27. Out Hog Mountain Road

Summary

• Kya spends quality time with Chase, who implies a future together through talk of marriage and building a house together. He suggests cherishing their private life and reject societal events.
• Chase and Kya eventually becomes intimate, but Kya finds the physical act to be disappointing and painful. Chase seems indifferent to her discomfort, leaving her feeling unsatisfied and deceived.
• Although Chase suggests that they will have a life together, he does not invite Kya to his family's Christmas celebrations. Kya feels hurt and rejected.
• Tate, Kya's previous love interest, unexpectedly returns. He apologizes for his past actions and warns Kya about Chase's adulterous behavior.
• Tate encourages Kya to publish her nature drawings. He offers to find a publisher and leaves with a few samples. Kya is hesitant and unsure about exposing her work this way.
• Kya waits for Chase at the lagoon. Chase eventually arrives. Their night together is marked again by Chase’s indifference to Kya’s feelings, which leaves Kya feeling increasingly unsatisfied.