Chapter 18 (Collins): The Morning After the Ghost Encounter

⚠️ 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

Collins and Brady kept their promise to run down the mountain without looking back after the ghost encounter. They shared a long, cathartic laugh in the truck once they reached town. Later, Collins could not sleep; at 4:47 a.m. she got up, made coffee, and stared at the pot as it dripped. Brady joined her, shirtless, and they talked over breakfast he cooked—eggs, bacon, and toast.

They discussed their new belief in ghosts. Brady mentioned his ex’s brother brought a Ouija board to a party once. Collins gently pressed him about the ex who inspired his move to Sweetwater Peak. Brady revealed he had been engaged to a woman named Jackie for seven years. He broke off the engagement, feeling guilt for derailing her life as well as his own, but insisted he never regretted the decision. When Collins asked if he missed her, he looked her in the eyes and said, “Not even once, Collins.” The moment deepened Collins’s feelings; she felt butterflies that reached her toes.

Key Events

Collins and Brady laugh together after fleeing the mountain, bonding over their shared supernatural experience.
Collins cannot sleep and rises before dawn to make coffee.
Brady joins her shirtless and cooks a full breakfast—eggs, bacon, toast—showing a nurturing side.
Brady opens up about his past: an engagement to Jackie that lasted seven years.
Brady explains he broke the engagement because it was the right choice for both of them, though he still carries guilt.
He tells Collins he does not miss his ex, clearing a path for their growing attraction.
Collins acknowledges her own romantic feelings for Brady, feeling intense physical and emotional butterflies.

Character Development

Collins: Shows vulnerability through her sleeplessness and her desire to know about Brady’s past. Her probing questions reveal she cares deeply and is beginning to hope for a future with him. She also showcases her trust in him by sharing her own “abilities” and now seeing that he accepts her.
Brady: Reveals a major piece of his history—a long-term engagement that ended because it wasn’t right. His guilt shows his sensitivity, but his statement “Not even once” proves he has moved on emotionally. This vulnerability deepens his bond with Collins and makes him more relatable.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs Evidenced in This Chapter

Ghosts and belief: The literal ghost experience now opens up a larger discussion about the existence of supernatural beings (vampires, werewolves, demons). Brady’s confrontation with the paranormal forces him to reconsider his worldview.
Guilt and closure: Brady’s lingering guilt over his broken engagement shows that emotional closure isn’t always immediate, even when a breakup is necessary. This motif parallels Collins’s own journey of leaving Indiana.
Morning rituals as intimacy: Collins making coffee and Brady cooking breakfast create a domestic, safe space for deep conversation. Shared food and quiet time before sunrise symbolize the new beginning they are forging together.
Vulnerability and trust: Both characters expose their pasts and fears. Brady reveals his guilt; Collins reveals her curiosity and attraction. This mutual vulnerability is the bedrock of their growing relationship.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is a turning point for the romance arc between Collins and Brady. By learning about Brady’s past engagement, Collins realizes there is no lingering ex in the picture, allowing her to embrace her feelings fully. Brady’s confession also humanizes him, showing that he is not perfect and carries emotional baggage—yet he is ready for a new connection. The chapter deepens their emotional intimacy, moving from physical attraction to genuine understanding and trust.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Brady feel guilty about ending his engagement?
Brady feels guilty because he believes he not only derailed his own life but also Jackie’s. He ended a seven-year relationship, and although he knows it was the right decision for both of them, the thought of causing her pain still bothers him.
How does Collins’s reaction to Brady’s revelation show her feelings for him?
Collins’s voice becomes quiet and tentative when she asks if he ever misses his ex; she is nervous about the answer because she is developing strong feelings. When he says he doesn’t miss Jackie, Collins feels “butterflies” that reach her toes, indicating she is falling for him.
What does the early-morning breakfast scene reveal about Collins and Brady’s relationship dynamics?
The domestic setting—Brady cooking shirtless while Collins watches—creates an atmosphere of comfort and care. Brady offers to make breakfast to cheer her up, and Collins accepts his help, showing they are building a partnership. Their honest conversation over food signals that they are moving past surface-level flirtation into deeper emotional sharing.