Contents
Chapter Thirty-Five: Russ
Overview
Aurora answers repeated calls to Russ’s phone, revealing Ethan’s news that Russ’s dad has entered addiction treatment. Russ lashes out, then reconciles when Aurora insists they face it together. On the drive, Russ opens up about his father’s gambling. Back home, Aurora defies her father’s wedding ultimatum; her sister Elsa supports her choice.
Summary
Russ exits the bathroom to find Aurora holding his ringing phone. She has answered an unknown number—Ethan—who says their dad has entered an addiction program and wants Russ home to make amends. Feeling exposed and ashamed, Russ snaps, pushes Aurora away, and tells her to leave for her father’s wedding trip.
Packed to depart, Russ regrets his reaction. At his truck, Aurora meets him with her bags, sets a boundary—either they talk on the drive or separate at Maple Hills—and reaffirms she wants to face this with him. They reconcile, and Russ agrees. He cancels plans with JJ and begins opening up.
On the road, Russ reveals his father’s gambling addiction, associated drinking, broken promises, and the shame that made him hide this from Aurora. Aurora validates him, offers protection from Ethan’s pressure, and suggests calling Ethan to clarify recovery steps.
Back at Russ’s place, intimacy is interrupted by a call from Aurora’s father demanding she come to the wedding. With Russ’s support, Aurora refuses, articulating how his control and neglect have hurt her, and ends the call. She feels lighter and supported by choosing herself.
Elsa then video calls from Milan, reveals she’s skipping the wedding too, and congratulates Aurora on standing up to their father. The chapter closes with Aurora and Russ grounded together, feeling supported after setting boundaries and sharing painful truths.
Who Appears
- RussNarrator; ashamed of his father’s gambling addiction, lashes out, then reconciles with Aurora and opens up.
- AuroraAnswers Russ’s phone, insists on honest communication, supports Russ, refuses her father’s wedding demands.
- EthanRuss’s brother; calls repeatedly to report their dad entering addiction treatment and urge amends.
- Russ’s fatherOff-page; a gambling addict who has entered a treatment program and seeks amends.
- Aurora’s fatherCalls to coerce Aurora to attend his wedding; she refuses and sets boundaries.
- JJRuss’s friend; receives a call canceling Russ’s visit due to family issues.
- ElsaAurora’s sister; calls from Milan, skips the wedding, and supports Aurora’s stance.