Contents
Chapter Seven: Russ
Overview
Russ drives to Honey Acres, hungover and preoccupied with last night’s one-night stand with Aurora. After checking in, he meets roommate Xander, endures orientation led by director Orla, and learns strict no-romance rules. Assigned to the Brown Bears with Emilia, Russ is stunned to realize Aurora is also on staff, setting up imminent complications.
Summary
Russ drives to Honey Acres battling a lingering buzz and sleeplessness, replaying his night with Aurora and regretting he didn’t ask her out before she left. He frames it as a one-night stand but can’t shake the memory, using the hope of camp as a reset.
Arriving, Russ checks messages from friends joking about gossip that he went home with Aurora, noting her famous family. He registers, finds his cabin, and meets his easygoing roommate Xander, relieved when hockey—and Russ’s painful rink incident—doesn’t come up.
At orientation, Russ sees texts from his mom and a money request from his dad, underscoring his strained family ties. Executive director Orla welcomes staff, while camp dog Fish and her puppies distract the front row. Orla outlines rules: no alcohol or drugs and zero fraternization to protect campers and staff.
Russ had requested the Brown Bears age group and joins that team alongside Xander. When names are called, Emilia appears—and then Aurora steps into view. Recognition hits all three. The chapter ends with mutual shock as Russ realizes his one-night stand is now his coworker for the summer, complicating the strict no-romance policy.
Who Appears
- Russ CallaghanNarrator; arrives at Honey Acres hungover, reflects on Aurora, meets Xander, and is assigned to Brown Bears.
- Aurora RobertsRuss’s one-night stand; unexpectedly revealed as a fellow counselor, shocking both of them.
- Emilia BennettAurora’s friend; assigned with Russ to Brown Bears, recognizes the awkward connection.
- XanderRuss’s camp roommate from Stanford; friendly, helps navigate camp and joins Brown Bears.
- Orla MurphyHoney Acres executive director; runs orientation and enforces no-drugs, no-alcohol, and no-fraternization rules.
- FishCamp dog; comforts staff during orientation, symbolizing camp’s welcoming environment.
- Russ’s momSends affectionate messages, highlighting family’s emotional pull Russ avoids.
- Russ’s dadRequests money via app, reflecting ongoing familial strain and addiction issues.
- EthanRuss’s brother; mentioned as distant and critical, deepening Russ’s isolation.