Chapter 13
Contains spoilersOverview
Wilder secretly calls Mika, learns Scottie is recently divorced, and realizes their staged fight triggered real pain. He searches the camp, finds Scottie crying by the lake, and comforts her without pushing. Back at the cabin they discuss trust, boundaries, and whether to leave camp after Sanders suggests they consider going home; they decide to stay, with Wilder committing to support Scottie as she tries to let go of her insecurities.
Summary
Wilder obtains access to a camp pay phone and calls Mika to check on him. During the brief call, Mika reveals that Scottie is divorced from her college sweetheart Matt, which explains Scottie’s reaction after the therapy session. Wilder is shocked and remorseful for not realizing their staged argument dredged up her real experiences, and Mika urges him to be careful with her.
Determined to find Scottie, Wilder searches the camp, briefly encountering a suspicious fellow camper (likely Chad), and eventually spots Scottie alone by the lake, crying. He approaches gently, asks to join her, and, after she resists talking, simply offers quiet comfort. As she breaks down, he holds her until she calms, resolving to be the supportive “nice guy” she needs.
Later in their cabin, Wilder provides snacks and water and reassures Scottie she never has to put on a brave face with him. Scottie apologizes for crying, worries about pity, and tries to keep distance, but Wilder insists he is there as her friend and offers understanding, not pity. She cries again, and he comforts her, apologizing for earlier while she notes they probably convinced Sanders too well with their outrageous fight.
As they prepare to head to dinner, Wilder promises not to lie to Scottie and asks for the same. At the door, Sanders appears, hands them an envelope with the next day’s task, and says dinner will be delivered to their cabin. He suggests their animosity may be too much for camp and offers them the option to leave in the morning for ongoing sessions with him, or stay and continue.
Inside, Wilder and Scottie discuss the choice. Scottie worries she dragged Wilder into her baggage and wonders if they should quit; Wilder counters that everyone has baggage and invites her to decide. He gently suggests that staying could help her process negative feelings and break patterns, and says his own life is boring and he is willing to stay.
Scottie asks if he would truly stay another seven days; Wilder answers yes, joking about the cabin’s erotic theme but speaking sincerely about wanting to help her and enjoy the camp together. He encourages her to let go of insecurities, stop saving face, and live for herself despite workplace judgment, painting a playful picture of tackling camp activities as a team. Scottie admits she hasn’t been living a truly good life and asks for Wilder’s help; he agrees enthusiastically, sealing their decision to remain at Camp Haven.
Who Appears
- Wilder
posing as Scottie’s husband; calls Mika, learns of Scottie’s divorce, comforts Scottie, advocates staying at camp, commits to supporting her.
- Scottie Price
Butter Putter editor faking a marriage; emotionally triggered by the therapy session due to her recent divorce from Matt, cries by the lake, opens up about insecurities, chooses to stay at camp with Wilder’s support.
- Mika
Scottie’s friend and Wilder’s brother; on the phone, reveals Scottie’s divorce and asks Wilder to be careful with her.
- Sanders Martin
camp therapist; delivers a next-day task, has dinner sent to their cabin, and advises they consider leaving camp for regular sessions due to high animosity.
- Chad (uncertain name)
fellow camper; briefly interacts with Wilder, skeptical and aloof while eating an ice cream sandwich.
- Matt
Scottie’s ex-husband; discussed as the source of Scottie’s past marital pain and divorce.