Katherine encounters multiple conflicts as she unravels the mysterious and novel emotions she feels for Michael while battling her own conscience and other external sources.
Her parents, easily characterized as supportive, caring, and dutiful, believe in her choices but become wary of Katherine and Michael’s growing dependence on one another as they progressively spend more time together. Despite the fact that they are attending separate colleges, Michael has made the choice to spend the winter session teacher skiing near Katherine’s university to be closer to her. Upon hearing this, Katherine’s parents decide to accept a job offer, as a counselor at her little sister’s camp, as a tennis coach. She is not given an opportunity to decline, and therefore has no choice but to go.
The two young lovers spend the first few weeks exchanging letters on almost a daily basis, maintaining their connection through intimate correspondence. However, Katherine begins to unwillingly develop feelings for Theo, another camp counselor. The attraction between them grows and finally comes to a breaking point when Katherine kisses Theo after feeling particularly vulnerable and lonely upon hearing of her grandfather’s death.
Katherine had struggled to remain faithful the entire summer, and this was her major obstacle. Upon breaking this fidelity, she encounters a new struggle—does she remain with Michael, who is willing to be with her despite the kiss? Or does she break the bond she thought would be “forever”?
Another minor obstacle, yet prevalent as well, is Katherine’s fear of becoming pregnant. Due to her realistic nature, she decides to take the matter into her own hands and makes an appointment at Planned Parenthood, where she is deemed healthy, and goes on the Pill. At this point, she is evidently ready for a more sexual relationship with Michael, even though the two had only been intimate once.
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