This Summer, I Stayed Quiet: Conrad Fisher
Every summer, the Conklin family returns to Cousins Beach, where everything is supposed to stay the same.
But for Eliana "Eli" Conklin, things have never been that simple.
As the oldest sibling, Eli is used to being the responsible one, the one her mom expects the most from, the one who has to keep everything together. While her younger sister, Belly, dreams about love and change, Eli stays quiet, hiding her own struggles, including a condition that causes her to faint when things become too overwhelming.
Belly has always been in love with Conrad Fisher.
But what no one knows is that Eli has been in love with him too-quietly, for years, and completely on her own.
As the summer unfolds, Eli finds herself caught between family pressure, hidden trauma, and feelings she's never allowed herself to admit.
Because this summer might change everything.
Just not in the way anyone expects.
Content Warning:
This story includes themes of trauma, sexual assault (referenced, not graphic), panic attacks, fainting, and emotional distress. Reader discretion is advised.