Till Summer Do Us Part

Scottie embarks on a journey of reclaiming her identity after a painful disappointment, learning to define her value apart from romantic relationships and societal expectations. She begins the story feeling inadequate professionally and emotionally as she recovers from a divorce and tries to fit in at work. She internalizes blame and shame, doubting her desirability and professional competence. The fake relationship she initiates is, at first, a performance to regain her dignity in a world that devalues single women. Her lie is driven by the pressure to “belong” in a married workplace culture, where her coworkers discuss date nights and anniversaries with ease. However, through this process and meeting Wilder, Scottie gradually comes to understand that her worth does not depend on being partnered or appearing perfect. Her healing occurs when she stops chasing external validation and starts treating herself with the kindness, compassion, and patience she would offer a friend. “This isn’t a story about me falling in love with another human. This is a story about me falling in love with myself” (6). Scottie establishes that her love story is not about being chosen by someone else, but about choosing herself.

Through Wilder’s support and her growing confidence, Scottie begins to recognize that she is not broken or unlovable.