicted feelings.
- LindaWill’s father’s fiancée; liked by Annabel, central to Will’s family shift.
- FredWill’s girlfriend at the time; Will admits he isn’t in love with her.