The Parents’ Attempt to Create Distance

This flow follows Katherine’s parents’ efforts to loosen her exclusive attachment to Michael and Katherine’s resistance to their plans.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Concern After Vermont

Parents Observe a Change A strong attachment Katherine returns from Vermont convinced that the trip has made her relationship with Michael stronger. Her father worries that she is becoming too involved too young. Different meanings of concern Katherine hears his concern as doubt about her judgment, while Roger fears that she may be hurt or tied down. Their disagreement reflects love expressed through opposing ideas of protection.

The College Question

Trying to Follow Michael A request to change schools Katherine wants to apply to the University of Vermont or Middlebury so she can be near Michael. Her mother refuses because Katherine has already applied elsewhere and because distance may test rather than destroy the relationship. A future disputed Katherine believes her mother does not understand the urgency of love. Diana believes that Katherine needs a future of her own, making college the first major conflict over independence.

The Camp Job Is Arranged

Parents Take Control A job accepted for her Roger finds Katherine a summer position at Jamie’s camp and tells her he has already accepted it. Katherine rejects the decision because it removes her choice about the remaining months with Michael. A family confrontation Diana and Roger argue that a change of scenery may help, while Katherine insists that she is eighteen. The dispute turns parental concern into a direct challenge to her adulthood.

Katherine Goes Anyway

Compliance Without Agreement Leaving home Katherine does not run away, though she considers it during the argument. She takes the job and travels to New Hampshire with Jamie. A new emotional world At camp, Katherine develops her own work routine and friendships. The distance her parents intended does not simply weaken love; it creates conditions in which Katherine’s feelings can become more complicated.

Parents After the Breakup

Independence Continues A changed daughter Katherine returns from a summer that has included grief, attraction, and the end of her relationship with Michael. The novel does not show her parents demanding explanations or claiming that their plan was right. An unresolved future Her mother tells her Theo called, leaving Katherine with a new choice rather than a parental answer. The family remains present as she begins to decide what comes next.

The night Katherine returns from the ski trip

During college-application season

Late spring before graduation

At the beginning of summer camp

After Katherine returns from camp