Chapter Twenty (Tripp): Summary, Analysis, and Key Takeaways

⚠️ 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

The chapter opens with Tripp spotting a girl at a bulletin board and briefly mistaking her for Brynn from a distance. The illusion shatters when the girl turns — it's Ellie Gallagher, not Brynn. Ellie is examining two items pinned side by side: a damaged poster of Mr. Larkin and a flyer for the upcoming Winter Dance, whose theme is “Glow Up.” She tells Tripp that seeing them together gives her an idea, and without waiting for his input, she carefully removes both from the board and tucks them into her backpack before cheerfully heading off. Tripp watches her go, feeling a mix of confusion and approval, noting that Ellie has always been a bit odd.

Brynn then appears, and the two walk toward the greenhouse for their memorial garden subcommittee meeting. Tripp jokes about sending her seven hundred fern pictures, but his mood shifts when he receives a text from his mother, Lisa Marie, saying that Shane Delgado is causing problems for Gunnar. Tripp tersely replies “Good” and tells Brynn that his mother is in town. He explains that Lisa Marie knows the man who made the video Colin played in class and tried to bribe Tripp into doing a show with him. Tripp turned it down, but Lisa Marie won't let it go because it would mean a payday for her. He also mentions that another show, Motive, might be working on something related to Mr. Larkin.

As they approach the greenhouse, Tripp's bitterness spills out. He reflects on four years of trying to make up for one wrong thing, feeling as though he's been rolling a boulder up a hill only to lose his grip and be crushed. He wonders if he'd make the same decision today, and the thought haunts him. Brynn touches his arm, offering to postpone the meeting, but Tripp sarcastically insists they proceed, clapping his hands in a mocking gesture.

At the greenhouse, they encounter Wade Drury, a gruff man in snow overalls and a “Live Free or Die” cap. Wade immediately dismisses them, calling Brynn “Beth” and mocking their project as a waste of his time. Brynn corrects him, but Wade continues his condescending remarks. Tripp, realizing that continuing his own sarcastic attitude would only make things worse for Brynn, steers her away.

Afterward, Tripp suggests they visit Mr. Solomon's instead, hoping to get expert advice on plants without bringing up Mr. Larkin. Brynn hesitates, saying she's not supposed to go back there, but after a moment she agrees, deciding it's not a big deal. The chapter ends with them planning to go the next day.

Key Events

Tripp mistakes Ellie Gallagher for Brynn from a distance, then realizes his error.
Ellie removes a damaged poster of Mr. Larkin and a Winter Dance flyer from the bulletin board, saying they give her an idea.
Tripp receives a text from Lisa Marie about Shane Delgado causing problems for Gunnar.
Tripp tells Brynn about Lisa Marie's attempt to bribe him into doing a show with the man who made the video Colin played.
Tripp mentions that Motive might be working on something related to Mr. Larkin.
Tripp and Brynn meet Wade Drury at the greenhouse, who is rude and calls Brynn “Beth.”
Tripp suggests visiting Mr. Solomon's for help, and Brynn agrees despite initial hesitation.

Character Development

This chapter is a deep dive into Tripp's internal world. His initial lightness around Brynn — joking about ferns and feeling “light” for the first time since eighth grade — contrasts sharply with the heaviness that descends when he thinks about his mother. Lisa Marie's text about Shane Delgado and Gunnar pulls him back into a past he's been trying to escape. Tripp's sarcastic outburst (“Let's make a motherfucking garden”) reveals his frustration and his sense of being trapped by his own history. The Sisyphus metaphor he uses — rolling a boulder almost to the top before losing his grip — powerfully conveys his feeling that no matter how hard he works, he'll never escape the consequences of his past actions.

His interaction with Wade Drury also shows a shift. Tripp initially matches Wade's sarcasm, but then he consciously decides to dial it back, realizing that if he continues being a jerk, Brynn will be outnumbered. This moment of self-awareness suggests growth: he's learning to prioritize someone else's comfort over his own defensive posturing. His suggestion to visit Mr. Solomon's is an attempt to make up for his earlier behavior and to keep Brynn engaged in the project.

Brynn, meanwhile, shows her own resilience. She corrects Wade's misnaming of her, stands her ground, and later agrees to go to Mr. Solomon's even though she's not supposed to. Her hesitation hints at a secret or a rule she's bending, but she ultimately decides to go along with Tripp's plan, showing her willingness to take risks for the sake of the memorial garden.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Guilt and redemption: Tripp's entire arc in this chapter revolves around his guilt over a past decision and his desperate hope that the memorial garden will somehow redeem him. The boulder metaphor underscores his belief that redemption is always just out of reach.
Parental manipulation: Lisa Marie's text and her attempt to bribe Tripp highlight how his mother continues to use him for her own gain, even from afar. Her presence looms over the chapter, a constant reminder of the family dynamics that shaped him.
Trapped by the past: Tripp's reflection that he'll be “standing in those woods behind Saint Ambrose forever” shows how the past isn't just a memory but a prison. The memorial garden, meant to honor Mr. Larkin, also forces Tripp to confront the very event he's trying to outrun.
Appearance vs. reality: The chapter opens with Tripp mistaking Ellie for Brynn, a literal example of how appearances can deceive. This motif extends to Wade Drury, whose gruff exterior hides a dismissive attitude, and to Tripp's own sarcastic facade, which masks his vulnerability.
Seeking expert help: The failed consultation with Wade and the plan to visit Mr. Solomon's highlight the theme of seeking guidance from those who actually know what they're doing. It's a small but meaningful step toward solving the garden problem.
Sisyphus metaphor: Tripp's internal monologue about rolling a boulder up a hill is a direct allusion to the myth of Sisyphus, symbolizing his endless, futile struggle against his own past.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter Twenty is pivotal for Tripp's character development. It reveals the depth of his guilt and his complicated relationship with his mother, who continues to manipulate him even from a distance. The chapter also introduces Wade Drury as an obstacle, showing that the memorial garden project won't be easy. More importantly, it sets up the plan to visit Mr. Solomon's, which will likely be a key location in future chapters. The growing trust between Tripp and Brynn is also on display, as they navigate awkward situations together and make plans for the next day. This chapter deepens the mystery around Mr. Larkin's death and Tripp's involvement, while also humanizing Tripp in a way that makes his internal conflict more relatable.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Tripp initially mistake Ellie Gallagher for Brynn, and what does this reveal about his state of mind?

Tripp mistakes Ellie for Brynn because they share similar physical traits — same height, hair, and posture. This momentary confusion reveals that Brynn is on his mind, and it also underscores the theme of appearance vs. reality. Tripp's immediate recognition of his error shows that he's paying attention to Brynn in a way he might not have expected, hinting at his growing feelings for her.

2. How does Tripp's reaction to Lisa Marie's text illustrate his internal conflict?

The text from Lisa Marie about Shane Delgado and Gunnar instantly shifts Tripp's mood from light to heavy. His sarcastic reply to Brynn and his bitter reflection about rolling a boulder up a hill show that his mother's interference drags him back into the past he's trying to escape. The text also reveals that Lisa Marie is still trying to control him, which fuels his sense of being trapped.

3. What does Tripp's decision to suggest visiting Mr. Solomon's after the Wade Drury encounter reveal about his character?

After the unpleasant interaction with Wade, Tripp is eager to make up for his earlier sarcastic outburst. He suggests Mr. Solomon's as a way to salvage the project and to keep Brynn engaged. This shows that Tripp is capable of self-reflection and is willing to take a practical step forward, even when he's feeling frustrated. It also indicates that he values Brynn's company and doesn't want to drive her away.