Chapter 9: Ten Summers Ago – Summary and Analysis
Spoiler Notice
This summary and analysis contains detailed events from Chapter 9 of People We Meet on Vacation. If you have not yet read this chapter, proceed with caution.
Summary
The chapter opens one year after Poppy and Alex first met at Linfield. They begin texting, then calling, and eventually enroll in the same math and physics classes. They study together at each other’s dormitories, with Alex often working on English essays while Poppy reads travel blogs. Poppy feels happier than ever exploring the city with Alex—hunting for the best hot dog stand, coffee, or falafel.
Late one snowy night, while lying on Poppy’s floor, they play a game of naming places they would rather be. Poppy lists Paris, Seoul, and Sofia. Alex jokingly says he would rather work on essays or go to Canada. Poppy recalls his earlier mention of hot springs on Vancouver Island and insists they go next summer. Despite having little money, they save up by working extra shifts at their campus jobs.
Months later, they board a cheap overnight flight to Canada. Once airborne, Poppy falls asleep on Alex’s shoulder. When the plane hits turbulence, Alex accidentally elbows her face. He panics, and Poppy discovers he has never flown before and is terrified. To calm him, she holds his hand and promises to alert him if anything is truly wrong. As they sit in the dark, Poppy feels a fleeting romantic curiosity—about five percent of the time she wonders what it would be like to kiss him—but she dismisses it, believing they are too different to date. Alex falls asleep on her shoulder, and Poppy feels that nothing can go wrong on this trip.
Key Events
- Poppy and Alex grow closer during their first year at college, texting and studying together.
- They dream of traveling while stuck studying; Poppy suggests Vancouver Island after Alex mentions hot springs.
- They save money from campus jobs to afford a cheap flight.
- On the flight, turbulence triggers Alex’s fear of flying, which he had hidden from Poppy.
- Alex accidentally hits Poppy in the face with his elbow while panicking.
- Poppy holds his hand to comfort him, and a moment of subtle romantic tension arises.
- Alex falls asleep on Poppy’s shoulder as the chapter ends.
Character Development
Poppy shows her caring side by reassuring Alex during his panic attack. She takes responsibility for not knowing about his fear and adapts quickly to comfort him. Her internal admission of occasional romantic curiosity about Alex adds depth to her character—she values their friendship too much to risk it but cannot completely suppress that “what if” feeling.
Alex reveals vulnerability for the first time in the relationship. His fear of flying (and his admission that he also hates driving) contrasts with his usual composed, serious demeanor. His willingness to admit his fears to Poppy deepens their bond. The fact that he chose to fly for her, despite his terror, underscores his commitment to their friendship.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
The comfort of physical touch. Poppy’s decision to hold Alex’s hand during the flight becomes a turning point. The gesture is simple but intimate, bridging their platonic friendship with a hint of something more. The hand-holding recurs as a motif throughout the novel, symbolizing trust and unspoken feelings.
Escapism and dreaming. The game of naming dream destinations highlights how travel is an escape from academic pressure and ordinary life. Poppy’s daydreams are global and extravagant, while Alex’s are modest and practical—foreshadowing their contrasting approaches to life. The fulfillment of their Vancouver Island plan shows that shared dreams can become reality when they work together.
The fear of the unknown. Alex’s flying anxiety mirrors a broader fear of stepping outside his comfort zone. His refusal to tell Poppy beforehand reveals his desire to appear unfazed, but the panic attack forces him to rely on her. This moment establishes a pattern: Alex often needs Poppy’s encouragement to take risks.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter is the first extended flashback to the early days of Poppy and Alex’s friendship. It establishes the foundation of their relationship—how they went from strangers to best friends who take vacations together. The flight scene is especially important because it introduces Alex’s vulnerability and the undercurrent of romantic tension that Poppy acknowledges but dismisses. The hand-holding moment foreshadows the deeper connection that will later be strained. Without this chapter, the reader would not understand the depth of trust and intimacy that existed long before the present-day road trip.
Study Questions and Answers
-
Why does Poppy believe she and Alex would not make a good romantic couple?
Answer: Poppy thinks Alex is “much too nice” to date and that they do not fit together. She values their friendship too much to risk ruining it by pursuing romance. -
How does Alex’s fear of flying reveal a new side of his personality?
Answer: Alex is usually calm and conscientious, but the flight panic shows he can be terrified and vulnerable. He admits his fear only after it overwhelms him, indicating that he hides his anxieties to avoid causing trouble for others. -
What does the hand-holding scene suggest about the future of Poppy and Alex’s relationship?
Answer: The scene introduces a “five percent” romantic curiosity in Poppy. Although she pushes the thought away, the physical intimacy and trust hint that their bond could evolve beyond friendship if circumstances change.