Till Summer Do Us Part

In their cabin, they find a box containing their prize, their Nerd clusters, and they begin devouring them. At their therapy session, Sanders recognizes that teamwork is a strength in their relationship, as evidenced by their performance in the obstacle course. However, the fact that they argued the entire time reveals they have serious issues with communication, something he feels they must work on if their marriage is to survive. He leads them through an exercise where Scottie straddles Wilder, facing him, and he says things to her, and she must repeat them back, followed by “Tell me more” (207). Wilder enjoys the exercise, but he can tell by Scottie’s tense body that she is uncomfortable. At first, Scottie resists following instructions, but as they continue, it’s clear she’s using the exercise to unload more of her trauma from her past. From listening to them, Sanders deduces that Wilder’s “love language” is that he wants “to be needed,” and Scottie wants “to feel special.” The session is intense, and the things Wilder is saying about desiring Scottie are genuine.

Sanders sends them away with homework to continue using the communication exercise. Their afternoon activity is making friendship bracelets for each other.