Contents
Chapter Eleven: Russ
Overview
Russ keeps his distance as a very drunk Aurora spirals, but he quietly helps her avoid being caught and gets her safely to bed. The next morning, Aurora confronts Russ about his hot-and-cold behavior, prompting an honest talk that reveals a mutual miscommunication about their hookup.
They acknowledge lingering attraction but choose a careful, rule-abiding coexistence to protect their jobs, signaling a reset of trust and boundaries.
Summary
Russ avoids the campfire drinking games, especially because Aurora is extremely drunk and he wants to keep his job safe. When Aurora chases him down, slurring that she worries he dislikes her, Russ ushers her into the shadows to avoid Jenna and the puppies, narrowly evading discovery. He gets Aurora water, walks her to her cabin, and—despite rule concerns—briefly steps in to settle her, staying until she falls asleep after she admits it hurts more to watch him leave.
The next morning, Aurora skips breakfast, and Russ brings orange juice and granola to her cabin. Aurora confronts him about being warm to everyone else but cold to her, saying she came to camp to escape that treatment. Feeling guilty, Russ finally explains he thought her silent exit after their hookup meant she didn’t want contact and he was trying to avoid making her uncomfortable.
Aurora is stunned; she left because Russ hid in the bathroom so long she assumed he wanted her gone. Russ admits he was hyping himself up to ask her out, not pushing her away. They recognize it as a pure miscommunication. With the truth out, their frustration eases and physical tension resurfaces, though Russ reins himself in.
Russ clarifies he can’t risk any rule-breaking, and Aurora insists few are punished but concedes she may avoid drinking. They agree to “peaceful coexistence” to protect their jobs, tacitly acknowledging their attraction while resetting expectations and trust.
Who Appears
- Russ CallaghanNarrator; avoids drinking to keep his job, helps drunk Aurora, reveals miscommunication, sets cautious boundaries.
- Aurora RobertsVery drunk, vulnerable about her father; confronts Russ, learns the hookup misunderstanding, agrees to careful coexistence.
- JennaPasses nearby with puppies; almost catches Russ and Aurora sneaking in the dark.
- EmiliaNotes Aurora is sick at breakfast; her comment prompts Russ to bring food to Aurora.
- FishPuppy who barks near Russ and Aurora, nearly exposing them in the dark.