Chapter 7: Collins – Summary & Analysis
⚠️ 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 helps Brady clean up his workshop after he finishes a love seat. Brady asks about her Friday night plans; she admits Sweetwater Peak offers little to do. Their conversation drifts to feeling out of place in the small town—Collins knows all the hiding spots. When Brady asks her to photograph his finished love seat for a portfolio, Collins panics and lies, claiming her camera battery needs replacement. Her real reason is an aversion to photography tied to her past.
Two ghost orbs linger near Collins’s desk all day; one knocks a jar of tacks off a shelf. Collins instinctually yanks Brady out of the way, pulling him close. She covers the incident by blaming uneven shelves. To avoid leaving Brady alone with the mischievous spirits, she impulsively invites him to explore an abandoned church up the mountain that night. Brady hesitates but agrees, intrigued by the idea of a “haunted” spot. Collins assures him ghosts are real and says she always keeps candles in her car for such outings. They plan to meet in thirty minutes after she changes clothes.
Key Events
- Collins and Brady clean up the workshop; Brady mentions his quiet Friday nights.
- Collins lists her favorite hiding places in Sweetwater Peak.
- Brady asks Collins to photograph his love seat; she lies about a faulty camera battery.
- A ghost pushes a jar of tacks off a shelf, nearly hitting Brady.
- Collins pulls Brady by the shirt to safety, leading to a moment of closeness.
- Collins covers the event as an accident and then invites Brady to a haunted church.
- Brady agrees, skeptical of ghosts; Collins insists the town is full of them.
- Collins confirms she always carries candles for ghost-hunting, and they set a meeting time.
Character Development
Collins remains guarded about her mediumship, actively hiding it from Brady. Her lie about the camera reveals a deep discomfort with photography, hinting at past trauma or secrecy. She is protective (pulling Brady from harm) but also drawn to connection, taking the risk of sharing her secret “hiding spot” with him. Her playful banter about ghosts masks her genuine belief and ability.
Brady becomes more open and vulnerable in this chapter. He admits he hasn’t found his place in town and that his fresh start is not going well. He shows curiosity about Collins’s world, accepting her strange invitation. His disbelief in ghosts contrasts with Collins’s certainty, setting up tension for their outing.
Themes, Symbols, and Motifs
- Hiding vs. Belonging: Collins describes creating her own version of Sweetwater Peak through secret spots. Brady confesses he hasn’t found his place. Both characters struggle with outsider status.
- Mediumship and Secrets: Collins’s ability to see ghosts remains concealed. The orbs’ actions (moving objects) illustrate the supernatural reality she navigates while pretending otherwise.
- Photography Avoidance: Collins’s refusal to photograph the love seat symbolizes her avoidance of her own painful associations with the camera, likely tied to her past.
- Intimacy Through Risk: Inviting Brady to a haunted church is a bold step. Collins uses the supernatural as a way to test his openness and build trust.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter marks a turning point in Collins and Brady’s relationship. Their workshop banter deepens their connection, and Collins’s impulsive invitation signals growing trust. It also solidifies the supernatural element of the novel: ghosts are active and disruptive, not just background lore. The abandoned church setting promises revelations—both about the town’s history and Collins’s full backstory.
Study Questions & Answers
1. Why does Collins lie about her camera battery when Brady asks for photos?
Collins lies because she is deeply uncomfortable with photography. The exact reason isn’t revealed yet, but her strong reaction (immediately saying “no” and then fabricating an excuse) suggests a past trauma or painful memory tied to taking pictures. She likely wants to avoid emotional triggers.
2. What does Collins’s invitation to the abandoned church reveal about her character?
The invitation shows that Collins is willing to share her hidden world with Brady. She trusts him enough to reveal one of her secret spots and is comfortable discussing ghosts—even though she knows he is skeptical. This marks a shift from her usual solitude toward building a connection.
3. How does Brady’s skepticism about ghosts affect the dynamic between him and Collins?
Brady’s disbelief creates a playful tension; Collins teases him (“You’re one of those”) and challenges him to be open-minded. At the same time, his skepticism may make Collins more cautious about revealing her true mediumship. Their upcoming night at the church will force her to either reveal her ability or continue hiding it.