Chapter 8

In a flashback to June 14 a decade earlier, Fern and Will explore Toronto’s Graffiti Alley and share a joint. Fern explains why the city’s anonymity appeals: back home she’s defined by the family resort and a public rebellious phase. Will listens as Fern describes the burdens of being the owner’s daughter and her complicated feelings toward home.

They move into the sun, and Fern’s desire for Will intensifies as he sheds his cardigan. Will talks about moving west, Vancouver’s beauty, and his evergreen tattoo inspired by Emily Carr, underscoring his pull toward nature and art.

Jamie calls from the resort. Fern keeps the conversation light, hiding her dread about returning home and the growing distance with Whitney. Jamie reassures her; Fern ends the call still avoiding honesty about her dissatisfaction and uncertainty about their future.

Back with Will, Fern assesses her attraction as purely physical and probes about his girlfriend, Fred. Will describes Fred as singular and contrarian, an artist with bold projects, and reveals they’ve been together five months. Fern feels a flash of jealousy she tries to deny, and Will calls her out as a “liar,” leaving the mutual tension unmistakable.