The Summer I Turned Pretty, #3
We'll Always Have Summer
by Jenny Han
Contents
Chapter Fifty-Five
Overview
Belly reminisces about being chosen by Jeremiah as a child, then Conrad appears before the wedding to return the infinity necklace and say goodbye. He apologizes, declares his love was worth it, and leaves, choosing not to attend the ceremony. Belly recognizes the finality of their separation and mourns her choice.
Summary
Belly watches children digging for sand crabs and remembers a childhood day when Jeremiah chose to stay with her instead of joining Conrad and Steven. The memory affirms how being chosen by Jeremiah once made Belly feel worthy, even as he later watched the boys’ new video game without asking to play.
Conrad unexpectedly enters Belly’s room, exhausted and bruised. Belly tries to send him away, but Conrad mentions “infinity” and tosses her a necklace—her long-mysterious infinity necklace. He explains he bought it for her birthday years ago but was too afraid to give it.
Belly tries to return it, but Conrad insists it belongs to her and that he cannot keep it anymore. He apologizes for hurting her again and tells Belly he won’t stay for the wedding, saying being near her hurts and that Jeremiah is the one who needs her.
Conrad adds that loving Belly was worth it and wishes the couple well. He kisses her forehead and leaves. Belly resists reaching for him, memorizes the moment, and, as the door closes, feels the finality of their parting.
Recognizing she and Conrad have both made their choices, Belly feels unexpected grief alongside relief, sensing a mountain will lie between them if they ever meet again.
Who Appears
- Isabel "Belly" ConklinNarrator; recalls a childhood moment of being chosen by Jeremiah; receives Conrad’s goodbye and feels final, grieving resolve.
- Conrad FisherArrives bruised to return the infinity necklace, apologizes, declares love was worth it, and leaves before the wedding.
- Jeremiah FisherBelly’s fiancé; central to Belly’s choice; referenced as the one who needs her, echoing a past memory of choosing her.