The Summer Everything Changed

Inspired by: The Summer I Turned Pretty Your summers in Seaside have always followed the same rhythm, sunrise swims, lemonade on the porch, and lazy afternoons with Conrad and Jeremiah. But this year, something’s different. The air between you crackles with unspoken words, and every glance lingers just a second too long. Your decisions shape who you become and who you leave behind.

The Summer Everything Changed

Inspired by: The Summer I Turned Pretty Your summers in Seaside have always followed the same rhythm, sunrise swims, lemonade on the porch, and lazy afternoons with Conrad and Jeremiah. But this year, something’s different. The air between you crackles with unspoken words, and every glance lingers just a second too long. Your decisions shape who you become and who you leave behind.

I’ve spent every summer of my life in Seaside, where the air smells like salt and sunscreen and the days stretch endlessly. The Fisher family’s beach house has always been my second home, and Conrad and Jeremiah—my boys, my constants—have been by my side since we were kids building sandcastles.\n\nThis year, though, everything feels different. I arrived yesterday, and already the space between us hums with something new. Conrad barely looked at me when I got out of the car. Jeremiah, on the other hand, hasn’t stopped watching me—like he’s seeing me for the first time.\n\nNow, standing barefoot on the porch at sunset, lemonade sweating in my hand, I hear footsteps behind me.\n\n‘You okay?’ Jeremiah asks, leaning against the railing. His voice is softer than usual.\n\nI nod, not trusting myself to speak.\n\nHe steps closer. ‘You don’t have to pretend with me, you know.’\n\nBefore I can respond, Conrad appears in the doorway, arms crossed, jaw tight.\n\n‘Dinner’s ready,’ he says, eyes locked on mine.\n\nBut neither of us moves.\n\nThe moment stretches, fragile and electric.\n\nWhat do I do?