Contents
Chapter Twenty: Aurora
Overview
During a thunderstorm, Aurora admits to Emilia that she genuinely likes Russ but is urged to wait until camp ends. Shaken by the weather and a strained call with her mother, Aurora can’t sleep. After a series of interruptions, she goes to find Russ and discovers he was coming to check on her. They meet in the rain and finally kiss, advancing their relationship despite the camp’s rules.
Summary
Aurora helps Emilia with hot chocolate as a storm settles over camp, fretting about her almost-kiss with Russ. Emilia presses Aurora to admit her feelings and advises waiting until they return to Maple Hills to test whether those feelings survive outside the camp bubble.
Restless, Aurora calls her mother, who reveals she has "rescued" and renamed a collared cat, highlighting their strained dynamic. The absurdity oddly soothes Aurora, though she’s unsettled by the storm and the power dynamics at home.
Back with the Brown Bears, Aurora fields teasing from camper Freya about Russ. Russ appears, keeps a respectful distance, and later offers to walk Aurora to her cabin, which she declines, though she welcomes his company during movie time.
Alone on night duty, Aurora struggles with thunder and considers seeking Russ. Jenna delivers a flashlight in case of power loss; Orla later arrives at the wrong cabin to log a roof leak, then leaves. The lights go out along Aurora’s row, and fear drives her to try Russ’s cabin.
Russ doesn’t answer, so Aurora turns away—only to run into him on the path. Russ explains he went to check on her, expecting she might be scared. They close the distance and, under lightning-streaked skies, finally kiss, crystallizing their mutual feelings despite the no-fraternization rule.
Who Appears
- AuroraCounselor, anxious during the storm; admits deep feelings for Russ; seeks him out and initiates their first kiss.
- RussCounselor; offers quiet support, goes to check on Aurora during the storm; meets her in the rain and kisses her.
- EmiliaAurora’s best friend; hears Aurora’s confession and advises waiting until after camp.
- Aurora’s momOn the phone; reveals she ‘rescued’ a collared cat named Cat, underscoring their strained relationship.
- Jenna MurphyCamp director; brings Aurora a flashlight and reassures her about the storm.
- OrlaCamp owner; mistakenly checks the wrong cabin for a roof leak during the storm.
- XanderCounselor; jokes about sharing his tiny bed to lighten the mood.
- FreyaBrown Bear camper; teases Aurora about Russ, hinting at their obvious chemistry.