Chapter 33 Summary: Sunil
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
After leaving St. John’s in a daze, Georgia walks out of Castle College, intending to buy comfort food at Tesco. Instead, she sits down on the steps outside and finds herself unable to move. She is overwhelmed by the realisation that she is “utterly messing this up” – that she will end up hurting Jason, and that she will end up alone forever. She compares her situation to the movies, where childhood best friends eventually realise they were made for each other, and wonders why her life isn’t following that script.
Sunil, her college parent, appears behind her and recognises her. He explains that he is at Castle for cello practice with the student orchestra, and mentions that his friend Jess, who was at the Pride Soc stall, plays viola. Georgia tries to force a smile but instead bursts into hysterical laughter – the closest she has come to crying in front of someone else. Sunil immediately sees through her lie that she is fine, and gently waits for her to open up.
They talk about the Pride Soc Freshers’ Week club night that Georgia missed. She admits she didn’t go because club nights aren’t her thing, and Sunil agrees, saying he can’t stand alcohol and would prefer a queer film night or tea party. As he speaks, Georgia notices the badges on his jacket, including one with purple, black, grey, and white stripes – the asexual flag – which she has been meaning to look up.
Sunil mentions he is heading to the Pride Soc autumn formal, where the rest of the exec team are setting up. On impulse, Georgia asks if she can come, offering to help set up. Sunil agrees, despite her not having RSVP’d. When Georgia worries about her casual outfit – overalls and a woolly jumper – Sunil reassures her that no one cares what she’s wearing at the Pride Society. He stands up and holds out his hand, and Georgia takes it, deciding to go with him.
Key Events
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Georgia leaves St. John’s and sits on the steps outside Castle College, unable to move.
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Sunil finds her and explains he is there for cello practice with the student orchestra.
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Georgia breaks into hysterical laughter when asked if she is okay, revealing her distress.
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Sunil and Georgia bond over their shared dislike of alcohol and club nights.
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Georgia notices Sunil’s asexual flag badge and feels drawn to it.
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Georgia spontaneously asks to attend the Pride Soc autumn formal, offering to help set up.
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Sunil agrees and reassures her about her outfit, then offers his hand.
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Georgia takes his hand and goes with him, stepping out of her comfort zone.
Character Development
Georgia – This chapter shows Georgia at a low point, grappling with her fear of loneliness and her inability to feel romantic attraction even toward someone as lovely as Jason. Her hysterical laughter is a raw, vulnerable moment – she is unable to maintain her usual facade of being fine. Yet her decision to ask Sunil if she can come to the formal marks a significant shift: instead of retreating into isolation, she reaches out for connection. Her willingness to help set up, despite her anxiety about not belonging, shows a growing openness to exploring the Pride community.
Sunil – Sunil emerges as a warm, perceptive figure. He notices Georgia’s distress immediately and doesn’t push her to explain, but he also doesn’t let her lie slide. His shared dislike of alcohol and his casual mention of the asexual flag badge create a safe space for Georgia. His reassurance about her outfit – “No one gives a shit what you’re wearing, Georgia. This is the Pride Society” – is both practical and affirming, signalling that the community values presence over appearance.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Fear of loneliness – Georgia’s internal monologue is dominated by the terror of ending up alone. Her belief that she can’t like anyone “lovely, kind, funny, attractive” feeds her despair. This fear is what drives her to consider forcing a relationship with Jason, even though she knows it would hurt him.
Romantic expectation vs. reality – Georgia compares her life to movie tropes, where childhood friends fall in love. The gap between that idealised narrative and her actual feelings creates her distress. Sunil’s presence offers an alternative – a connection that isn’t romantic but is still meaningful.
Identity uncertainty – Georgia’s fixation on the asexual flag badge symbolises her curiosity and uncertainty about her own identity. She has been meaning to look it up, but hasn’t yet, reflecting her hesitation to confront what it might mean for her.
Asexual symbolism – The badge with purple, black, grey, and white stripes is a direct reference to the asexual flag. Its appearance here is a subtle hint that Georgia’s journey may lead her to understand herself as asexual.
Pride Society community – The Pride Soc is presented as a welcoming, inclusive space. Sunil’s invitation, despite Georgia not RSVP’ing, and his dismissal of dress codes, emphasise that the community is about belonging, not performance.
Found family – Sunil’s role as a college parent and his friendship with Jess suggest that the Pride Soc functions as a chosen family. Georgia’s decision to join him is a step toward finding that family for herself.
Stepping out of comfort zone – Georgia’s spontaneous request to attend the formal is a deliberate act of courage. She acknowledges her cold feet but chooses to take Sunil’s hand anyway, symbolising her willingness to try something new.
Self-acceptance – Though Georgia hasn’t fully accepted herself yet, her decision to engage with the Pride Soc is a step toward self-discovery. Sunil’s non-judgmental attitude models the acceptance she may eventually find.
Pressure to fit romantic norms – Georgia’s belief that she “should” be able to like Jason, because he fits the ideal of a romantic partner, illustrates the societal pressure to conform to allonormative expectations. Her inability to do so makes her feel broken.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 33 is a turning point in Georgia’s emotional arc. It brings her to a crisis point where she confronts her fear of loneliness and her perceived failure to meet romantic expectations. Sunil’s appearance offers a lifeline – not in the form of a romantic solution, but as a gateway to a community where she might find understanding and acceptance. The chapter plants the seed for Georgia’s eventual exploration of her asexual identity, as she notices the flag badge and takes the first step toward engaging with the Pride Society. It also reinforces the novel’s theme that found family and platonic connection can be just as valuable as romantic love.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Georgia laugh hysterically when Sunil asks if she is okay?
Georgia’s laughter is a release of pent-up emotion. She has been trying to suppress her distress about Jason, and when Sunil’s kindness breaks through her defences, she can’t maintain her usual “I’m fine” response. The laughter is the closest she can get to crying in front of someone else – a raw, involuntary reaction that reveals her true state.
2. What does Sunil’s response to Georgia’s outfit reveal about the Pride Society’s values?
Sunil’s reassurance that “no one gives a shit what you’re wearing” shows that the Pride Society prioritises inclusion and authenticity over superficial appearances. It signals that Georgia doesn’t need to perform or dress up to belong – she just needs to show up. This is a key moment in dismantling her fear of not fitting in.
3. How does the asexual flag badge function as a symbol in this chapter?
The badge represents a possibility that Georgia is not yet ready to name. She notices it and wants to look it up, but hasn’t, indicating her hesitation to confront her own identity. The badge also connects Sunil to the asexual community, making him a potential guide for Georgia’s journey. Its presence hints that Georgia’s feelings of being “different” may have a name and a community.
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