Contents
Chapter Thirty-Four: Aurora
Overview
On departure day, Aurora helps send off campers and supports Emilia as Poppy reveals a surprise London trip. That night, counselors unwind; Xander reveals he’s Mason’s stepbrother and Skinner’s stepson, shocking Aurora and Russ. In a tender shower scene, Aurora and Russ officially become girlfriend and boyfriend. The next morning, after oversleeping, Aurora finds many missed calls on Russ’s phone and answers, setting up a new complication.
Summary
As campers line up for departure, Aurora keeps busy to avoid the sadness of good-byes. With Freya and Sadia, she watches Emilia video-chat with Poppy, who reveals she’s flying Emilia to London the next day. Outside, Aurora watches Russ encourage a once-reluctant camper, then trades playful “secrets” through the girls, confirming they plan to see each other at college and both want to return to camp next summer.
After the campers leave, the counselors store equipment and gather by the lake for pizza and drinks. Aurora openly cuddles with Russ, noting friends’ reactions. During banter, Xander reveals his stepfather is Skinner, the powerful UCMH athletics head, and his stepbrother is Mason Wright—Aurora’s archnemesis—stunning both Aurora and Russ. The group settles, and Aurora reflects that she no longer seeks her father’s approval.
Russ leads a sleepy Aurora to her cabin, insisting she shower. In the steam, Aurora probes their future. Russ admits he doesn’t want to let her go; Aurora, vulnerable, says she wants to be together. They agree to be boyfriend and girlfriend, then fall asleep with Russ staying until she drifts off.
The next morning, Aurora and Emilia oversleep. While waiting to leave, Aurora runs to fetch Russ and finds his neatly packed things. Russ is still showering when his phone lights with repeated unknown calls—dozens of missed attempts in minutes. Concerned, Aurora answers the ringing call, foreshadowing a new problem just as they depart camp.
Who Appears
- Aurora RobertsNarrator; helps send off campers, admits wanting to return, makes relationship with Russ official, answers unknown calls on his phone.
- Russ CallaghanSupports campers, openly affectionate with Aurora; in the shower scene agrees to be her boyfriend; receives urgent unknown calls.
- EmiliaAurora’s friend; exhausted after night shift; overjoyed when Poppy reveals a London trip; shares the final night by the fire.
- Xander WrightReveals his stepdad is Skinner and stepbrother is Mason Wright; jokes with Aurora and Russ during the farewell gathering.
- PoppyEmilia’s girlfriend; on video call, surprises Emilia with a trip to London the next day.
- FreyaCamper; plays with Aurora’s hair, ferries ‘secrets’ between Aurora and Russ, bluntly urges them to talk.
- SadiaCamper; joins Freya relaying messages, prompts Aurora to confess feelings.
- JennaSenior counselor; organizes departures and calls the Brown Bears when it’s their turn.
- OrlaCamp director; runs departure day smoothly and treats staff to pizza after closing meeting.
- ClayCounselor; keeps his distance during the final night, drinks with friends; noted reacting to Aurora and Russ.